Lighting Ideas for Summer Living
The best lighting for summer living can vary based on the space available, your personal preferences and the specific atmosphere you want to create. With that in mind, here are some popular lighting options that work well for summer both indoors and outdoors from the Light Company’s expert, Judy Davison.
Indoor Summer Living
When it comes to lighting for indoor summer living, you should start by utilising as much natural light as possible. Open curtains and blinds to let in the sunlight and create a bright and airy ambiance in your living space. If you are looking for some privacy or need to filter intense sunlight, consider using light or sheer curtains. They allow natural light to filter through while providing a soft and breezy atmosphere.
Our lighting tips for indoor summer living are as follows:
- LED bulbs are a great choice for indoor lighting all year round, including the summer. They are energy-efficient, emit less heat compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, and come in a variety of colour temperatures to suit your preferences. Look for bulbs with a cooler colour temperature (around 4000K to 5000K) to create a bright and fresh ambiance.
- If you have ceiling fans in your indoor spaces, consider using ones that come with light kits. These serve a dual purpose by providing cooling airflow and lighting. Choose fans with multiple speed settings to adjust the airflow according to your comfort level.
- In areas where you need focused lighting for specific tasks, such as reading nooks or home offices, incorporate task lighting. Desk lamps or adjustable floor lamps with LED bulbs can provide ample light for concentrated activities while being energy-efficient.
- Install dimmer switches for overhead lighting fixtures in rooms where you want to have more control over the brightness. Dimming the lights can create a relaxed and cosy ambiance during the evenings or when you want to create a calming atmosphere.
- Add accent lighting to highlight specific areas or objects in your living space. Consider using LED spotlights or track lighting to draw attention to artwork, plants, or architectural features, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Remember to strike a balance between natural and artificial lighting to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere indoors during the summer. Experiment with different lighting combinations to achieve the desired ambiance for each room.
Outdoor Summer Living
How you design or adapt your outdoor space for summer living will also depend on how much space you have and what you are looking to achieve. Here are some lighting options that can enhance the ambiance and functionality of your outdoor spaces no matter what shape or size:
- String lights are a classic and versatile option for outdoor lighting. They can be hung across a patio, wrapped around trees or posts, or draped along fences. You should purchase weather-resistant and energy-efficient LED string lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly option that don’t require any wiring or electricity. They charge during the day using sunlight and automatically illuminate your outdoor space at night. Solar-powered path lights, stake lights, and lanterns are popular choices to line pathways or highlight garden features.
- Lanterns provide a charming and portable lighting option for outdoor living areas. You can choose from various styles, including traditional lanterns, Moroccan-inspired designs, or contemporary options. Use flameless candles or LED candles inside the lanterns for a safe and cosy glow.
- Use landscape lighting to highlight specific features in your outdoor space, such as trees, plants, or architectural elements. Spotlights can create dramatic effects, while pathway lights or in-ground fixtures can guide the way and add a subtle glow.
- LED spotlights are ideal for illuminating specific areas, such as outdoor seating areas or barbecue grills. They provide focused and bright light, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space during evening gatherings or for extended periods after sunset.
- Spotlights can also be placed in garden beds and borders to highlight palm trees spikes or other features like a stone wall. Lights positioned in beds and borders can create a snug feeling around the outdoor living area by providing a warm backdrop.
- Install outdoor wall lights to provide both functional and decorative lighting. They can flank entrances, illuminate outdoor seating areas, or add a touch of elegance to your patio or porch.
If your indoor space has windows or glass doors, outdoor lights can illuminate the surrounding landscape or outdoor areas. This creates a seamless visual connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, giving the impression of an extended living area and making the indoor space feel more expansive.
You can also match indoor and outdoor lighting with identical fittings such as the Lakehouse pendant lights from the Quintiesse range offered by the Light Company.
Remember to consider the safety of outdoor lighting options and use weather-resistant fixtures or protect them from the elements. Additionally, be mindful of light pollution and aim to create a balance between functional lighting and preserving the natural beauty of the night sky.
The Light Company
The Light Company is leading stockist of wide range of lighting brands for both indoor and outdoor solutions including ceiling fans, accent and task lights as well as lighting with dimmers. We also stock a large selection of outdoor lights to help you to create the perfect summer living space. To view our products, visit https://thelightcompany.co.uk/