An atmospheric terrace is where you enjoy a good glass of wine or socialise with friends or family. But without the right outdoor lighting, your terrace loses its charm as soon as the sun goes down. Good lighting does more than just create atmosphere: it creates a safe and practical outdoor space where you can enjoy every moment of the day. In this article, we discuss the different types of outdoor terrace lighting and how to make the right choice for atmospheric and functional lighting of your outdoor space.
Different types of outdoor terrace lighting
There are lots of options when it comes to outdoor terrace lighting. We divide the types of lighting into 3 categories:
- Mood lighting: adds a subtle light and has a warm, inviting feel. Perfect for cosy evenings. Think lanterns, light garlands, LED candles.
- Functional lighting: for illuminating walkways, seating areas and other parts of the terrace for reading a book, for example. Wall lights, recessed spots and floor lamps are ideal for this.
- Accent lighting: for a playful effect and to highlight certain spots, such as ground spots to highlight plants or walls. This gives your terrace a unique look and makes it more lively.
One category does not exclude the other, and combining different types is also possible. The table below lists the different types of outdoor lighting and their possible applications on your terrace.
Lighting type | Application | Description | Suitable for |
Recessed spots | Functional, mood or accent | Tightly concealed in ceilings or under verandas, offer even light. | Verandas, terraces, walkways, overhang lighting. |
Light garlands | Mood | Decorative, flexible and easy to hang. Playful, cosy look. | Fence, veranda, addition for informal settings. |
Wall lights | Functional, mood or accent | Placed on walls, targeted or atmospheric accents. | Entrances, walls, terraces, accent lighting. |
Ground spots | Accent | Recessed into the ground, subtly illuminating objects and walkways. | Plants, terrace edges, architectural highlights. |
Pendant lights | Mood, functional | Central lights above tables or seating areas, often dimmable for versatile use. | Dining tables, lounge sets, outdoor kitchens under veranda. |
Floor lamps | Functional, mood | Moveable lamps that are versatile and can illuminate larger areas. | Garden corners, terraces, temporary or flexible set-ups. |
LED strips | Accent, mood | Subtle strips along edges or objects, offer diffuse and modern light. | Verandas, stair edges, planters. |
Mood lights (lanterns, candles) | Mood | Portable and decorative, add a warm and intimate atmosphere. | Seating areas, terraces, temporary decoration. |
Spots (movable or fixed) | Functional, accent | Focused light for specific areas or objects. | Plants, artworks, outdoor workspaces. |
4 steps for choosing the right outdoor lighting
Using the following 4 steps, you will choose the right outdoor lighting for your terrace:
1. Choose the right spot
Decide where the lights should go: above the terrace, along a walkway or under a veranda?
2. Determine the purpose of lighting
Do you want functional lighting, mood lighting, accent lighting or a combination?
3. Select suitable luminaires
Choose luminaires that suit the style and function of the room. Consider waterproofing (IP rating) and durability.
4. Consider installation
Check whether the lighting is easy to install or requires professional installation.
Veranda lighting: surface-mounted & recessed
Your veranda is a multifunctional space where you need both ambient and functional light. The following options are easy to install under the veranda:
Recessed Led spots: the Gumax® LED spots can be fully integrated into your Gumax® veranda. It is warm LED lighting that is dimmable using the remote control for more or less brightness.
Lighting System: the Gumax® Lighting System is fully adjustable in terms of colours and light intensity and can be integrated with Smart Home systems. We call this veranda lighting surface-mounted, because you place the light bars on the beams of the veranda.
Spots as overhang lighting: the benefits
Spots are popular as overhang lighting because of their functionality and versatility. Think of a roof overhang, but also a veranda attached to the house or summerhouse. Some benefits of spots:
- Space-saving and sleek: this built-in overhang light is subtly concealed in the veranda and takes up no extra space.
- Adjustable atmosphere: thanks to dimmable spots in an overhang, you adjust the atmosphere to your liking at any time.
- Light in the desired places: spots provide targeted beams of light, which is ideal for highlighting specific elements or areas under the veranda.
Inspiration and examples
The examples below show the versatility of outdoor lighting.
Warm spots for a cosy atmosphere
Party lights under the veranda
A romantic setting with warm colours
The above tips and insights will help you choose the right outdoor lighting for your terrace. This way, you’ll enjoy more atmosphere and comfort in your own garden.
