THE BEST OUTDOOR LIGHTING FOR DINING AL FRESCO - Garden Glow Getters.
As we move our entertaining efforts outside, we set the stage for some summer fun; move over tried and true string lights and let’s give our dining spaces the love they deserve with some ‘brilliant’ finds on the lighting front.
This summer, we will celebrate friendships and togetherness with some killer cocktails and family-style meals. To create a stylish scene, we cue the music with the ultimate playlist, set ‘the’ most swoon-worthy of tables, and make the magic happen by creating that ambiance that keeps the conversation and laughter flowing. Whether you want to add some moody (read flattering) lighting over your alfresco action or channel all the twinkly, romantic vibes, we’ve got the tips and inspo to see you through the sunset. And as always, our Designer approved picks from pendants to portable lanterns make short work of selecting your summertime glow getters.
Statement Makers - The Pendant
We can’t pass up a well-placed pendant to help create a focal point above our dining spaces. If you're lucky enough to have a sizable tree with some cooperative branching, you may be able to suspend a pendant for all that gorgeous glowy light. What should you consider before shelling out the big bucks, read on; our Designer shares the scoop on some top tips to help you pick your perfect pendant.
Visual Weight
With so many choices from solid metal to woven shades it can all be a little overwhelming to figure out what will work best for your space. Do you opt for a solid or more open-looking fixture? Each approach lends its own personality to the design. A solid fixture like this dome pendant helps ground the design and the patina of the metal finish adds a layer of unexpected interest.
Day-time? Night-time? which view are you optimizing for? Open woven shades look great in more relaxed settings. Daytime is our favorite look for these beauties with their textural good looks.
Layers of lovely light are key to nailing a magical quality. The rustic oversized pendant below creates a soft, even glow on a surface, while candles add that intimate touch that helps keep everyone under a “golden” spell bringing the party together.
Speaking Of Size
Size can make a statement whether we choose an oversized or under-sized fixture. It’s the contrast between the fixture, the furniture, and the surroundings that make an impact. We found some gobsmackingly great options for sizeable floor lamps that give us the benefit of navigating around the ‘no roof’ conundrum when wanting to hang a pendant over our dining space…. genius.
Hello Old Friend - Repetition
An old Designer favorite, repetition. By repeating the use of the same pendant, we create an emphasis and cohesiveness in the design. We often see this idea play out above a kitchen island. Why not borrow this look over your outdoor dining or bar area?
Hanging Height - Keep It Low
This is honestly the one we cry about the most. Often the perfect pendant is purchased and hung too high. We miss the opportunity to connect the furniture (think dining table) with the fixture to create a visual moment. A Designer’s rule of thumb is to hang pendants above dining tables is 30-36”. At Gatheraus we opt for the lower end of this range and opt for more like the 28-30” range, assuming you won't bump your head!
No Wiring, No Problem - Lanterns
Okay, with the big guns out of the way, let's talk lanterns. Inside, outside, anywhere you need some light. Game changers in the outdoor lighting market give us options that are bursting with A+ attributes; USB chargeable, cord-free, dimmable, speakers, and the list goes on. These fabulous features, coupled with their portability, make these our most versatile friends.
Candle Power
Dreamy, romantic & soft, casting that oh-so-flattering candlelight. We are fans of flooding everything with candles. A long table with a dense candle tablescape instead of flowers is just dreamy. The key to the execution of this look is all about volume. Yep, the pure number of candles it takes to make a statement. This makes a case for going big or go home.
Yep we know, we really do need to appoint a safety officer for this look, but oh how divine. We vote for LED candles for this effortless and affordable look. We found the perfect look-alike basket to pull off this vision. Shop it below!
BORROW OUR STYLE - SHOP OUR GLOW GETTERS
Note: Some of the products above are affiliate links, which means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. We only share products we adore, and share these links for your shopping convenience.
GATHERAUS - where your dream home décor comes to life with endless style inspiration. Scroll and click those links below and watch your living space go from drab to fab in a snap.
