Balcony lighting design can take your balcony area to new heights. When done well can also enhance both the visual appeal and the general feeling outdoors. Here, we’ll explore balcony lighting ideas as well as how to incorporate modern balcony lighting.
How To Choose Balcony and Terrace Lighting
The best type of light for your balcony will ultimately come down to preference. That said, there are a few things you should take into consideration when selecting your outdoor balcony lights. This includes the layout and size of your balcony, as well as the way you intend to use it.
You’ll also need to consider the materials, styles and sizes of lights you think look best on the balcony. These could come in the form of balcony exterior ceiling lights, balcony outdoor wall lantern fixtures and balcony lamp styles.
What Kind of Lights Do You Need For Balconies?
Because your garden balcony lights are outside, they will be exposed to the elements and weather. For this reason, waterproof lights for terrace areas are an important thing to consider. Waterproof balcony lights are a necessity for outdoor lighting. IP65 rated lights will prevent moisture and debris from entering and damaging the fixtures.
Incorporating Balcony Ceiling Lights
Outdoor ceiling lamps are important, as they serve as the main ambient layer of light outdoors. These come in the form of various styles, including:
- Pendant lights
- Spotlights
- Surface mounted outdoor ceiling lights
Many people prefer hanging lights for balcony areas. This is due not only to their appearance but because of the way they shine light by spreading it out to the sides better than recessed lights, which tend to just shine straight downward.
Incorporating Balcony Wall Lights
Balcony wall lights can bring illumination to the darker areas of the balcony. They can also be used on their own to provide indirect, softer lighting than an overhead light.
For smaller balconies, it’s a good idea to have matching outside wall lights on either side to provide a sense of balance. No matter the type of lights you choose, it’s important to space them well so that they provide even lighting. You should also try to position them just at eye level to avoid any glare.
Apartment Balcony Lighting Ideas
Outside wall lamps and balcony ceiling lighting ideas are as diverse as any other kind of lights, leaving you with plenty of options to choose from. There are many ways you can incorporate them into your balcony.
- FESTOON LIGHTS - Festoon lights feature a unique, exposed bulb look that is perfect for creating a whimsical look. Choose larger bulbs and string this contemporary outside lighting up along the walls to create a sense of depth.
- MAKE IT ROMANTIC - Add some lanterns to your balcony on the table and floor to give off an indirect, warm glow. These smaller light sources will provide enough lighting to make it easy to see while still being gentle and soft.
- WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE - In terms of small balcony lighting ideas, hanging pendant lights can help reduce clutter. They stay out of the way, providing light without any sort of intrusive floor lamps.
- ADD WHIMSY - Using string and fairy lights, you can get a similar effect as festoon lighting. These lights strung up along walls, across ceilings and over tables can add a soft glow while giving the space a more playful look.
- DIMMABLE LIGHTS - With dimmable exterior lighting, you can stay in control of the brightness of the light at all times. This will allow you to make it brighter in the evening or less apparent in the afternoon.
- TRADITIONAL WALL LIGHTS - If you want to go for something classic, you can install traditional outdoor wall lights by the balcony door. Putting a light on either side creates a sense of symmetry and balance while also generating plenty of light to see.
- RATTAN PENDANTS - Play around with materials and use rattan light shades to create a more casual, coastal feel on the balcony.
- LIGHT UP THE RAILING - Using string lights, you can light the tops and vertical bars of the railings. This can help separate the balcony visually from the rest of the environment while providing nice accent lighting.
- CREATE AND ACCENT WALL - If the balcony has a wall with an interesting texture such as brick, you can install lights there to illuminate it and draw attention. This will make a nice focal point out of the existing features of your balcony.
- COLOURFUL LED LIGHTS - Choose string lights, such as Christmas lights, with colourful bulbs to give the balcony a playful and festive look.
How To Decorate Your Balcony
Outside of the lighting options you have, you can incorporate other design elements into the balcony to give it personality.
- HANG UP SOME FABRICS - By hanging burlap material or soft, sheet-like fabrics, you can not only give yourself some privacy, but you can protect yourself from the sun as well. Including these textiles can also bring personality to your balcony.
- INCORPORATE BRASS - The furniture and even light fixtures you choose can alter the appearance of your balcony. One way to make it stand out is to choose a bold brass colour, which gives the space a classic look.
- ADD A PLANT WALL - Install potted plants and hanging foliage along one of the walls to create a unique accent. This can bring a more natural, outdoorsy look to urban environments especially.
- CREATE A PARISIAN FEEL - With tiled flooring, wire furniture and vintage design elements, you can make your balcony feel like an outdoor French cafe.
- GO BOLD - Make the balcony stand out against the rest of the building by choosing vibrant colours. Various shades of a single hue can add depth and drama while sticking to a certain colour scheme.
- MAKE IT COSY - Instead of incorporating tables and chairs, you can add plush outdoor furniture instead. Consider chaise lounges and armchairs instead of wooden chairs.
- WARM IT UP WITH A RUG - By installing an area rug on your balcony, you can not only make it literally feel warmer, but you can make it look cosier and more inviting.
- HANGING CHAIRS AND HAMMOCKS - Swing the lazy days of summer away on comfortable, hanging furniture.
