Our Guide to Outdoor Lighting

If you’re anything like us, summer has you looking to refresh your outdoor spaces. First up: outdoor lighting. From wall sconces to chandeliers, we’re sharing some tips and tricks for finding your perfect fit. Plus, we’ve curated some of our all-time fave fixtures for your shopping ease! So without further ado…

Select a Suitable Style

With so many outdoor lighting options, we’re here to help you distinguish between each style. When choosing what’s right for your space, consider the following:

Sconce: Sconces are a wall-mounted fixture that can provide ambient, task, or accent lighting and are ideal for the wall space surrounding your exterior doors or windows.

Spotlight: Spotlights provide direct illumination and highlight very specific areas, such as landscaping details or exterior décor.

Chandelier: The pergola’s perfect pair, chandeliers are great for hanging above outdoor dining tables, lounge spaces, or patios, adding a bit of grandeur to any space.

Pendant: Although similar to chandelier lighting in function, pendants are more ideal for smaller or simpler spaces, featuring only one light bulb to a chandeliers many.

Find the Perfect Finish

Now that we’ve explored lighting style and type, we’re breaking down common outdoor finishes and what to consider when choosing a favorite. Whether you’re opting for something simple or more elevated, focus on choosing timeless and durable finishes that elevate your outdoor space and withstand weather conditions.

Antique Brass: If you’re privy to vintage-style charm, antique brass could be the finish for you. This material patinas over time, which we believe adds to the beauty of each piece.

Iron: We love wrought iron for it’s durable construction and classic nature. Opt for dark wrought iron for a sleek look or oxidized iron for a vintage-inspired feel.

Aluminum or Steel: If your style is a bit more contemporary, you may consider choosing an aluminum or steel framed fixture, both materials known to be stylishly durable.

Wicker or Rattan: We love wicker and rattan fixtures to warm up a space or add a bit of coastal charm. This is a great choice for those looking to incorporate a laid-back, lived-in aesthetic.

Measure & Mount!

Now that you’ve decided on a fixture, it’s time to install it in your space. Before you begin, there are a few things to consider surrounding placement:

Measure: The bottom of chandelier and pendant fixtures should be 30 – 36 inches above any furniture, while sconces and spotlights should rest 60 – 72 inches up from the ground.

Mount: While we love a good DIY, we encourage you to hire an expert to install your fixtures to ensure correct placement and functionality.

Another tip: Werecommend choosing soft and warm-toned light bulbs. This will ensure that your light is concentrated without looking sterile.

Tip: Opt for taper or pillar candles to adorn a tablescape or outdoor lounge space. This will add some beautiful ambient light and is a budget-friendly solution for smaller spaces.