Lighting works like magic on balconies. When chosen and arranged wisely, the illumination sources will create an accommodative environment for work or leisure. A properly directed flow of light can visually change the dimensions and geometry of a narrow balcony, making it more comfortable and cozy. Besides their basic functions, the lamps employed in the balcony space should have decorative and aesthetic properties, while also coinciding with the overall interior concept.
An open balcony requires you to place the lighting fixtures as far from the weather impacts as possible. The most appropriate place for them is above the window aperture. The types of lamps commonly used on open balconies are on-wall (facade) lanterns and outdoor spotlights mounted on the railing.
A glazed balcony provides you with an opportunity to unleash your imagination while choosing the lighting fixtures. You can employ lamps of any types that correspond to the balcony’s interior style and are suitable for residential spaces. A great idea is to complement the functional lighting sources with spotlights accentuating a decorative detail.
Balcony lighting options.
Before mounting the lamps, make sure all the wirework is done. If you’re renovating your dwelling with your own hands, use high-quality materials and US expert recommendations. However, the best decision is to hire a qualified electrician. It’s especially true if your balcony design envisages power outlets, several lamps, heated floors and exploitation of electric devices and appliances.
Different lighting options can impart your balcony space with different moods:
- Lamps emitting direct light are perfect for balconies with a low ceiling. It’s a space-saving solution that provides an excellent lighting source for reading or related activities. Highlighting dark areas, accentuating an interior item, creating brightly lit zones – direct light lamps are a great tool for instilling the ambiance of comfort on the balcony.
- Lamps emitting diffused light are mainly mounted on the ceiling; therefore, they’re most suitable for balconies with high walls. Otherwise, you may employ flat lamps that occupy little vertical space. If the wall, floor and ceiling finishing is rather dark, fit your diffused light lamps with more powerful light bulbs.
- Relucent lamps allow for setting up a sunny mood even in the depth of night. They will emit an even and calm flow of light, its spectrum being very comfortable for human eyes but unsuitable for activities that require you to strain your vision.
To enhance the effect produced by various lamps used in your balcony design project, employ reflecting materials (if possible): paints, finishings, etc. With the help of this simple trick, you’ll make the balcony space visually larger and more comfortable.
Choosing lamps for the balcony.
The choice of ceiling, wall and floor lamps for balcony illumination depends completely on the purpose of your balcony space and the style of its interior. Let’s consider some of the most popular usages of the balcony space and the illumination schemes appropriate in each particular case.
1. Leisure area. Balconies are typically re-designed to create an area for relaxation, where the home-owner can sit cozily with a friend and chat over a cup of coffee, beholding the crimson sunset. If yours is the case, try using diffused light lamps as the basis of your illumination scheme. The light they emit will not annoy you, setting up a relaxing atmosphere. Usage of floor lamps with textile lampshades, lamps imitating candle-holders and lanterns, wall lamps and spotlight is also appropriate. An original idea is to mount spotlights into the floor. Intended for creating the decorative effect of dusk rather than illuminating the balcony to the utmost, they will establish the atmosphere for you to spend a relaxing evening sipping on a glass of wine.
2. Study. If you’ve designed a compact home office on the balcony, the most rational solution is to employ local-light table lamps that match the overall style of the interior. For a comfortable working environment, complement the illumination scheme with a ceiling lamp emitting diffused light.
2. Mini-gym. Although designing the balcony space as a gym is an unexpected solution, it’s not impossible. If you’ve decided to work out on the balcony using a stationary bike or a treadmill, you need bright overhead lighting. Lamps emitting direct light should be your choice, as such an illumination scheme will prevent you from backing off and stimulate you to continue exercising.
3. Mini-greenhouse. Fans of balcony gardening often opt for spot lamps that form a harmonious arrangement when placed in the thick of pot-plants. Fluorescent and incandescent lamps are the suitable alternatives. A proper arrangement of artificial light sources will both facilitate the growth of plants and introduce a well-becoming interior climate.
4. Storage room. Although it isn’t the best usage of the balcony space, some USA home-owners fill it with spacious cabinets or cases-of-drawers for storing the necessary things. To make finding an item easier, you may employ LED strips or spotlight to highlight each shelf of the cabinet.
5. Balcony combined with the kitchen. This solution implies using the balcony as a working area or the dining zone. Spotlights are an appropriate lighting choice for the first case. If your balcony is intended for dining, employ a chandelier and wall lamps with lacy lampshades, which will instill a zephyr vibe.