Lights may seem like minor fixtures, but they are much more than just practical devices. When it comes to your balcony, you could invest in luxurious lounge chairs or decorate your area with plants (like we previously discussed on Balcony Decoration), but proper lighting is what will tie your space together. Fortunately, there are many outdoor lights available that are stylish and will fit any theme — from string lights to lanterns.
Now, you may be wary about putting up too many lights because it will take up a lot of energy, but there is a solution for that, too. In fact, many decorative lights are now compatible with LED bulbs. As noted in HomeServe’s article on energy-saving tips, LED bulbs are cost-efficient energy savers and are a viable alternative to old halogen bulbs without putting a sizable dent in your electric bill.
With that in mind, here are some outdoor lights you can use to decorate your balcony:
Solar string lights
This is a convenient option for the outdoors. Solar Magazine’s article on solar lights claims that outdoor solar lights can last up to 10 hours when they are fully charged. They don’t have wires, so you can place as many as you want without worrying about accidentally unplugging anything. Typical string lights are made of large transparent light bulbs that hang from a cable. They can illuminate a relatively large area, depending on how you plan to install them. For instance, fairy lights are a kind of string light that is not as bright but are flexible as you can shape them around anything. They can create a magical atmosphere on your balcony.
Lanterns
Lanterns give your balcony a decorative touch, regardless of whether you hang them or place them on top of a surface. With lanterns, you have additional options to choose from: those that use candles or modern lights. Spiral hanging lanterns have twinkly lights that can create a gorgeous starry atmosphere. One example is the Sunjoy contemporary lantern, which contains lights in a lantern with laser cutouts of intricate designs — casting artsy patterns onto your balcony. If you want something more classic, you can’t go wrong with silver lanterns with clean lines.
Wall lights
Wall lights can be your main source of light on the balcony — but that doesn’t mean they can’t be sophisticated. They can also add a dramatic effect to your space. The Maxim Chalet Outdoor Wall Light has a bronze and gold color that gives it an old-world feel, but it’s built into a modern shape with modern material. On the other hand, the Brick Patina Wall Lantern Sconce is a seeded glass globe in a steel cage that gives off an industrial cottage charm. Despite the practicality of wall lights, you can partner them with other kinds of outdoor lighting, so they blend in cohesively with your set-up.
Pendant lamps
You might typically picture pendant lamps as indoor lighting, but Homedit states that they are quite common outdoors as well. Models like the Wyckoff blackened oil rubbed bronze pendant light can handle exposure to direct rain and other inclement weather. Similarly, the Proto Weathered Pendant Light can be placed in the way of direct weather conditions, too. However, it’s hung on a rod rather than a chain, so it doesn’t swing in the winds compared to other pendant lamps. Regardless of what you choose, however, make sure to mind the ceiling clearance to avoid having to duck when passing under.
Tea lights
Tea lights are mostly the flameless candle-like kind, which can induce a soft mood because of their warm glow. However, there are now also table version tea lights, such as the Fantado Mosaic Multi-Color Square Glass and the Kinna Mosaic Glass Ball. These lights contain a solar-powered LED light that automatically turns on when it’s dark. Their mosaic design creates colorful patterns on your balcony. Some table lights even have removable LED lights, so you can use them as decorative candle holders as well.
Outdoor lighting is an easy and affordable way to transform your balcony into an entirely different place. With all the options available, you have a lot of room to exercise your creativity.
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