For many, their balcony is their primary outdoor space. Whether it is an expansive area or just big enough for a small patio table and two chairs, it is yours and it should be celebrated. Designing a lighting plan for your balcony doesn’t have to be complicated, so take some advice on these incredibly adaptable and stunning balcony lighting ideas from those in the know.
Crystal Wall Lamp
A crystal wall lamp can be an excellent addition to any balcony looking to update lighting fixtures. These incredibly stunning lighting options add just the right amount of light without being too harsh. The crystalized effect of the glass provides the look of fireflies dancing within the light showcasing a unique and fun atmosphere while remaining remarkably elegant.
Keep in mind, these lights are hard wired in, so you will want to check with your landlord first if you are a renter. Generally, they are mounted directly to the wall at the back of your balcony. Some balconies come with an existing exterior light and it is often easier to add a Crystal Wall Lamp façade to make the existing light more fashionable.
Flush Mount Ceiling Light
Have all the light you require without the obstruction of overly cumbersome lighting fixtures. Flush mount ceiling lights are an excellent solution for your balcony lighting needs. The flush mount design means they cannot be seen by onlookers and most landlords have little issue with them being installed. Flush mount ceiling lights are hard wired in, so it is essential that you get a professional to do the installation. Modern flush mount ceiling lights have a wide range of functions including a dimming feature, LED lighting, and in some models, may even offer color changes. Flush Mount Ceiling Lights can be mounted to the wall as well as the ceiling.
Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light
A Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light is easy to install as the mounting system sticks out just slightly. The beauty of these lights are in the variety of options available. If you intend on using a semi-flush mount ceiling light on your balcony, consider the style before choosing an option. You want your lighting to reflect the existing architecture and overall design of the balcony. Thankfully, this variety of lighting has endless options to choose from, from contemporary to modern, to bohemian, so you can certainly find the right one for your needs.
Again, this is a style of lighting that often requires the assistance of a professional to ensure it is installed correctly.
Bistro Lights
Bistro lights offer both style and versatility to your balcony. The large bulbs add ambiance to the space and the added versatility of string lights means you have light exactly where you need it for a soft lighting effect. Bistro lighting can be purchased as standard clear lights or come in a variety of colors to choose from. Some models even color change to fit specific lighting needs. The main benefit of this style of lighting comes in its overall versatility. There is no need to hardwire the lights to the electric system. They can be plugged into any household light and are mounted just like Christmas lights with handy clips attached at the stem of each light.
Mason Jar Lights
If you are looking to add a little fun and whimsy to your balcony, look no further than Mason Jar Lights. These lights offer optimal versatility as each one maintains its own solar light. Simply set them out during the day to charge the solar battery and you will have stunning lighting throughout the night. Convenient handles allow you to place each light on a table or hang them from the balcony via plant hooks or any other hook system located in the balcony area. Mason Jar Lights provide a stunning appearance when they are lit. The light almost dances and appears as fireflies trapped within the jar. Some models provide not only yellow lighting but a range of other colors as well.
Sound-Reactive Fairy Lights
Provided your balcony is large enough for an outdoor party space, Sound-Reactive Fairy Lights might be your top lighting pick. These lights are easy to install and require no hard wiring, so even if you rent, your landlord will likely not have a problem with them. The lights offer a wide range of colors that change and react to music and sounds. This feature can be turned off on most models, so even if there is no party currently going on, you can maintain your ideal lighting.
Mounting the lights is relatively easy. Some models come complete with a hook system, while others may utilize standard Christmas light hooks for installation. The beauty of these lights is found in their versatility. They are light, bendable and easy to decorate your entire balcony area with fun.
Rope Lights
Rope lights are an excellent option for balcony lighting. These lights come in a range of sizes, styles, and varieties to choose from and most offer the ability to change colors at the touch of a button. Rope lights plug into any household outlet and can be put up and taken down without difficulty. They are ideal if you have a landlord that does not particularly desire lighting hard wired to the electrical system. Some rope lights are even solar powered, so they can be economical as well. Like sound-reactive fairy lights, they can be mounted with simple hooks attached to the wall or ceiling of your balcony.
