There are many purposes for outdoor lighting. Landscape lighting can create some dramatic curb appeal while motion-sensor flood lights are more for security. Lighting for entertaining, whether close-knit friends or a backyard bash, can make all the difference.
Picture this: you invite some friends over for a Summer cookout and forget about any extra lighting. Once the sun goes down, you realize it’s tough to see your friends, so you flip on the only lights facing the backyard…your flood lights. It’s almost as if someone started playing “Closing Time” by Semisonic. Guests start to say their goodbyes and thank you for inviting them over.
Now, what if you decided to swing by your local home improvement store while you were out getting groceries for that cookout? You’d set a fantastic ambience for the evening while not blinding your friends with flood lights.
If you’re imagining a gathering like that second one, here are some beginner tips on outdoor lighting.
Types of Lighting
We’re going to think of lighting a little differently than your typical architectural lighting because we’re focused on how it will help your gathering. For our purposes, we’ll divide the types of lighting into 3 categories: Area, Table, and Task.
When plotting out your lighting, you may ask yourself, “is the LED version worth it?” Yes. LEDs are worth the upfront cost. LEDs draw less power (making them less expensive to operate), last several times longer than conventional bulbs, and are typically less susceptible to the elements. Always go LED if you can.
Area Lighting
For entertaining, this is your foundational lighting. It’s the backdrop for everything else, and should be the primary light source for visibility.
Your home may already have sconces or wall-mounted lanterns. Turn these on before it gets dark, and everyone’s eyes will adjust as the sun sets. Swap out the bulbs for soft white. When these become a major source of light, soft white won’t blind your guests.
String Lights are my other favorite for area lighting. Tie two strands together for some beautiful overhead lighting. Overhead string lights create the effect of being in an outdoor room.
Pro tip: hang battery-powered string lights underneath your patio umbrella. You can use the umbrella to protect from the midday sun, and leave it up for some impressive evening lighting.
Table Lighting
Accent lighting on your table is often overlooked and is a simply way to create an impressive (and practical) impact. While area lighting is for general visibility, adding lights on your table will add warmth and some directional focus to those gathered around it. These three options are super easy to pull off and won’t break the bank.
Table lanterns can add to both your lighting needs and daytime decor. I use battery-powered candles to reduce fire hazards. They’re also easier to turn on instead of having to strike a match for every candle you want lit.
Placing fairy lights inside a mason jar is a quick DIY project that adds whimsy to any table setting. The effect is a warm glow with small highlights and low lights. A few of these across an outdoor dinner table gives you close-up lighting that’s also portable!
If you’re going for a more modern take on outdoor entertaining, cube lights are a fun alternative. They come in a myriad of shapes and sizes to fit your space and needs. Different colors are also a fun take to otherwise practical lighting.
Task Lighting
Task Lighting is broadly defined as any lights that serve a specific purpose. For entertaining, that usually falls into the “safety” category. That means walkway lights and step lights.
There are plenty of options for walkway lights. Solar-powered are the easiest, and don’t require an extension cord or electrician to run the line. Plant them in the ground to outline your walkways – your guests will appreciate it.
Step lights are the last touch for your lighting needs. Unless you have built-in step lights, this can get a little tricky. My suggestion is to pick up a rope light (one rated for outdoor use), and use some brackets to attach it to either the underside of your railing or the lip of each step. Either solution provides safety for your guests, and the added layer of lighting creates some dramatic visual effects for your porch or patio.
That Extra Detail
Giving a little thought to lighting your outdoor area for entertaining is often a detail that goes overlooked. Even with a small budget and your new understanding of lighting needs, your next backyard gathering will shine even brighter. (You’re welcome)
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