subject: Atmospheric Outdoor Lighting For Summer [print this page] With the summer season finally here, many people will be taking advantage of the warm weather and eating or drinking outside. This is a great opportunity for bars, pubs and restaurants to maximise the amount of space they have, and to accommodate extra guests at tables both inside and out. To ensure that guests feel comfortable and will stay even after the sun has gone down, it is a good idea to review the outdoor light that is available, and to purchase any additional outdoor light fittings that may be needed, in time for the summer season!
Outdoor light fittings are a great way to create a welcoming atmosphere in any outdoor space, and the style of your restaurant, pub or bar will affect which outdoor light effects and fittings are most appropriate. A traditional pub for example, may choose to fit old fashioned street lamps throughout their garden and outdoor seating area, which should be fitted with low watt bulbs to create a soft glow. Bright lighting can sometimes seem cold or harsh, so for the summer months it is always a good idea to invest in some warmer lighting. Using lower watt bulbs is a good way to achieve this, and bulbs which have a yellow or orange tint will also create a warming effect. For traditional lamp post style lighting, flame effect bulbs can also look great, and will add to the cosy atmosphere.
More modern bars and restaurants may choose to use different styles of outdoor light to create a comfortable atmosphere. Coloured lights can be used to create effects when they are shone on a plain area such as a painted wall or expanse of plain brick. Shining coloured lights into trees and bushes can also look good after dark, and lighting any water features not only looks great but is important for the safety of guests. Underwater lighting is a good way to create a textured outdoor light effect, as the light reflects and moves on the surface of the water; this can look particularly magical in fountains or similar features, and is a good way to get the most out of these special focal points.
Multi coloured lights can be utilised all year round and using them outside of the festive season can seem very special. Stringing tiny lights through the trees or around the outside of buildings can look great, and both coloured and plain bulbs can work well. Outdoor areas that incorporate a trellis look fantastic decorated with lights, and when the weather is warm and dry it can be a good idea to provide guests with cushioned chairs, sofas, beanbags, and even large cushions to sit on outside. Having this style of seating on a patio or decking area can make a warm summer night feel almost Mediterranean, and twinkling lights or outdoor burners are a great way to create a cosy feeling. Creating a comfortable and well lit outdoor space is essential to encourage customers to stay after sunset, and continue to enjoy themselves!
