5 Steps To Dramatic Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Lighting has gone far beyond a bulb these days. The creativity and options expand constantly.

Today I want to show you my choice for atmosphere lighting on the deck. Everything came from Pier 1 Imports. (at this time I do not have any affiliate with them, but the link is there for your convenience.)

1. MAKE A STYLE STATEMENT WITH YOUR SELECTION OF CONTAINER
   • So many options from jars, lanterns, container with holes
   • I chose these cylindular tall metal stands with glass globes on top.

Mine are probably 6 years old as you can see there is a little rust in the metal plate at the bottom. The glass has a neck that sits below the top of the metal and several of those are broken, but they still work just fine. My only complaint with this and other items with glass is that companies do not see replacement glass for their pieces. These were a significant purchase for me. But what I want to stress is that if you want something dramatic invest in a piece that really gives you the look you are going for and enjoy it for years to come. These are still available today at Pier 1.

2. ADD CANDLES

•  I like different heights and since my container is large, I chose to put 3 candles in each globe.
• When selecting an outdoor candle there are lots of options. Be sure to choose one that is not made of wax. You may not be aware, but there are many that are made of wax for some reason and of course they will melt outdoors. Sometimes they even melt indoors.
• Another options is Color! Pier 1 is testing this gorgeous carribean blue candle to see how they sell. Considering I purchased 12 of them, I’d say they are probably going to do very well.  The other option in color is the lighting of the candle. I purchased some ivory candles on Amazon that when lit glow in different colors.
• Some of the calendars work with remotes, but most of them are at least programable for coming on at the same time daily and staying lit for a number of hours and shutting down.
• Something else new this year are these wicks on outdoor candles. Rather than a little flame they look like a real wick that has been burned. When they are lit up the upper part of the candle glows rather than just a little fake flame making for a more realistic effect overall.

3. ADD TEXTURE AND INTEREST to your candle holder or light box.

• Depending on the season, you can use pebbles, colored glass, acorns and balsam, and as I have in this instance…Shells!
• Hand select and place each item in the globe around the candles. I was using Shells, so I selected scallops and Horn Shells, then placed a colored starfish and some bolls and drift wood in each of mine.   I picked up this bag of shells at a Souvenir Shop at Tybee Island. You can get bags of them at a craft store or even Pier 1!
• I also had a box of shells that my parents had collected over the years on their Snow Bird trips to Orange Beach, Alabama. I didn’t realize it until I was putting the shells in the globes and sand starting falling out of them and I was reminded that is where they came from. My Dad passed away 2 and 1/2 years ago, so it was special to me to find a use for something he and my Mom had hand picked off the beach and now I will see them everyday.
• I also used some colored balls, driftwood and starfish from a bag I bought at Pier 1 today.

  4. SPECIAL EFFECTS 

• Honestly, you could stop here and it would be gorgeous. However, I want something a little more unique and special and eye catching. A conversation piece.
• New again this year are these LED Lights that come in different shapes and colors.
• I selected the blue starfish of course to go along with my design style. There is a box that holds the AAA batteries which I placed in the back of the candles and tucked beneath some of the shells and drift wood.
• These will also work with a remote but they do not come with it.
• They are strung on wires that are easy to mold and shape anyway you want them to go.
• I placed them all around the globe for a starry effect.

5. WAIT FOR DUSK AND LIGHT UP YOUR MASTERPIECE

• You will want to be around at dusk the first time you turn them on so you can set their time if you are not using a remote. The Stars stay lit for 10 hours at a time.
• Now is the time to make adjustments should you want the stars to fill out the globe differently.
• Enjoy!

It is 12:20AM and I went outside on my deck to turn on my lights for a great shot to show you. As soon as I walked out I heard something just outside of my fence moving…sounded kind of large and since I don’t live in bear country, I was a bit concerned that a person may be out there. I turned on my flood lights and listened but didn’t hear anything else..could have been a deer but they are usually on the other side of our home laying down for the night. I started turning on my lights….let me rephrase…attempting to turn them on with no luck. I used batteries that were in my case but they may have been used. So as the owls started booing suddenly a very loud and strange call came from just outside my fence. Did not sound like the owls from around here but a similar sound. Could it be a person? Can’t tell. I certainly know that the people on Finding BigFoot can make some crazy sounds. So, I decided to come in. I will update this post with a photo of the Dramatic Outdoor Lighting tomorrow!

I attempted one more time at 1 am, my batteries must all be old. So, here is a tease shot…in the dark but not lit up yet!

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What do you think? Have you an unusual and dramatic outdoor lighting to share? I would love to see it.

I would love it if you would share this post with your friends.