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If you’ve ever wanted to extend the size of your living space or otherwise make it feel larger, outdoor dining lighting is the way to go. Outdoor lighting fixtures can make your outdoor living space a better-lit and more comfortable place to be, letting you get the most out of what your home has to offer.
Why Illuminate Your Outdoor Dining Area?
Exterior lighting makes each living area of your home usable anytime day or night. Lighting allows you to extend the number of hours you can enjoy the exterior space, especially in the summer.
Beyond that, terrace illumination can also create a nice atmosphere outdoors. Using warm lighting and interesting fixtures, you can make it into a cosy and inviting place to be, both for you and for your guests. Creating a nice exterior dining atmosphere will have you wanting to eat outdoors more often than indoors.
If your outdoor living space has any unique features you want to show off, implementing landscape lighting ideas in the outdoor space can accentuate them. Architectural elements, decorative designs and landscaping can all be enhanced with proper lighting.
Then there is the matter of safety. It goes without saying that a well-lit area is a safer one, no matter what part of an indoor or outdoor space you’re talking about. Patio lighting solutions make it easier to see outdoors at night, preventing risks of tripping, falling or other hazards.
Similarly, a well-lit outdoor space can also add a measure of security. If there is abundant light in an area, potential intruders are less likely to attempt to trespass onto your property.
How To Create Atmosphere with Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is a great opportunity to create a warm and cosy environment for you to enjoy at night. Ultimately, your goal is to create soft, warm lighting in the area that promotes relaxation.
This goal can be accomplished through the use of a number of different lighting styles, including:
- LANTERNS. Lanterns fashioned out of glass or metal provide a timeless appearance for your patio and are great for table lighting or steps.
- GROUND LIGHTS. By installing ground lights of some sort around the patio and dining area, you can zone out the space while also providing beautiful indirect lighting.
- STRING LIGHTS. Hanging string lights up across a patio or dining area provides a more whimsical and intimate feeling patio space.
- WALL LIGHTS. If your patio or dining area rests against the wall of the house or any other garden wall, sconces are a great choice. Not only are they decorative in their own right, but they provide an indirect light source that is pleasant on the eyes.
Using the right bulbs is also important when creating an atmosphere outdoors. LED bulbs are not only long lasting, but they come in different colour temperatures so you can really nail down the vibe you want. Furthermore, their various lumen counts allow you to make the space as bright or as dim as you wish.
It is recommended that you use warm lighting with a colour temperature between 3000k and 3300k for optimal results. Warm lighting has an inviting feel, and warm white lights in this range are still crisp and make it easy to see.
You can take advantage of any existing architecture outdoors to help create an atmosphere. Lighting up pillars, alcoves and other areas will provide indirect lighting while also giving the space a unique mood.
How To Layer Light for an Outdoor Dining Area
Much like your interior lights, exterior lighting designs need layered lighting in order to look and function at their best. Layering lighting is simply the process of adding ambient, task and accent lighting to a space. Outdoor dining designs should include all three.
Ambient LightÂ
Ambient light is the main light source of an area. This typically is an overhead ceiling light of some sort. It provides a general wash of illumination that you can supplement with task and accent lighting.
You can create ambient patio lighting using certain terrace lighting fixtures such as a chandelier over an outdoor dining area. Other types of pendant lights are also popular for this application.
Task Lighting
Task lighting refers to focused illumination designed to help you complete activities. This is particularly important for an outdoor dining area. Include task lighting for food preparation, serving and dining in clear and easy light.
This can be accomplished by pendant lights, as well as wall sconces near high-activity areas. Be sure the light is directed right where it needs to go to avoid glare.
Accent Lighting
Accent lights provide the patio décor lighting that ties the space together. This is generally used to highlight certain areas of the patio, such as unique architecture, sculptures or landscaping elements. Spotlights, wall sconces and uplighters are good choices here.
Tips on How To Design an Alfresco Dining AreaÂ
Make dining outdoors more enjoyable than ever before with these alfresco dining lighting ideas.
