5 tips for lighting your balcony

A balcony, even a small one, can be enhanced with well-thought-out lighting. At nightfall, artificial light transforms the outdoors. With the arrival of warmer days, the balcony becomes an additional room. It is essential to install appropriate lighting to take full advantage of this space.

The balcony, often used for relaxing, reading, having a drink, or spending an evening with friends, has great potential. Lighting should be adapted to the size and layout of the balcony, whether it is long and narrow or small and square. You must also consider whether or not there is an electrical system. The choice of light fixtures, their size, and their power depend on these elements. Light fixtures must be proportional to their intensity to avoid glare and create a warm atmosphere. Discover how to choose the ideal lighting for your balcony.

Smart lighting without the clutter

A balcony generally doesn't have much surface area. If you have electrical outlets and suitable flooring, install recessed spotlights all around. They are elegant and discreet, diffusing a soft light that highlights the architecture of your balcony.

Outdoor wall sconces are also a good option. If you have a single electrical outlet, choose a wall light with direct lighting. If you have multiple outlets, opt for indirect lighting sconces, spaced 2 to 3 meters apart and placed 1.70 meters high. A single wall light may be enough for a small balcony.

For a bohemian touch, use a portable lamp with an exposed cord, hung on the balcony railing for charming accent lighting. For a festive atmosphere, opt for string lights or lanterns for a summery effect.

Solar lighting to create the mood

No electrical outlets? No worries. Solar lamps are ideal for outdoors. They are eco-friendly, efficient, and diffuse a soft light.

Portable LED lamps, in the form of lanterns or lamps, are practical and can be hung or moved. If you have flower pots, place solar bollards to illuminate the plants and structure the space. A solar table lamp is perfect for outdoor dinners.

Also consider indoor-outdoor hybrid lamps, such as light cubes or polyethylene light pots. They are waterproof and add a designer touch while being practical.

Integrating LEDs to structure the space

LEDs are economical and durable. You can use them as spotlights, bollards, or wall sconces. "LED strips" are light bands to stick along the balcony to highlight its contours. They provide accent lighting and are available in several colors to add a cheerful touch.

Indoor-style outdoor lighting

If your balcony is covered or if you have a loggia, a pendant light is a good option. It comes in various styles and provides effective lighting. Place it 1.60 meters from the floor to facilitate movement. For a narrow balcony, you can put 2 or 3 at 1- or 2-meter intervals.

The floor lamp, now also adapted for outdoor use, is ideal for a luminous ambiance. Choose slender models for small spaces or larger ones for big balconies. Opt for models not exceeding 1.60 meters in height.

Lighting plants to add depth

Illuminating the plants on your balcony enhances the outdoor space. Here are some tips:

• Use LED lamps to illuminate plants; they consume very little energy and respect colors.
• If you don't have outlets, opt for portable LED or solar lamps.
• For hanging plants, install string lights along the balcony.
• Add targeted lighting with adjustable spotlights on the wall, directed toward the plants. This will create plays of light and shadow.
• To highlight the shapes of the plants, place the lights on a side wall and direct the light straight onto the plants for an interesting contrast.