As the daylight fades on a pleasant summer patio get-together, people start to gather themselves up to go inside. Unless, of course, they have good outdoor lighting! In that case they might stay outside for as long as the drinks, snacks and conversation last. There’s something special about camaraderie that keeps on going long after the sun has called it quits!

For those who stay out after dark, today’s outdoor lamps are better than ever! Technology is constantly improving, and manufacturers provide an expanding assortment of choices. It’s easier than ever to choose a few outdoor lamps that upgrade your patio’s decor during the day and create a magical circle of gentle light in the evening.

How to Illuminate for Outdoor Entertaining

A lot of people have spotlights and floodlights on their outdoor walls, and, while they’re great for security and safety, they’re not ideal for entertaining. They’re too bright, eyes don’t adjust easily, and they create pockets of extreme light and extreme darkness.

A wider but dimmer illumination is preferable for a gathering. To achieve this, use a variety of lighting sources that give you three types of lighting: ambient, task and accent. Ambient light comes from background sources such as wall lights (not too bright!), post lighting and strings of lights. Task lighting is light focused on a specific area, such as a spotlight on a stairway or a lamp brightening food preparation areas and dining tables. Accents can come from lamps and lanterns decoratively distributed throughout your social area.

The Versatility of Outdoor Lamps

Depending on their types and how they’re used, outdoor lamps can provide all three lighting types.

Floor and Tables Lamps

These lamps aren’t dissimilar to the ones you use indoors, but they’re built with materials that withstand the elements. They might be composed of metal, heavy glass and even faux concrete.

A floor lamp can be positioned at the edge of a patio or deck to provide ambient light, or it can be used to illuminate the grill or the dining table. One can even be combined with an outdoor chair and table to create a reading nook!

Outdoor table lamps find a happy home on side tables and coffee tables. They show well on metal, wicker, wood and poly-wood surfaces, but you can rest them anywhere that will benefit from light and/or decor!

Some of these lamps are powered by AC electricity and require an outdoor cord. Others, however, are solar powered. They charge their batteries during the day and thus are set to go at sunset. Solar lamps are a cinch to deploy and as safe as they can be! Just put them where you want them (as long as they get good sunlight!), and they’re ready to go! Many units offer both AC and solar in the same lamp.

Outdoor lamps are available in a variety of colors and styles to coordinate with your patio furniture! You might, for example, find an oil-rubbed bronze lamp body that creates a distinctive flare. You’ll find coloring and materials that fit well with casual outdoor furnishings and also with a modern transitional style.

Lanterns

Are lanterns decor that give off light, or are they lamps that serve as decor? Whichever the case, they’re practical, attractive and easy to use! Some of the best lanterns contain battery-operated LED lights. Battery power is practical because LEDs last longer than other bulbs and use less energy. Often the light source is shaped to resemble a candle, but cool-burning LED lamps are safe and flameless!

People who design outdoor lanterns have let their imagination run wild, as is evidenced by the variety of shapes and sizes! Quite a few have metal wire frames, and you’ll find examples that are oval, slatted and bell-shaped. Some even feature a wire twist at the top! Wiry lanterns can echo metal patio furniture or provide an accent to a wicker or wood outdoor set.

Other lanterns have frames of glass and metal such as galvanized metal and brushed copper. Some are bell-shaped and others might be small stylized glass boxes. In today's high tech world, do not forget the tried and true old tradition of a wax candle option in lanterns to create the ambiance and romantic atmosphere that a candle flame illuminates. Even Citronella candle buckets can create a festive tone for the outdoor evening.

If you are creating an island theme, tiki torches can help with bug control and create a charm of nights being outdoors .

Lanterns are small, inexpensive and easy to store! Purchase a few extras, and you can change the personality of your patio or deck with the company and the season. Also, lanterns don’t have to stay outdoors; they’re allowed in the house. They make distinctive decor in kitchens and family rooms! Lanterns can also be repurposed for fall harvest and Christmas decor displays.

Setting Up the Perfectly Illuminated Patio

It’s not difficult to create balanced lighting that will not only set the right mood but also cast the light where you most need it! Once you set up your patio, don’t wait until guests arrive, but turn on all the lights in the evening and walk around the space to see how it works. Another hint: look outside from the inside. If there’s a window onto your patio or deck, a glance from indoors will give you a picture of how the lighting scheme works.