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When it comes to outdoor entertainment at night, it’s important that your home looks its best and is comfortable for people to be in. This is where a well-considered lighting plan comes into play. Outdoor light fixtures keep your home looking cared for while providing guests with essential illumination to see where they are going.
DON’T NEGLECT THE ENTRANCE OF YOUR HOME
Fixtures positioned at your gate, alongside your driveway, flanking pathways and at the front door show guests where to drive, park and walk when they arrive at your home. By creating an inviting entrance to your property, you set the tone for the evening.
ILLUMINATE KEY POINTS
Your patio or braai area shouldn’t be flooded with bright light, but it is important that these areas are sufficiently illuminated so that guests can use them comfortably and safely. Key points to install fixtures include any entrances leading inside the home, any areas with steps or a change in ground level, around the pool, and near the braai.
AVOID A HARSH GLARE
As mentioned above, lighting that is too bright is not necessary or pleasant. Opt for fixtures that provide a soft glow as opposed to a harsh beam. This level of lighting allows people to see where they are going, what they are eating and where they can place the objects they’re using. It also casts guests in a flattering subtle light and creates a relaxing ambience that encourages people to unwind.
USE LED AND SOLAR FIXTURES
Where possible, choose LED or solar fixtures. LEDs offer high-quality illumination and have a longer lifespan. This means you’ll need to swap out the bulbs less often, saving you both time and money. Solar lighting is easy to install because it has no wiring and can be moved about as needed. They harness the energy of the sun and don’t require a plug point. Both LEDs and solar fixtures are cost-effective and better for the environment in comparison to more traditional fixture options.
SET THE MOOD
Add some festive flare or create an intimate ambience by introducing the right fixtures into the space. Colourful bulbs and solar torch lights are a sure way to get people into the party mood. You may also want to invest in a portable speaker light from Swedish brand Mooni. Guaranteed to transform your space into an experience, these lights can be set to a colour of your choice and play your favourite music through a Bluetooth speaker. If you’re after a cosier atmosphere for an al fresco dinner party, hanging lanterns and string lights add a whimsical touch. You could also place cordless lamps and LED candles on the table to recreate the intimacy of an indoor environment in your outdoor space.
