In summer, after a busy day, we like to sit on the veranda, terrace or balcony to soothe ourselves with the crisp evening air. In addition, we can make this time more pleasant with the right lighting. What to choose to make a terrace look atmospheric and stylish, while remaining practical?
A small but cozy corner
If we do not have a comfortable terrace at our disposal, it is worth cozily arranging even a small balcony. Let it become a place of relaxation in an aesthetically pleasing environment. To provide the right atmosphere in the evenings, we can even put a simple lamp there. However, let's remember that we have many more arrangement possibilities to further emphasize the character of the place.
Outdoor lighting on the terrace
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Where to start?
Before deciding on lighting, it's worth thinking about what kind of furniture will be there. If we plan to put a table on the terrace , we will need more light. If the place is to be used only for relaxation, we can afford less intense lighting. If, on the other hand, in the evenings we plan to read long, absorbing readings, it will be necessary to install a spot lamp. When doing so, remember to maintain stylistic consistency with the other elements of the arrangement.
Lighting for all
The terrace is usually a place that combines the style of the house and the garden. Therefore, there may be plants here. Some of them additionally need artificial light, which will help control their flowering processes and support the production of nutritional juices and vitamins.
Decorative lantern and solar lamps
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There is something for everyone
The simplest type of lighting are traditional candles, which we can place in a glass cover, or even on a decorative metal stand. They will flicker atmospherically and set a romantic mood. If we are concerned about safety, let's buy special, stable lanterns. The handles built into them will allow you to comfortably move them to any place. On the other hand, when we do not care about natural lighting, there are battery-operated or plug-in versions available.
Not requiring our intervention, on the other hand, will be solar lamps. However, since they are charged with sunlight, in the evenings (especially in late autumn and winter) they may give insufficient brightness.
Light garlands and single portable lamps
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A recently popular outdoor lighting option are strings of lamps. This will be a good solution if you want to save space. Very fashionable are tiny bulbs that hang gently downward. They present themselves extremely atmospheric. However, we need to attach them somewhere. Here a pergola, a canopy or at least railings will come in handy.
In the cold season, a perfect solution on the terrace is a heating lantern. It will provide warmth, and at the same time we can enjoy the glow of a live fire. Standing lanterns are available, often in the shape of long columns, as well as hanging ones. Some look like small stoves.
Gas lamps, which resemble fireplaces in form, will also work well on a terrace with a large area.
Openwork lamps that will provide an atmospheric atmosphere
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If our terrace is covered, we can install a plafond or a simple bulb with a striking lampshade, such as an openwork one made of rattan, which will prove to be an excellent decoration on the terrace. It will perfectly crown the corner with a table or coffee table and will diffuse the light around us in an almost artistic way. We can also install discreet led lighting in the soffit of the roof.
Outdoor lighting is not only standing or hanging lamps, but also led tapes that will subtly illuminate the border areas, making the terrace atmospheric and safe at the same time.
Some technical advice
When choosing outdoor lamps, do not stop at aesthetics alone. When it comes to energy efficiency and performance, it is worth investing in LED lighting. You should also pay attention to the material of the lamps and choose models made of aluminum, steel or cast iron lamps. It is good to choose those from proven manufacturers, and if we see the need, let's additionally protect them against corrosion.
Most important, however, is the issue of safety. Outdoor lamps should feature the highest class of fire protection. Least exposed to water, lamps located under the canopy should have a minimum IP44 rating for the housing. Elements that are constantly and directly affected by weather conditions must have IP54. Outdoor lamps recessed into the ground, on the other hand, should feature an even higher waterproofing class - at the IP66 level.