- COVERED PATIO AREAS. One of the best ways to achieve an al fresco dining space is to position the dining area under something covered. An awning or balcony makes the perfect ceiling for these areas and allows you to easily include pendant lights.
- INCLUDE A TABLE RAIL. Adding a rail over the table will compensate for any lack of covering if you don’t have that available. You can hang lights from it just as easily, including any string lights you want to wind around it.
- CHOOSE THE RIGHT FURNITURE. Be sure you have proper furniture for the dining area. Besides being weatherproof, you want it to fit the vibe of the rest of the décor of your home.
- BRING IN A FIRE PIT. A fire pit doubles as both mood lighting and a way to keep warm. If you intend to use your outdoor dining space all year long, this is a must.
- INCORPORATE PLANTS. Let your garden creep into your dining area by bringing in some plants. Whether they are hanging plants or potted ones, they can make your outdoor dining space feel comfortable and look its best.
What is IP Rating And What IP Rating Do You Need?
IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, are a way to tell how durable a light fixture is. They consist of two digits, with the first indicating how well a light resists solid objects and the second speaking to its protection against moisture.
First Digit – SolidsÂ
0 –  No protection against entry of solid debris
1 – Protection against entry of solid debris larger than 50 millimeters
2 – Protection against entry of solid debris larger than 12.5 millimeters
3 – Protection against entry of solid debris larger than 2.5 millimeters
4 – Protection against entry of solid debris larger than 1 millimeter
5 – Dust Protected
6 – Dust Tight
Second Digit – MoistureÂ
0 – No Protection
1 –  Protection against water droplets falling vertically
2 – Protection against water droplets falling vertically when tilted at a 15 degree angle
3 – Protection against water droplets falling vertically when tilted at a 60 degree angle
4 – Protects against water splashes from any direction
5 – Protects against light water jets from any direction
6 – Protects against strong water jets from any direction
7 – Protects against complete immersion as deep as one meter
8 – Protects against complete immersion deeper than one meter
For outdoor garden lighting solutions, it is recommended that you use IP65 or higher lighting. This is important since your fixtures will constantly be exposed to weather. Choosing these will ensure that your lights are protected against all of the elements all year round.
Popular Outdoor Dining Area Styles
Like other areas, garden lighting has trends that come and go. Below are some of the most popular patio trends to give you some ideas:
- MODERN MINIMALIST. Minimalist spaces prioritise having as little clutter as possible. Clean lines, sleek surfaces and simple colours characterise this style. Choosing neutral hues with accent colours on items like throw pillows or lamps further this style. Geometric pendant lights or recessed lights work well with this trend.
- MEDITERRANEAN. Creating a breezy feeling outdoor space can be as simple as mimicking the Mediterranean. Take inspiration from coastal areas in Southern Europe with patterned tiles, bright colours and lots of greenery. You can add some mosaic accents and terra cotta pots to really drive it home. Ambient light from sconces, lanterns and candles are ideal.
- RUSTIC. Make your outdoor living space feel homey and cozy with rustic charm. Warm brown tones, rattan furniture and wooden tables provide a great start. Drape some string lights over tables and seating areas to contribute to the rustic vibe while providing ambient lighting.
- TROPICAL. Perfect for garden party lighting, tropical lights bring a lively and upbeat feel to your outdoor living space. Tropical prints, vibrant colours and bamboo furniture can make your patio feel beachy in an instant. String lights and tiki torches enhance tropical spaces such as these.
- URBAN INDUSTRIAL. Raw materials, simple colours and exposed structural elements make up an urban industrial vibe. Choose reclaimed wooden tables, concrete and metal furniture to create this atmosphere. Edison bulbs, industrial wall sconces and bulbs with exposed filaments are the best lighting choices here.
Ideas for Non-Electric Illumination OutdoorsÂ
If you don’t want to rewire anything to light your outdoor space, there are a number of non-electrical illumination options for you to choose from.
Solar Power
Solar powered lights get their energy from the light of the sun. They charge up all day and then shine at night automatically. You can find these in many forms from ground lights to string lights to lanterns. Be sure you strategically place them in sunnier areas to give them a lot of light to charge up.
