A Look into Outdoor Lights and How It Can Help Transform Your Home

The best part of your home may not be indoors. To many, nothing can be as inviting as a well-planned outdoor space, surrounded with a brocade of manicured plants, a smooth pathway, illuminated by a series of outdoor wall lights that accentuates the evening sky at best. It offers a sense of relaxation and can be utilised for various purposes, such as a garden lounge for parties, or a peaceful sanctuary when you want to detach yourself from the many chores. Here, you get the chance to be immersed with nature, whether it is beside your towering trees or a bed of ferns. 

It must be said that accessorising an outdoor space is almost the same as indoors, even with lighting. Thoughtful outdoor lighting offers a nice visual treat, giving more magic as the sun sets. Proper placement, as well as a careful selection of the lighting fixture, are necessary in creating the perfect outdoor backdrop where you can rest and play. While furniture and decor rank first in your alfresco design checklist, it is important to also consider your outdoor lighting, as it completely transforms the way you see things, in a literal perspective.

Offset outdoor lights are perfect for your gardens. These help you mark parameters, leading the eye down the path while highlighting your favourite things. Parameter lights, for one, give you the chance to put your garden bed on spotlight. It could alternatively be installed to cast light into the pathway. Placement is a crucial factor; too many lights will steer the attention from the moody, natural glow cast by the moon. In this case, it is safe to say that less is more.

Another area which can make good use of outdoor lights is the entrance. Other than helping you navigate the front door, proper illumination of the entrance helps define the charm of the house. Pendant lights bring out a sophisticated glow on the landing, while wall lights and sconces offer a balanced, symmetrical look that complements the architecture. The latter offer a discernible character to your home. Finding the right outdoor lights can transform your space from a regular urban property into a modish mid-century, ranch, or Victorian-era home.

Tip: When using two sconces, place them at 5 to 12 inches away from the door casing. Make sure the fixtures use efficient bulbs, such as LEDs. Fat Shack Vintage offers decorative variants that would add more charm to your outdoor lights. If you have opted for a single wall light, make sure to hang it at the side of the doorknob.

See on Fat Shack Vintage: Outdoor Cylinder Wall Light

Downlights are meant to lead the eyes safely through a deck or patio. These could be subtly installed by the steps of the stairway to ensure safe footing as your guests walk into your outdoor haven. Spotlights accentuate a centrepiece fixture. Alternatively, it could also be used to guide the pathway, as well as to highlight certain corners of the space.

See on Fat Shack Vintage: Outdoor String Lights

For the playful and the whimsy, festoon lights help create that magical starlit backdrop to your setting. The vintage, romantic feel of these ambient outdoor lights has been a favourite for special occasions, such as weddings and soirees. It looks wonderful when set against ferns and flowers, as well as when hung upon trees. Use it to bring out a soft glow to your outdoor reading corner and pair it with primary light sources, such as a table lamp.

Aside from these effects, outdoor lights bring out the beauty of your outdoor space and highlights the charming details you may have otherwise overlooked. With proper placement and selection of fixtures, you can instantly transform the appearance of your garden, patio or backyard in the most surprising ways.

Loved out outdoor lights feature? Which of these styles are you most likely to use in your home? Join the discussion by commenting below!

Images via FSV and our Outdoor Lights in Outdoor Spaces