The Best Fall Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Fall is here! If you live in a milder climate, take advantage of early nightfall by spending quality time relaxing under the lights. If you reside in colder climes, use exterior lighting to light the way to your home for friends and family safely and beautifully. No matter where your home is, new outdoor-rated pendants, chandeliers, wall sconces, and ceiling fans provide the durability and safety necessary to be used outside in beautiful style.

The best weather of the year has arrived in many regions of the southern United States. Mild temperatures and low humidity mean more time spent outdoors on the lanai, patio or deck with family and friends. But just like inside your home, proper light layering is also essential outside. Here is how to do it right.

General or Ambient Outdoor Lighting

This light layer provides a soft wash of general, balanced illumination in ceilings over seating areas or over outdoor kitchens and bars. We suggest outdoor-rated ceiling fans such as Gillen, which takes center stage with its vintage design and LED light kit that provides dimmable light to create the perfect mood at night.

Task Lighting for Outdoor Work Areas

Install focused light sources above working areas, such as countertops, grills, and sinks. A linear island pendant like Swansea has an airy frame that works beautifully to provide outward and downward illumination.

Accent Lighting to Highlight Outdoor Spaces

The third layer, accent lighting, is used to draw attention to the outdoor space's beautiful features and architectural details. Add elegant, modern wall sconces like Walcott on columns to highlight them. Next, install Pembroke pendant lighting over the seating area, whose rattan shade and seeded glass shade create a warm glow and the ultimate comfortable touch.  

Dramatic Outdoor Lighting for Cold Locations

In the northern USA, it is essential to have walkways and entrances well-lit to welcome guests and family, especially during holiday celebrations. Start curbside by installing post lights. These fixtures consist of a lantern top in styles ranging from modern to traditional and a coordinating post. Install a pair at the beginning of a walkway or drive to act as a welcoming focal point; or line a longer driveway or path for a stately, dramatic effect. The Dillard Collection offers a traditional post light with a timeless, sophisticated lighting design, or add rustic charm with the Whitmire post light.

Dillard Post Light	Whitmire Post Light

Make a statement at your front entrance with a pair of oversized wall lanterns. Your guest will be impressed, and your house well-lit with large wall lanterns like Hook Pond from the POINT DUME® Collection by Jeffrey Alan Marks. A clean, modern frame holding glass panels printed with a unique silver mesh pattern is topped by a steeply pitched, barn-inspired roof crowned with a distinctive loop finial, bringing style to homes from coast to coast.

Hook Pond Wall Lantern

No matter what your home’s style or location, we have exterior lighting to complement it.