Battery Powered String Lights
String lights instantly add a magical feel wherever they are hung. Choose battery-operated string lights so you can enjoy all of the whimsy they bring without having to plug them into a power source.
Lanterns and Candles
If you want to create an intimate and romantic outdoor dining experience, an open flame is a great choice. Hang lanterns from above or place clusters of candles in the centre of dining tables. Similarly, you can install a fire pit in the patio area to provide both lighting and warmth.
Why LEDs Are the Best Choice for Outdoor LightingÂ
LED bulbs are the preferred bulb type for all lighting, both indoors and outdoors. These bulbs have many benefits over traditional halogen or incandescent bulbs that make them the preferred choice.
One of the biggest perks of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. They use 80 percent less energy than their traditional counterparts, which reduces the amount of electricity they require. This will, over time, reduce your power bill from running outdoor lights at night.
Their versatility is another big draw. LED lights come in a wide spectrum of colour temperatures both cool and warm. They are also available in a variety of brightness levels. This gives you complete control over the appearance of your outdoor living space in terms of lighting.
With their long life, you can also avoid frequent replacements and maintenance. LED bulbs can last for tens of thousands of hours. Compared to halogen bulbs that only run for 1,000 hours on average, this will save you plenty of time, money and effort on replacements.
Similarly, LEDs tend to be more durable. LED lights are better equipped to handle exposure to the elements, both in terms of materials and in terms of resistance. Their IP ratings make it clear which lights exactly are safe to use outdoors so there is no guessing game to be played.
Tips for Lighting Restaurant Outdoor Dining Areas
A well-lit outdoor dining area is crucial for a positive guest experience. You need it to both be bright enough to see without being glaring at night. Below are some tips for getting restaurant lighting right:
- TASK LIGHTS. Be sure that each table has plenty of light to dine. Most of the time, this will mean pendant lights hanging overhead. Another option is to place a lantern or candle in the centre of the table.
- LAYER THE LIGHT. Give your outdoor dining area a main light source but then be sure to supplement it. Add task and accent lighting to make the dining space feel balanced and easy to see in.
- HIGHLIGHT KEY AREAS. Take a look at any elements or other details you want to draw attention to. Then, choose accent lights to emphasise them and show them off. Landscaping, architecture and water features are just some of the things you may want to highlight.
- CHOOSE WARM LIGHTS. Be sure your light fixtures are warm and soft, especially for romantic fine dining establishments. You want the light to be easy on the eyes and gentle to strike the right mood.
- INSTALL DIMMERS. With dimmer switches, you can control the overall brightness in the dining area at any given time. This will allow you to keep the atmosphere in check at any brightness level.
Outdoor Dining Lighting Ideas
Perfect for minimalist outdoor spaces, the LWA385 4 Watt Round Black Outdoor LED Wall Light is a sleek wall sconce that provides soft, indirect light and plenty of style. This circular light mounts to the wall and shines a halo of illumination back behind it. It outputs 400 lumens of 3000k warm white light, which is perfect for nighttime relaxation. It is built to last from top-quality aluminium with an opal acrylic diffuser. This black fixture measures 102 millimeters in diameter.
Bring ambient lighting to your outdoor living space with the LBL298 10 Watt Round Outdoor Ceiling Light. This light mounts to the ceiling and shines an ultra bright 1,000 lumens of 3000k warm white light. It is fashioned out of high quality aluminium given a black finish which fits in well with any décor style. This light measures 150 millimeters in diameter and carries an IP65 rating.
Perfect for either task or ambient lighting, the Onyx 6 Watt Black LED Tilting Soffit Downlight Fitting is a versatile ceiling light for your outdoor living space. It recesses into the wall and features a tilting head so you can shine the light in any direction you choose at a 38 degree beam angle. The bulb outputs 430 lumens of your choice of either 3000k warm white light or cool light. The IP65 rating makes the durable light perfect for outdoor use. The product measures 100 millimeters in diameter and is finished in sleek black.
