An outdoor living area should be as useful after dark as it is during daylight hours, but it takes more than porch lights to fully and sufficiently illuminate the space. Lighting must be as functional as it is decorative. Outdoor light sources can be as stylish as indoor fixtures, but it takes more than tiki torches and strings of lights to create a truly impressive outdoor living area. Do not make your outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining look like a campsite by using strings of cheap themed lights. Add lighting that is truly stylish and exceptionally impressive. After all, even though it is outdoors, it is a part of your home.
Cool Spring Evenings and Warm Summer Nights
I had a tiered outdoor living area, and during the warmer months of the year, my family and I used it as much as our indoor living space. We loved sitting outside on cool spring evenings and warm summer nights, and we used stylish sources of light when we were not star gazing. I miss my tiered deck, but if I ever had one again I would use the following lighting solutions for my outdoor living area.
Consider an Iron Chandelier
When thinking of chandeliers, a dining room or foyer initially comes to mind, but chandeliers can be used in almost any location. A chandelier that holds several candles is ideal when seeking stylish lighting ideas for an outdoor living area. It can be outfitted with battery operated candles or the standard variety, and it can be hung from a tree limb or an overhang. Candles of any variety will not emit a lot of light, but the chandelier as a whole will add considerable style to an outdoor living area.
Buy a Portable Electric Lamppost with Old Fashioned Style
My outdoor living area was embellished with a beautiful lamppost. An electrician is not required to add lamppost lighting to an outdoor living area. Models with electrical cords are available, and they look just as lovely as the permanent varieties. They can be placed on a timer and setup to come on and go off at predetermined times. Lampposts will add elegance and old fashioned charm to a deck, porch, balcony or patio.
Decorate an Outdoor Living Area with Rope Lighting
Rope lighting is a step above string lighting. When looking for lighting ideas for an outdoor living area, consider rope lights. The sturdy illuminated ropes can be tucked beneath deck rails or attached to overhangs. They come in many colors, and more than one color can be mounted side by side to beautifully light up the night in an outdoor living area.
I have seen all of the aforementioned lighting ideas used in open air living areas. They can be used together or separately to illuminate a porch, patio, deck or any exterior space. Take the time to find the perfect lighting solutions for your outdoor space, and add valuable and usable square footage to your home.
Source: Personal and Professional Home Decorating and Design Experience