Although the nights are no longer as white as in June, long summer evenings are still ahead and we want to spend every possible moment in the fresh air, grilling or just enjoying the weather and spending time with family and friends. All this can be done in the garden, terrace, or balcony of your home, but should we want to extend the time we spend in the fresh air, we must think about outdoor lighting. Its impact should not be underestimated as it defines the curb appeal of a home and creates a first impression that can be either positive or negative. However, the most important role in outdoor lighting is that it provides residents with a cozy environment where they can spend a pleasant summer, and perhaps even winter evenings. We want to share with you our experience of what are the different ways to light terraces and balconies, what are their pros and cons, and how to choose the perfect combination for you.
Ceiling and pendant luminaires
To create a truly cozy atmosphere outdoors, a pendant luminaire is a good choice, which is also a completely natural choice to have above the outdoor dining table or seating area. If the location of the luminaire is planned and in place already during the construction of the terrace, it is easy to choose a pendant luminaire with a suitable design and sufficient moisture resistance. For example, Marset’s range includes a pendant luminaire Cala, which has a more classic and minimalist style, and Jaima, which is more bohemian but also gifted with a luxurious shape. Artemide also offers the Paralume Outdoor pendant luminaire from the well-known Tolomeo series, the classic-shaped dome of which is suitable for lighting different styles of balconies and terraces. The same series is also a very good solution for situations where you want to add a pendant to an area where there is no electricity or if you want to change the position of the luminaire from time to time. For this occasion, Artemide offers Tolomeo Paralume Outdoor Hook, which allows you to hang the luminaire exactly where you need it. The luminaire is equipped with a 5-meter cord and a plug so that, if necessary, the luminaire can also be hung on a distant apple tree or perhaps even to illuminate a picnic area.
Surface luminaires
However, if you are seaside or in a very windy area, it is worth considering whether a pendant luminaire is the best choice. In this case, we recommend choosing luminaires that are closer to the ceiling. It is also the most common and typical way of lighting balconies. This option is better even if the ceiling height is relatively low and if there is not an even space to hang the luminaire, you should consider that there needs to be a minimum of 70-80 cm from the table surface to the luminaire. The ceiling luminaire provides an even light and certainly fulfills its purpose in terms of lighting, but what should also be borne in mind, is that strong general light from the ceiling may not always create the cozy environment we want for a pleasant evening. If ceiling lighting is the only option that can be used, we recommend choosing a warm yellow light (2400-2700K) instead of a very powerful one or use the dimming option to adjust the light as needed. It is also possible to pick a spot-type surface luminaire instead, which can emit light at different angles and directions to direct the light to the desired area as needed. The classic outdoor ceiling luminaire is provided by SLV, their product Lipa is minimalist and unobtrusive but gives a pleasant warm light to the seating area or dining table. Artemis’ handcrafted glass ceiling light Dioscuri is suitable for both minimalist architectures and for illuminating the courtyard of cute wooden houses. The Marset Santorini C ceiling light, inspired by fishing lanterns, has a striking and special design.
Floor and table luminaires
In addition to ceiling luminaires, floor luminaires are also very practical on the balcony, terrace, or yard, which can be relocated if necessary and easily stored for winter. The floor luminaire can be decorative, such as the Artemis luminaire “O”, which is a real design element and a separate architectural form, or it can be cozy and warm, like the Marset luminaire LaFlaca. The design classic Artemide Tolomeo also offers the Paralume Outdoor floor luminaire, which is a great choice in case the height and direction of the luminaire need to be changed from time to time. This type of floor luminaire can also be used successfully to light a dining table. If the area is very windy, it is also possible to fixate the floor luminaires to the terrace with screws to prevent the luminaire from falling over or being damaged.
Wall luminaires
Wall luminaires are very suitable for soft backlighting. Depending on the height of the luminaires, it is possible to choose from models with up, down, or up and down lights. The light that diffuses along the wall surface is calm and creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Depending on the material and tone of the wall or facade, the light is also reflected to some extent as general light. Of course, it is also possible to choose a fully opal-coated plastic or glass luminaire, which provides light around or in front and thus more general light in general and performs a similar function to surface-fixed ceiling luminaires, but add a dimension to the lighting solution.
Recessed luminaires
If you start planning the lighting at the right stage, it is possible to use recessed luminaires on the ceiling, wall, and floor. Recessed luminaires can achieve a wide range of effects and can solve the lighting of an entire balcony or terrace. At the same time, it must be taken into account that sometimes there is not enough recessed space for recessed luminaires and therefore surface variants must be used. Also, in some situations, surface spotlights in the ground or on the floor are a more sensible choice for illuminating plant boxes, shrubs, and trees, as a recessed luminaire can be obstructed by soil or snow and their constant cleaning can be a tedious activity.
Bollard-type luminaires
Bollard luminaires are an ideal solution for large terraces, where they can create different dimensions and play with heights to make the terrace design more interesting. Bollard luminaires can be merely decorative, illuminating a specific area or the boundaries of a terrace, but they are mainly used to mark and illuminate the path to make it comfortable to navigate the terrace. There are also bollard luminaires that can be placed between plants to illuminate the greenery and thus create interesting effects.
Moisture-proof LED strip
LED strips are very popular indoors, but by choosing the right product they can successfully also be used outdoors. With the help of LED strips, you can illuminate architectural details, bring out or separate an imaginary desired area, or provide a cozy general light instead. Using RGB or RGBW LED strips, you can also create tasteful solutions using different colored light and their combinations. With LED strips, the lighting possibilities are limitless and both summer and surface profiles can be used, in which LED strips with very different light intensities and possibilities can be selected.
The TLG selection offers a wide range of suitable outdoor profiles and LED strips.
And thus, there many different ways and options for lighting balconies, terraces, and courtyards. The most important thing is to think about what your wishes and needs are and to choose the most suitable solution in terms of both functionality and design. Our product range includes many different outdoor luminaires for different styles, budgets, and options. To find your way around a wide range of choices and to find the right solution for you, we recommend that you contact our salon so that we can help you make a choice.
Liisa Johanna Luts
Sales and marketing manager of Laterna Magica lighting salon
liisa@laterna.ee
