How To Choose Outdoor Pendant Lighting

Adding outdoor pendant lighting to your home is a great way to put a decorator's stamp on the exterior. Outdoor lighting might be known as pendant lamps, hanging lights or sometimes garden lighting. In each instance they are suspended from a supporting structure. In each instance, the lights should be attractive both in the daytime and in the nighttime when the lamps are in use.

Pendant lamps are usually suspended by a cord or a chain. The ability to hold the weight of the lamp without pulling loose from either the support mechanism or the lamp itself is critical. The swaying caused by wind can be important in some lamp styles. The surface of the chain and the exterior of the lamp can affect the appearance of the fixture. Rain and salt spray will ruin the finish of most lamps over time.

When you are selecting outdoor lighting, it should be done with knowledge of the purpose of your lamp. The appearance during the day is just as important as the light at night. A light intended to provide illumination along a shadowed pathway must direct light downward and in an expanding circle so that the walker doesn't stumble over rough surfaces. At the same time, the light should be placed either above or below eye level so that the individual isn't blinded to something or someone outside the circle of light that is cast.

Another use for lighting fixtures outside your home might be to enhance special features. A decorative plant or a trellis structure that can be enjoyed by passers by would be a different style than one intended for path safety. The ability to enhance a specific feature will depend to some extent upon how you plan to support the lamp's weight.

Choosing lighting for summer houses and gazebos can be fun. You may want to take the gazebo style into consideration when selecting the right fixture. Make sure that you don't hand lamps on a level that will interfere with movement inside the gazebo or with vision to the outside of your lawn structure.

You might want to select the outdoor lamps to help with the flying insect problems around your home. You can use regular and bug zapper lights around a deck or patio to keep the population of insects out of your food and face. Placement of the insect lights should be near the outdoor entertainment area, but not too close, since they will be drawn to the lights.

Durability is an important feature in your outdoor pendant lighting. Look for good finishes so that they won't be subject to rust or corrosion. Outdoor coating on the electrical portions is critical.