Adding light to your outdoor spaces can create more dimension by helping you carve out unique outdoor rooms with specific purpose to enhance your living enjoyment beyond the interior of your home. To ensure that you are happy with your purchase it is important to select the right lighting for your space.
What Is the Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Lighting?
Indoor and outdoor lighting is not interchangable. You can most likely use outdoor fixtures indoors but not the other way around. Outdoor fixtures use non-corrosive materials and are sealed to prevent moisture from electrical parts. The UL rating will tell whether a fixture is suitable for wet locations or damp locations. If you have a waterproof ceiling you can get by using one rated for damp locations. If your fixture will be exposed to rain and snow you should only use those designated for wet locations.
Recessed Outdoor Lighting
Recessed Lighting as pictured here can help emphasize architectural features such as deck to pool transitions, deck steps, outdoor kitchen cabinets, and railings (see post and rail section for more). It is also a great way to create a subtle glow that helps light the way to safely navigate outdoor spaces.
Here are a few more examples of recessed lighting that can get your ideas flowing….
Outdoor kitchens can be outfitted with upper and lower cabinets just like those shown above. Undercabinet lighting is one way to emphasize the space and add lighting where needed when cooking and entertaining.
It is important to choose those fixtures that are rated for damp or wet areas. Most outdoor cabinets require a covered space and these options work well.
T5L LED Undercabinet Light by AFX Lighting
LED Puck Light Set of 3 by WAC Lighting
Statement Outdoor Lighting
Statement Lighting is a great opportunity to compliment your outdoor space design plan. There are so many great outdoor lamps and lighting options today. The pendant lights above are a great example of choosing outdoor lighting that pairs well with a modern aesthetic on a deck or concrete outdoor space.
Chandeliers can light a pathway portico onto the deck or patio and create a great transition from indoor to outdoor spaces.
A great outdoor chandelier can also be hung from your covered deck or patio making your outdoor space a true outdoor room. It can also be the pièce de résistance that completes the look of the room. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor chandeliers in a variety of styles from rustic to romantic.
This one by Hinkley takes the industrial look and combines seeded glass shades to create a look where modern meets industrial.
Carson Outdoor Chandelier by Hinkley
Artisanal Modern Style is a great choice for transitional spaces that can go modern or traditional. This one below comes in a range of finishes including Coastal Black, Coastal Bronze, Coastal Burnished Steel, Coastal Dark Smoke, and Coastal Natural Iron.
Polaris Outdoor Chandelier by Hubberton Forge
For those who are true romantics at heart! Who knew that you could find an authentic looking traditional chandelier that could be draped over a rustic table for a summer evening dinner al fresco and withstand the elements too?
Daylight LED Single Tier Outdoor Chandelier
This gorgeous contemporary outdoor fixture by Kuzco Lighting boasts a tubular black frame with textured glass shades that zig zag back and forth creating a stunning light effect. This one would be perfect if you have a waterproof roof covering your deck or patio.
Copenhagen LED Outdoor Chandelier
Floor Lamps are another great way to make a statement in your outdoor space. They can provide lighting next to seating areas and be placed strategically around the perimeter or entrance to define the space.
Our last pick for statement lighting is fun and contemporary. These pink cube lights from Smart and Green of France can be programmed to change color, are dimmable, waterproof, and cordless. They are perfect for multi use spaces and can be easily moved around. Love them!
Pink Cube LIghts by Smart and Green
Feature Focal Point Outdoor Lighting
Another option for waterproof ceilings include traditional can lighting rated for outdoor use. Overhead deck lighting can be used to strategically highlight your seating areas, dining table, or outdoor kitchen area.
It can also be used to show transition from one area to another such as decking to stone or concrete surfaces. Just as you can show transition from open concept areas indoors with the use of rugs and furniture placement, using lighting to make those transitions outside is a very effective tool to create your outdoor rooms. The photo above demonstrates how this provides a natural transition emphasis with the use of lighting.
Deck Post And Rail Outdoor Lighting
Another great way to highlight your deck features at night is with Deck Post and/or Rail Lighting. If you want a more seamless look you can install underrail lighting to cast a glow beneath the railing. This is a great option for both stone and wood posts and railings.
Volt 12V Hardscape outdoor light cast brass
Cap lighting is another way to light up exisiting deck posts. The caps are mounted and installed on the top of the posts at intervals along the railing.
Avenue Outdoor Short Post LED Light
Half moon deck lights provide a more subtle effect and can be installed on the vertical surface of the post or stair riser to shine downward onto the surface of your post and deck floor.
LED Half Moon Deck Light by Kichler
In Floor Outdoor Lighting
Lighting the deck from the bottom rather than the top is a great option for those without overhead cover and looking for a sleek minimal solution. Just as with any other outdoor lighting option look for the UL rating and make sure it is designed for wet locations
Today there are so many options for lighting up your deck, patio, and any other outdoor space you carve into your yard. Hopefully these suggestions have given you the inspiration to start designing the space of your dreams. Spaces that come to life after dark are magical and inviting to all. I would love to see feedback of your own creations. Just email me via the contact form below. If you like this and want to see more along with special offers please sign up and join our mailing list too. Check in next week when we will do a roundup of the best in landscape lighting and what you need to know before you buy!