The weather is warming up in the Columbus area, so it's time to give your outdoor spaces some love! We're huge advocates of being as intentional with your outdoor living space as you would be inside. And incorporating outdoor chandeliers into your backyard living space is one of the easiest, most eye-catching ways to do just that. Outdoor chandeliers set the mood with low, cozy light that's perfect for extending your spring and summer evenings.

Whether you're an avid entertainer or just want to put together a warm, welcoming outdoor space for you and your family, choosing the right outdoor chandelier and other lighting can make all the difference in the way you use your backyard living space to relax. 

Choosing Your Style 

Despite their name, outdoor chandeliers don't have to be full of ornate curls and frills. Low-key, casual-feeling fixtures are great for most spaces. Lantern-style lights and pendant lights also make great outdoor choices, especially when hung over an outdoor eating or sitting area. A fixture like our Three-Light Outdoor Chandelier offers a fantastic ambiance that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, but it's not so formal that it would look out of place in most areas. A Five-Light Outdoor Chandelier makes a bigger statement while lighting a larger area, and this orb-style chandelier pendant light is reminiscent of old-school glass candleholders that add understated charm to practically any space. 

More formal designs like the Feiss Arramore two light outdoor pendant in weathered zinc add a more sophisticated charm, perfect for dinner parties or other outdoor entertaining. Similarly, the Carson five-light chandelier offers a slightly more formal style while keeping the look contemporary and clean. Think about your goals for your space and your dream outdoor furniture and style, and make sure your outdoor chandelier fits the same ethos. 

Keep it Safe

It can be tempting to DIY everything — and chances are you'll find a YouTube video somewhere telling you that you can. But having a professional electrician install your lighting ensures that your connections are safe from the weather (plus, it frees up more of your time to do the things you love). Keep these safety tips in mind when considering your outdoor lighting plan:

• Make sure all bulbs and light fixtures are rated for outdoor use. 
• Use the correct bulb size and wattage for each light. 
• Consider using longer-lasting bulbs in hard-to-reach areas that require using a ladder (or otherwise contorting yourself) to reach. 
• Only use extension cords marked for outdoor use and select cords that have been rated by an independent testing laboratory. 

For help deciding on the perfect lighting solutions for your outdoor space, stop by Northern Lighting's showroom in Westerville. We'd love to help you find the perfect outdoor chandelier to fit your outdoor space this spring.