Where Outdoor Hanging Lights Work Best

In order to make the home more safe and approachable at night, outdoor pendant lighting is most beneficial outside the front and back doors on the deck or covered patio. For a modern look in the backyard, hang a few modern outdoor pendants along the stretch of the patio roof. Gazebos are also great places for adding a warm glow, so adding a cottage-style, craftsman or classic outdoor pendant here is a welcoming choice. And since they're mostly damp rated (and not wet rated), these hanging lamps need to stay under some sort of cover. To learn more about wet rated vs. damp rated for light fixtures, look to our information about UL Ratings.

Outdoor Hanging Lights for Every Style

This assortment of outdoor ceiling lights can accommodate a wide variety of decorative styles, ranging from traditional spaces to those with the most modern of outdoor furniture. Rustic and mission themed exteriors benefit from the pendant designs by Arroyo Craftsman. Hinkley Lighting offers solutions for almost any porch or patio style and if you love the classic lantern look in your outdoor lighting scheme, turn to the pendants from Troy Lighting or Maxim Lighting. In superbly modern outdoor living areas, Pablo Lighting's collection of pendants offer eye-catching good looks. Finally, look to SeaGull Lighting's outdoor pendants for fixtures that are stunning and equally energy efficient from their LED light sources.

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Pendant Lighting

Because this collection of pendants is offered in a large variety of finishes, colors and sizes, it's important to carefully select the right pendant for your outdoor area. Follow these simple steps to make sure you get your outdoor ceiling lighting just right.

• Placement & Proper Sizing

  First, determine where you plan to hang the pendant as sizing will be different for the front porch versus the back patio or a gazebo. Once you know where you need that extra touch of light for your outdoor space, you'll then want to measure to get the perfect size. Be mindful of dimensions like height, hanging length, diameter, width and weight (especially for front porch pendants).

• The Style Is Up To You

  Here you will find a large assortment of pendants ranging from ultra-modern works of art for your front entryway to lantern-style pendants you'll enjoy for the back patio. Depending on your personal aesthetics, you're bound to find just the right look here. Be sure to also match colors and finishes you already have present in other light fixtures and furniture to achieve a coherent appearance.

• Make Sure the Fixture Is Damp or Wet-Rated

  Still wondering what the difference in damp versus wet-rated means for outdoor lighting? Simply put, a damp-rated pendant can be exposed to moisture and still function perfectly fine. For front porches and back patios that may feel some precipitation from time to time, these pendants are safe for outdoor use. And wet-rated pendants are perfectly safe to be exposed to any amount of water. For instance, if you wanted to clean your outdoor pendant with the garden hose, you would be safe to do so.

• Get the Right Amount of Light

  The whole intent of updating your outdoor lighting fixtures is to give dark spaces a bit more light. To be sure your outdoor lighting can successfully accomplish this task, be sure to review the lumen rating to understand just how bright a light can be. You'll also want to take a look at the required light bulbs to make sure you're well prepared once the fixture is installed.

By covering these simple steps, you'll be on your way to choosing the best hanging outdoor lights for your exterior space.

Other Considerations

Pendant lighting is just one small piece of creating a well-designed outdoor lighting scheme. You'll want to check out the selection of outdoor wall lights for the front porch or the back patio, outdoor flush mount lighting for lower ceilings or patios with limited ceiling to floor height, post lights for driveway and safety lighting, and landscape lighting for in-ground fixtures, well lights, bollards and deck lighting. With the right mix of outdoor and landscape lighting, you'll enjoy staying outside long after the sun goes down. And be sure to browse the outdoor furniture category to increase the comfort factor of your deck or patio.