Your verandah is not just an extension of your abode; it’s a multipurpose space outside that links indoor comfort with outdoor charm. Proper lighting can make your verandah look and feel exactly right, regardless of the mood or activity, whether you’re visiting for a family supper, spending a quiet evening, or simply admiring the night sky.
However with so many possibilities, how can you select the optimum lighting for your space? Let us take you through some basic tips that will help you land on those perfect lights that suit your verandah’s style, purpose, and needs.
1. What Is the Purpose of Your Verandah?
Before choosing your lighting, it is essential to define how you use your verandah. Does it serve as a peaceful spot for reading and relaxing, or do you entertain guests and host a barbeque? Your purposes for using this space will greatly dictate the type of lights needed.
For example, if your verandah is a quiet reading space, consider soft ambient lights to set an easy, not harsh, mood. More intense task lighting could be needed for dining tables or seating areas for frequent entertainers. Mixed styles of lighting can be best if a variety of functions must be accommodated in the room.
2. Types of Lighting to Consider
Once you’ve established your verandah’s purpose, below are the three primary types of light:
Ambient Lighting
This acts as the base coat of light configuration for the area. Verandah lights should be soft and warm, mimicking the natural light that feels so good. Think string lights, lanterns, or fixtures mounted to the ceiling for evening relaxation or quiet dinners. Look for lights that diffuse well across the space to avoid harsh shadows.
Task Lighting
If your verandah is used for specific purposes, such as reading, working on projects, or alfresco dining, then task lighting becomes imperative. Bright yet focused, task lights provide ample illumination for activities that demand attention to detail. Spotlights or adjustable wall sconces used around seating spots achieve just the right amount of light to illuminate specific places without making the verandah look overly bright.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is only for those who want to show off the unique features of their verandah, either architecture or plants. In this mode, spotlights can be aimed at such points, supported by small LED uplights for an overall enhanced atmosphere.
3. Energy Efficiency and Durability
Verandahs are inherently outside structures, making energy efficiency and sustainability paramount. LED lights are the optimal choice for illumination as they consume considerably less electricity than conventional bulbs while delivering sufficient lighting. These lights possess an extended lifespan, hence reducing the frequency of replacements.
If you want to go overboard, there are solar-powered lights. These are most useful where there are long hours of sunlight and can save you a lot on your energy bill. Solar lights are often wireless, making installation easy and maintenance-free.
Verandahs face the elements; therefore, weatherproof lighting fixtures must be installed here. Look for lights that are outdoor-rated and can withstand rain, wind, and high humidity without corrosion or damage.
4. Placement – Striking the Balance
Just like in any aspect of life, placement is everything when it comes to verandah lighting. Light placement can be used cleverly to achieve an even distribution of illumination without overlighting any area or leaving other regions dark.
First, consider your space’s layout. Install ambient lighting around the perimeter to create a soft, all-encompassing glow. Task lighting will be for more purposeful spots, such as seating or dining areas, with the idea that only these areas are illuminated. Accent lights will be applied lightly to bring focus on special elements, perhaps a plant or a unique architectural feature.
Of course, less is more: do you really need to flood a verandah with too much light if it’s only supposed to be a nice, mellow place to relax?
5. Reasons to Work with a Professional
Although DIY solutions are often tempting, one should always consult a professional when installing verandah lights. Outdoor lighting must be safe, weatherproof, and correctly installed so as not to present any electrical hazards.
Working with experts like Static Electrics can ensure that your lighting will be beautiful, efficient, and, more importantly, secure. They will let you know what fixtures best suit your verandah in terms of aesthetics and function. They also ensure that your wiring is done safely and adhering to all regulations so you can enjoy your space worry-free.
Conclusion
By being able to light up your verandah properly, you will change how you use and experience your outdoor living area. Be it the right ambience, task lighting, or just a little flair of decoration, solutions exist. Whether you have your verandah used for certain purposes or not, your choices for a lighted verandah are, first of all, based on energy efficiency and working with a professional in this area. So, remember good lighting, and start planning your verandah makeover as of today!
Looking to have a verandah built in Melbourne? Go to www.affordablepergolas.com.au/verandah/verandahs-melbourne/ for more information.
