Stunning Do-It-Yourself Exterior House Lighting Ideas
Lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cast an enchanting spell to warm any outdoor space. If you are someone who is good with do-it-yourself projects, here are some exterior house lighting ideas if you are looking to illuminate a setting and create a distinctive mood.
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Bottle Beauty. Outdoor buffet tables and bars have to be adequately lighted, but they are usually located far from electrical outlets. One easy and inexpensive solution is to gather apothecary bottles and fill them with lamp wicks and lamp oil. Arrange the bottles under a big hurricane for protection, like on a sturdy glass cake stand.
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Light columns. Place geometric topiaries that are inspired by the paper sculptures of Isamu Noguchi near your swimming pools. Tie weighted lines to a few plastic beach balls so they float on the pool like pearls. For safety, do not cover the surface of the pool with too many balls.
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Shell candles. Those shells that brought home from your last trip to the beach can be put to good use here. Simply put candles formed inside them to make a lovely remembrance of the season. Deep shells like quahogs, clams, and scallops work best and should burn the longest.
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Fire and ice lighting. To create such an illuminating centerpiece, put a glass vase inside another that is slightly bigger and pour tinted water in between them. Pillar candles are best for this project because, aside from looking pretty, their weight will further anchor the interior vase. To give extra light play, make a series of these centerpieces in various shades of the same hue.
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Votive place cards. Your guests would love to see their names in lights. Make glowing place cards with votive holders wrapped in paper and inspired on opposite sides. This way, their names can be read f even from across the table which is helpful for people meeting for the first time. Cut a piece of parchment to fit around a votive holder. Using a pencil and ruler, mark two guides for the names and write on them with a felt-tip pen. Erase the pencil marks and wrap the paper around the votive, securing it with a double-sided tape.
But if you are too handy with tools and crafts, spare yourself the hassles (and frustrations) and just buy beautiful yet affordable outdoor lights. Below are some great picks.
Tonga 30″ Table Lamp with 2″ in Weave Antique Honey Wicker Barrel Shade by Patio Living Concepts
Perfect as a centerpiece for your table, this lamp features an antique honey diamond center pattern shade enclosing an opal cylinder. This carefree and durable lamp is weather-proof and features all-resin construction.
Moonlite 64″ Floor Lamp with 3″ with White/Bronze Globe by Patio Living Concepts
This contemporary outdoor lamp will be perfect for general or path lining on your walkway or driveway. It is available in various tube body and globe color options to match your outdoor décor. It has a heavy weighted base and a 2-level dimming switch.
If you have a pool or a pond, you can highlight this feature of your outdoor area with this waterproof LED floating ball. This amazing light design varies from soft to intensive levels, with more than 160,000 colors.