Solar Deck Lights
Solar deck lighting is not designed for simply decks, pathways, and stairs. These versatile lights can be mounted to any railing making them ideal for balconies as well. The main benefit of solar deck lighting is its ability to adapt to multiple needs. The lights absorb energy from the sun during the day and come on automatically once the sun goes down. They add an elegant, yet understated lighting option for your balcony. Some varieties even offer color change technology.
Solar Firefly Lights
Lighting does not have to be stagnant and boring. It can add a little understated fun to your balcony. Solar Firefly Lights are an excellent solution for anyone looking for a little out-of-the-box type of lighting option. These lights can be placed practically on the balcony parterre if you have one. Place them on the floor of your balcony, on a shelf, or even on a table for a whimsical addition to the space. Solar Firefly Lights can be purchased in a wide range of colors and add bright, but not too bright lighting to the space.
Curtain Lights
Curtain lights offer an amazing lighting option. These lights can be hung from the ceiling and provide a cascade effect to the space. The lights can be mounted to the back of the balcony for an excellent backdrop or placed at the railing of the balcony for an added semi-private effect. Curtain lighting can be purchased in a variety of different color options, but the most popular is white or yellow. These hues provide the most lighting as color lighting may be a little dim for lighting the balcony. Curtain Lights can also be linked together like string lights if more coverage is required. Hanging the lights is just as easy as hanging any string lights, but due to the weight of the curtain lights, more substantial hooks might be required.
Solar Lantern
Lanterns have been lighting homes and outdoor spaces for centuries, but you no longer need to contend with a complicated lighting system just to use them. Modern lanterns even come in solar varieties making them among the best options for lighting a balcony. With a solar lantern, you can hang the light anywhere you want to on your balcony, but you also have the option of placing it on a table for just the right light for your needs. Solar lanterns come in an endless variety of available style options and are remarkably affordable, so it is easy to find the right one for you. Take your time when choosing a Solar Lantern for your balcony and find one that fits your exact style. The warm glow of a solar lantern is an excellent lighting choice for any balcony.
Pendant Lights
Unlike flush mount and semi flush mount lighting options, Pendant Lights hang down to provide lighting lower in the room. These lights can be a great addition to your balcony, provided you are able to hardwire them into your electrical system. Again, this is a lighting style that you will want to match with your existing décor. Pendant lights are often on a chain, so you can allow the lights to hang down low or bring them up to a higher level. The lights are versatile and add flare to your balcony lighting. Pendant lighting can be added above a table to provide optimal outdoor dining and entertaining space.
Pendant lighting is an option for those who have an existing light in the ceiling of their balcony. If you do not have existing wiring, always hire a professional to do the installation. Changing out pendant lighting is easy if you have existing wiring, but improper wiring is a fire hazard and can void your existing insurance policy. Pendant lighting comes with instructions for the mounting system, so always read the instructions before starting the job.
Solar Table Lamps
Bringing a lamp out onto the balcony can be a hassle. Contending with complicated wires is too much to deal with, but a table lamp can add a certain level of style to your balcony space. The best solution is an ultra-modern Solar Table Lamp. These lamps are stunning and available in endless styles and designs to choose from. The added benefit of solar technology is there is no drain on your existing energy bill and no need to hardwire the device into your electrical system. Solar Table Lamps are among the most affordable ways to add the lighting you need to your balcony.
Globe Lamps
The amazing versatility of globe lamps is amazing. They come in a range of styles to choose from, but the best offer solar power. Although these may be similar to solar table lamps, globe lamps add a little extra flare. Depending on the power you choose for your globe lamp, you can have a warm, inviting lighting experience or something brighter. Multiple globe lights at the ends of a long table can help manage your lighting needs responsibly for dinner parties and get-togethers with friends. These lights are also remarkably affordable and easy to change when your style evolves.
Umbrella Light
Your balcony may not have a roof over it, so in that case, you may need to add lighting in a different place. Many people have a patio umbrella over their balcony table and this is an excellent place to add lighting. Umbrella Lights can be attached to the pole and many of these lighting options come in solar varieties. This is an excellent option for those who desire versatile lighting without the need to hard wire the lights into their existing electrical system.
Lighting options for balconies are ever-evolving. These incredible options are ideal for most balconies but never neglect the chance to get a little creative. Whether you have an expansive balcony or just a small space, it is yours and it should be celebrated with stunning lighting. Have a little fun and find the right balcony lighting solutions for you.