5 bright outdoor lighting ideas to give your space a new look

Outdoor lighting provides you with an opportunity to add decorative flair using anything from high-end chandeliers to DIY innovations.

Think beyond traditional overhead lights or wall fixtures and allow a distinctive style to emerge.

An outdoor chandelier is a stylish way to mix high- and low-end elements. This can be done in a variety of ways.

• Some enjoy the style of a traditional chandelier (made of outdoor-appropriate materials) with hanging crystals to illuminate a refined outdoor area.
• Others enjoy rethinking the chandelier by painting it in a bold colour and replacing the bulbs with solar lights or candles.

Similar to the chandelier, the more modern clustered light features a variety of lights hanging together at various heights.

• This can be achieved with exposed Edison bulbs for a sleek look, or it can include bulbs or candles covered in colourful Mason jars for a crafty, homemade-design feel.

Lights strung around the yard are one of the most popular outdoor lighting ideas.

• This can be achieved with small white twinkle lights covering trees and bushes to add lighting whimsy throughout the space.
• Other ideas include using larger novelty lights, such as round bulbs, flamingos or palm tree lights for a beach-inspired design.

An unexpected light feature can add to the wow factor of a space while also providing additional lighting.

• Those who enjoy entertaining outdoors can put lights beneath covered tables so that they shine out from under brightly coloured tablecloths.
• Painting planters with glow-in-the-dark paint adds consistent lighting, and they can be artistically arranged throughout the yard.

Lanterns are another way to brighten the outdoors in a clever way.

• Over-sized lanterns in varying heights can be grouped together near doorways or seating areas to provide an inviting glow.
• Small lanterns can be placed on table tops or window ledges, or hung from tree branches to add low lighting at differing heights.

The flickering flames of candles and torches are fun for setting the mood, and those worried about a fire hazard can opt for battery-powered candles.

• Where it is safe to use real candles, small votives can be spread throughout a space.
• Larger candles can be mixed in with foliage and centrepieces to light an outdoor dinner.
• Tiki torches are a great way to add a tropical feel.