Outdoor Lighting
We believe home design should be stylish and distinctive. When it comes to outdoor living, lighting plays an essential role in curating a space you can enjoy from morning to night. At Lulu and Georgia, our thoughtfully curated selection of outdoor lights brings polish and personality to patios, terraces, and beyond.
More than ever, indoor-outdoor living is shaping how we design our homes. The design world is taking note—each season offers fresh ways to bring beauty outdoors. No longer an afterthought, open-air design now includes elevated seating, curated color palettes, and finishing touches like outdoor lighting to help set the tone. Whether you’re styling a covered porch or outfitting a poolside lounge, the right outdoor light fixtures can make all the difference.
Not sure where to begin? We’ve broken it down with some of our favorite tips and insights on choosing, styling, and understanding exterior lighting for your space.
A Closer Look at Outdoor Lighting Types
Outdoor wall lights, outdoor ceiling lights, and other exterior fixtures all serve different purposes in shaping your space after dark. Whether you're spotlighting your entry, lighting a dining area, or creating a soft glow for evening lounging, each type brings something essential to the design. Here’s a breakdown of common outdoor lighting styles and where they shine.
Outdoor Wall Lights
These fixtures mount to vertical surfaces like your home’s exterior walls, porch columns, or fences. They’re ideal for entryways, patios, and outdoor seating areas, offering both visibility and a layered design element. Look for modern silhouettes or timeless lantern styles to fit your aesthetic.
Outdoor Ceiling Lights
Perfect for covered patios, breezeways, and porches, outdoor ceiling lights are affixed to overhead structures. Flush mounts or hanging pendant styles are both popular options, providing ambient light and a finished feel to outdoor “rooms.”
Portable and Floor Lamps
Ideal for flexible layouts, these outdoor lights can be moved wherever needed—next to a chaise lounge for late-night reading or beside a sofa for cocktail hour. Look for rechargeable or solar-powered options made from weather-safe materials for the perfect blend of style and convenience.
Landscape and Step Lighting
These are smaller exterior lights used for safety and accent—lining walkways, illuminating garden beds, or lighting up stairs. While Lulu and Georgia specializes in statement fixtures, accent lighting can be a smart layer to complete your overall outdoor plan.
What Makes a Light Fixture Outdoor-Rated?
Lighting is often called the jewelry of a room—outdoors it plays the same role but with a few more demands. Outdoor light fixtures must be built to withstand the elements such as sun, rain, wind, and fluctuating temperatures. That’s where UL ratings come in.
UL Wet Rated. These fixtures are designed for direct exposure to water like rain or snow and are safe to install in fully exposed outdoor areas.
UL Damp Rated. These can handle moisture and humidity but should be used in covered spaces where water won’t fall directly on them (like under a porch roof or pergola).
This information can always be found under a product’s details. In addition to moisture protection, outdoor lighting should feature durable, weather-resistant materials like powder-coated aluminum, treated wood, stone, or performance resin. Quality exterior lighting doesn’t just survive the seasons—it stays beautiful over time.
How to Choose Outdoor Lights By Space
Start by thinking about how you actually live outdoors. Is your space a hub for entertaining? A quiet place to read or sip a drink? Maybe it’s where the kids wind down after dinner. Lighting should support those rituals. The right mix of outdoor light fixtures helps define each zone—whether you need visibility around a dining table, a soft glow by the lounge, or bright coverage near entryways. It’s about creating a space that feels welcoming and intuitive, no matter the time of day.
Entryway
Make a welcoming first impression with a pair of outdoor wall lights flanking the door or a statement pendant above. Consider scale here—oversized fixtures can add dramatic appeal.
Dining Area
If your patio includes a dining setup under a roof or pergola, a chandelier or outdoor ceiling light offers stylish overhead glow. Wall sconces can add ambient layers.
Lounge Space
Portable lanterns or floor lamps are perfect for relaxed seating. Choose rechargeable pieces you can bring out for gatherings and store when not in use.
Covered Porch
Anchor the space with a warm-toned outdoor ceiling light, and add wall sconces or even a small table lamp if your layout allows.
Tips for Layering Outdoor Lighting
Layering is just as important outdoors as it is inside. A thoughtful mix of overhead, ambient, and task lighting helps set the mood, improve visibility, and highlight your home’s best features—even after the sun sets. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, a layered lighting plan ensures every moment feels considered. Here are some best practices for curating a setup that’s as smart as it is stylish.
- Mix Light Sources - Combine overhead, wall-mounted, and portable outdoor lights to create both ambient glow and task-specific brightness. Variety adds dimension—and flexibility.
- Consider Color Temperature - Warm white (around 2700K) creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. It’s ideal for lounging or dining areas. Cooler light can feel too stark for evening relaxation.
- Think About Scale and Symmetry - Match the scale of your outdoor light fixtures to the architectural elements of your space. Taller walls may call for larger sconces or elongated pendants. A touch of symmetry around doors or architectural features can enhance curb appeal.
- Use Timers or Smart Controls - Automating your exterior lighting helps conserve energy while maintaining security and ambiance. Many modern outdoor light fixtures are compatible with smart systems or built-in timers.
- Match Your Materials - From sleek metals to natural stone and glass, your lighting should coordinate with the finishes in your outdoor furniture or planters for a cohesive design.
However you style it, outdoor lighting offers a unique opportunity to shape the look, feel, and function of your home’s exterior. From porch pendants to patio sconces, the right outdoor light fixtures bring personality, definition, and warmth to your open-air design.
When you shop lighting at Lulu and Georgia, you’ll find pieces that bring your outdoor spaces into focus—designed to complement your home and elevate the everyday. Whether you’re styling for ambiance, safety, or pure visual delight, our exterior lights help you set the perfect tone. Explore our outdoor lighting collection to bring your al fresco escape to life.
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