How to illuminate a terrace: 8 aspects to take into account

After a few days of sunshine and warm temperatures there is no doubt that spring has arrived at its best. As good Mediterraneans we eat the desire to move to life outside to which we see the first ray of sun and we love that! For those of us who are lucky enough to have a terrace at home, the arrival of good weather is a change when we are at home. Eating on the terrace, spending long nights with friends around a table in the garden, resting and taking a nap on the hottest days, enjoying a good time of reading... Lighting plays a very important role to be able to enjoy this space during the night of these warm days and it is undoubtedly an element that we have to take into account to create the ideal terrace.

1. Integrate the elements of the environment.

One of the maxims that we must take into account when illuminating a terrace is to try to integrate the elements that are part of the environment. Trees, plants, architectural and decorative elements... all of them must be perfectly integrated so as not to lose the essence of the space. One of the most used tricks is the lighting of plants and trees with spotlights from below, which allows to enhance the presence of nature even when the sun goes down. This type of lighting allows you to create calm and sophisticated environments full of life.

Photo: Meridiano de VIBIAoutdoor floor lamp.

2. Bet on different points of light.

Betting on different points of light will allow to illuminate in different ways each space of the terrace, adapting the light to the elements of the environment and to the needs of each area. In case of having an outdoor dining table you can opt for the installation of a ceiling luminaire, if the terrace is covered, or a large floor lamp for outdoors. But surely a single lamp will not be enough to illuminate the entire space, so it is also important to introduce secondary points of light such as wall sconces next to the doors, table lamps to illuminate spaces with armchairs or overwall lamps and beacons to illuminate architectural spaces.

Photo: garden floor lamp Jaima de MARSET.

The installation of several points of light will allow to create different environments, with different intensities and atmospheres, which must be adapted to what we are looking for in each area and the use that will be given. The appropriate number of light points shall be defined according to the furniture, physical characteristics and size of each terrace.

Photo: use sconces like the Moon model of FARO.

3. Create differentiated environments.

One of the things that give more play in outdoor decoration is the possibility of creating areas with totally different environments by changing the lighting. The choice of one or another type of lamp, of different intensity, style or direction, means that we can achieve a specific environment for each space. We can choose lamps that project a dimmer and more romantic lighting for relaxation spaces, such as seating areas with side tables, and a more direct and functional lighting for those spaces designed to eat or work. Thus, everything will depend on the use and style you want to give to each area.

Photo: Harry suspended lamp by CARPYEN, ideal for illuminating a dining table on covered terraces.

The definition of these environments must be thought of at the time of designing the lighting in order to have the necessary points of light and choose the luminaires that can give the best result. In addition, the decorative style of the lamps (classic, ethnic style, modern, etc.)  must also be taken into account to give the aesthetic touch that helps to better define the environment. 

Photo: Soho floor lamp by MARSET.

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4. Insert portable lamps.

A very good option for the lighting of terraces is the use of portable lamps. This type of lamps, which normally work with battery, allows their mobility and placement in the space you want, which will allow you to change the lighting and, with it, the environment at the time you want.

Brands such as VIBIA, FARO or MARSET are increasingly betting on this type of lamps, designing new models or republishing existing models in portable format. This type of luminaires combine practicality, functionality, aesthetics and comfort. Do not hesitate to get one for this summer!

Photo: Cat portable table lamp by FARO.

5. Choose the materials well.

You get down to work and design your terrace with different points of light, you choose different types of lighting to create different environments, you integrate the architectural and natural elements of your garden and, finally, you get an ideal terrace, but... your luminaires deteriorate in a short time and lose all their aesthetics Do not fall into error! So that this does not happen, it is essential to choose well the materials of the lamps that will illuminate your terrace, since they are luminaires that will be exposed to inclement weather and weather conditions for long periods of time. So, depending on the temperature, humidity, wind, rainy days. that the lamps have to endure we must choose luminaires made with one or other materials. For example, galvanized steel lamps are indicated for areas with low temperatures and high humidity, while materials such as copper are not recommended for areas with these conditions.

Photo: Bu-oh! beacon from FARO.

To choose an outdoor lamp well we have to take into account the IP classification of the luminaire. This classification is composed of two digits that indicate, the first, the degree of protection against the entry of dust and solid objects and, the second, the degree of protection against moisture and water. Thus 0 would indicate that the luminaire is not protected and 6 (for dust) or 8 (for moisture) that the lamp has the highest degree of protection.

6. Signs steps and slopes.

We must not forget that one of the objectives of illuminating your terrace should be to make it a more comfortable, functional and safe area. For this reason, one of the most important aspects to take into account when deciding how and which luminaires we are going to use is the signaling of all those elements that if not seen could cause some type of problem, such as steps and slopes. But the lighting of these elements, in addition to a practical function such as the one we have just discussed, can also serve to create a certain environment and be used as secondary light points integrating the elements of the space.

Photo: Nan floor lamp by ESTILUZ.

7. Consider energy efficiency. 

As they are lamps that, in some cases, will remain lit throughout the night, the issue of energy efficiency is an aspect of important consideration. New technologies help this, so we recommend installing LED luminaires, which consume up to 70% less energy than common lamps, and when possible solar lamps, which are much more sustainable. The installation of luminaires with programmed off and on is also a good option to save electricity consumption in time periods when it is known that lighting will not be necessary.

Photo: Apply twist FARO for outdoors.

8. Lighting is also part of the decoration.

The most technical and functional part is very important when designing the lighting of your terrace, but obviously we must not neglect that the luminaires chosen for your terrace will also be elements that will be part of the decoration. That is why the aesthetics of each luminaire is really important and, of course, it must match the tastes of each one and with the style you want to give to the garden.

If you want to create a 'mysterious' and romantic space we must opt for warm light luminaires, with screens that emit a dim light and ethnic or bohemian style. On the other hand, if we seek to create a modern and sophisticated space, we can opt for the installation of luminaires with straighter lines and materials such as cement or metal. If you have a large terrace, experiment and combine areas with lamps of different styles to create totally different environments.

Photo: Twiggy Grid floor lamp by Foscarini for outdoor use.

We hope that these tips will help you choose the most suitable outdoor lamps for you and create your ideal terrace!