The right kind of lighting is a game changer for any space, including balconies. You can make a space feel larger or cosier with the right kind of balcony light design. When lit well, you can easily make your balcony space one of the most loved spots in your home. Here are 13 balcony lighting ideas to create an inviting balcony.
13 Balcony Lighting Ideas From Nautical Lamps To Canopy Lights
Light Up Your Swing
If you've always loved having a swing at home, your balcony is one of the best places to get it installed. There are different swings that look pretty on both a small balcony and a larger one. You can get hanging single seater ones, floor based ones or wooden planks. Either way, lighting up the swing feels and looks super inviting while adding to the overall aesthetic of the place. If you're scared about connecting to a direct electricity source, you can use battery operated string lights to keep it cosy too.
Battery Operated Candles
We love the ease of use and aesthetic that comes with battery operated candles. They're fairly inexpensive, don't have a recurring cost like wax candles and can last pretty long. They're perfect if you have allergies to wax or certain fragrances. You can get them in different sizes to use as ambient floor lighting or place them on the side table during tea time.
Wall Mounted Lanterns
Glass lanterns have a charming, rustic look that can rarely be replicated with any other kind of light source. You can mount them on the walls next to the balcony entryway. We also suggest using them with battery operated tea light candles or wax candles; they look especially brilliant during the festive season. For a tinge of extra, you can always change the colour of the glass or the frame easily with acrylics and glass paints.
Nautical Lamps
Another great option if you love rustic lighting, nautical lamps designed like a ship's bulkhead are rugged and can easily last you a lifetime. They come in an iron casing and ribbed glass cover. They can be wall-mounted just like glass lanterns; we recommend installing them closer to the floor so they can light up the entryway too.
Industrial Light Bulbs
We've all crushed on industrial-looking exposed filament light bulbs after spotting them at cafes and lounges. Get a focal chandelier with an industrial theme so it can blend into the outdoors easily. This also creates a primary source of light in your apartment balcony.
Up Down Lamps
Up down lamps look super sophisticated and chic, making them the first choice for both outdoor and indoor spaces. Get them on your balcony to create some light play on your walls, especially if they're bare.
Wall Mounted Vintage Lamps
Vintage lamps are nostalgic and may remind you of charming hill station cottages. You can easily get the same look at home with a vintage wall-mounted lamp. Place a candle bulb in it, and you'll have yourself a well-lit space.
Orb Lights
Orb lights can be placed in pretty much any corner of your house to make it feel cosy and homely. Get some in a soft fabric texture so that you can place them by the door or around the seating area as well. Since they create a soft focus effect, we'd recommend them if you find regular string lights too jarring.
Pendant Lamps
Don't restrict pendant lamps just for the indoors. Get iron ones that stay put during windy weather and install warm bulbs to create an ample source of light in the balcony. They look great during the day too. You can always match your balcony furniture with them for an overall wholesome vibe.
Canopy Lights
You can DIY a canopy on your balcony with any kind of lights you choose, including LEDs or string lights. The idea is to create a lighted up canopy that looks fab both during the festive season and otherwise too.
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Ceiling Lamps
Have a large balcony that needs as good lighting as the indoors? Balcony ceiling lighting ideas include installing standard ceiling lamps to fill your space with light. While they're not the cosiest, they're the most practical option for your balcony.
Wax Candles
Wax candles are great for colder months when you're creating a cosy outdoor space for yourself. Votive candles are some of the best options, since they don't spill over. You could also use tea lights encased in lanterns or lamps so the winds don't blow them off. Always use a mix of lengths, and place them in the corners of the balcony. Needless to say, always keep an eye on them and light them only when you're using the balcony to avoid mishaps.
Pro Tip: Clean candle brands
Railing Lights
We recommend keeping your railing free of excessive elements like planters or other decor. Keeping the railing bare allows for some ventilation and also gives you the option for various balcony decoration ideas with lights. For example, you can create a faux covering with string lights by stringing them across the balcony. Try it for your next home date and thank us later.
