First of all, let’s get to know what rustic outdoor lighting is all about. Rustic design is largely influenced by the rural environment or countryside. The materials used in rustic design are usually wrought iron and wood. Rustic styles are often very elegant. Forms are simple, bearing just enough details or carvings, while lines are often curved with no harsh edges. Interestingly, rustic forms in the design world is said to be inspired by the branches of trees. Rustic design stems from the reflection of nature itself.
Because rustic designs are very in touch with nature, they are great for outdoor plans. If you want your patio to look amazing but natural and homey, then use some rustic elements. Add some rustic furniture and accents. But more importantly, add rustic outdoor lighting to complete the look. Lighting adds so much more to a space. In fact it saves a beautiful outdoor area from disappearing into darkness at night.
Many lighting fixtures are actually made of wrought iron. These are some of the most durable fixtures out there. They can withstand the hot sun, cold weather, rainy seasons and other harsh elements. They aren’t easily broken and they often retain their design and shape for a very long time.
But since we’re going for the rustic outdoor lighting look here, don’t just choose any wrought iron lighting fixture. Find wrought iron lighting fixtures with curvy designs. Have you noticed some fixtures with “stems” and “leaves” stemming outwards and then curving in at the ends? You should go for these types of designs instead of the more modern and impersonal designs.
There are many other materials that appear rustic. Basically almost any lighting fixture that’s purposefully weathered or distressed will appear rustic. Lighting fixtures can come in antique copper, weathered brass and bronze.
The next step is to check for brightness. We’d want our patio or garden to feel like we’re in the countryside. Think about that yellow light bulb in the barn or the lonely light post by the cobbled street. These are very rustic. So make sure your rustic outdoor lighting fixtures aren’t too bright or white in color. Halogens are actually great for that yellowish tint.
Now let’s get into the types of lighting fixtures that go with the rustic theme. Sconces are great for any outdoor rustic theme. Look for those that look like old lanterns or lamps with “flickering” light bulbs that imitate gas flames.
Search for pole lights. These are reminiscent of those old lampposts by the street. These should typically be made of iron and black in color. Avoid the shiny ones if you want the rustic look.
If you already have other lighting fixtures that aren’t particularly rustic, there are some things you can do. An idea is to tie bows made out of twine around lampposts to give it more of a country, homey feel. Another idea so to leave your other fixtures and simply add candles to your patio! Lighting candles is one of the oldest ways of illuminating a space.
As you can see, it’s quite easy to achieve that rustic ambience with rustic outdoor lighting. Even with simple, non-thematic furniture, rustic lighting alone will give any patio that warm, familiar feeling of the countryside.
Outdoor Patio Lighting Tip #1
Give your home a dramatic entrance with strategically placed outdoor lighting. You can use lighting to create a play between light and shadow that will enhance the detailed designs of your entryway.
Outdoor Patio Lighting Tip #2
Outdoor lighting can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. It can enhance security by keeping access to your home brightly lit, while highlighting architectural features of your home.
Outdoor Patio Lighting Tip #3
If you have a swimming pool in your yard, you can design an outdoor lighting system to show it off. Your pool will look absolutely stunning with lights reflecting off the water.