A girl dancing below some decorative lights.

What Are the Best Outdoor Lighting Options for Cold Weather

Playing with lighting has climbed its way up on the list of different ways to make your interior and exterior stand out. From ordinary table lamps to luscious crystal chandeliers, they’re great at accentuating other pieces as well as standing on their own. Although people usually experiment with indoor lighting, there’s a lot more to be explored. Here are some outdoor lighting options for cold weather that won’t make you regret going in this direction.

Invest in quality

Before diving into the multidimensional world of outdoor lighting options for cold weather, there’s a rule that is non-negotiable. In order for your outdoor lighting to survive, you should think about investing in it. These lights need to be sturdy and durable to be able to survive in the cold.

You can, of course, buy some lower quality outdoor lighting options that aren’t for cold weather if you’re in need of a quick fix me up or if you’re doing this for a special occasion.

A person handing over twenty dollar bills in order to invest that money into outdoor lighting options for cold weather.

Investing in outdoor lighting options for colder weather is something that you need to consider if this is truly something that you need.

A person handing over twenty dollar bills in order to invest that money into outdoor lighting options for cold weather.

The best kinds of outdoor lighting options for cold weather

Although a big part of lighting in general, the shell of your lights doesn’t play a big role in deciding on the best outdoor lighting options for cold weather. This means that it doesn’t really matter whether you’re using beautiful lamps or simple bare light bulbs when it comes to their practicality.

What does matter is how well your light bulbs will endure being outside in the cold. Here are some things to consider when purchasing outdoor light options for cold weather:

  • Choose LED lights, they’ll generally last much longer.
  • Opt for a brand that’s well known.
  • Make sure that your voltage matches with that of the lamps’. (This is a common mistake that people make and it leads to light bulbs bursting.)
  • Purchase outdoor-rated light bulbs and extension cords.
A LED light bulb that is the best when it comes to outdoor lighting options that are durable in cold weather.

LED light bulbs are the perfect kind for outdoor lighting options for colder weather since they don’t burst with a temperature change.

A LED light bulb that is the best when it comes to outdoor lighting options for cold weather.

Protect your outdoor lighting so that it survives the cold weather

When installing outdoor lighting for cold weather, it’s not enough to merely invest in quality. If the weather gets too humid or the temperature goes down abnormally low, you need to be prepared.

Preparing and protecting your outdoor lighting in cold weather so that it lasts longer isn’t all that difficult. There are two main things that you need to do: pay attention to your surroundings and know when to bring the lights inside. The first one is mostly about keeping your lighting as far from anything that’s either wet or flammable. The second one is pretty self-explanatory, simply don’t overdo it. If you notice the weather getting too out of hand don’t hesitate to carry everything to safety.

Think about the purpose

Know what the purpose of outdoor lighting options for cold weather is for you, and make your purchases according to that.

Practical

If your lights are there to fulfil your need for a better view of your garden or terrace, or if you simply want to be able to read a book under a blanket, don’t waste your time choosing extravagant pieces. As previously mentioned, make choosing long-lasting light bulbs your priority.

Decorative

If you’re someone who thinks of their yard as a blank canvas and wants to decorate it with sparkly lights, that’s great. Just be aware of the fact that this might cost a bit extra.

Decorative lights hanging on a rope outside.

Decorative lights might not be the best for outdoor lighting for cold weather. However, they are really pretty.

Decorative lights hanging on a rope outside.

  • Use the nature that’s at your disposal
    A great way to use outdoor lights for cold weather if you have a good looking yard filled with trees and flowers is to make them shine.
  • Accentuate your home or visiblewall art
    If you, on the other hand, want to make your home the centerpiece of your outdoor experience, then do that. You can decorate your walls with a bunch of smaller lights or even make the lighting shine on your home. The options are truly endless.
  • Make these outdoor lighting options for cold weather be the art
    Instead of using lights only for practical purposes while investing in other home decor pieces, why not make your lights be the artistic moment you’re looking for.

Make this process fun

Choosing outdoor lighting options for cold weather can be a great family activity. You should include people of all ages and make a day of it. This is especially fun around the holidays. Setting your lights around trees and drinking hot cocoa could be a great tradition to pass on to new generations.

Decorative lights on tree branches.

Taking the time to decorate your trees with lights along with your family is a great way to reconnect.

Decorative lights on tree branches.

Be careful when packing fragile items

Once it’s time to take down these outdoor lights for cold weather, you need to be careful with how you approach it. Although having to put away old lighting without destroying it doesn’t sound like too much work, you still need to be as careful as you would be when packing any other breakable items.

Don’t neglect other factors

Aside from worrying about outdoor lighting options for cold weather, there’s so much more that you need to pay attention to in order to arrange the space in your garden and make it look as nice as you were hoping. Here are some of those things:

  • Make your home shine with some wall decor and wall art.
  • Patio furniture can make your yard look much more put together.
  • Mow your lawn regularly.
  • Adding some water elements will make your garden seem serene and zen.
  • Make sure that your outdoor lighting options for cold weather are well incorporated into the overall style.

Don’t want to invest in outdoor lighting options for cold weather?

If you’re someone who likes the idea of having a beautiful garden or terrace but doesn’t want to invest in outdoor lamps or chandeliers for cold weather, that’s understandable. It’s also solvable.

A great way to do this is to make your mirror shine and reflect on your patio. Although not the most traditional approach when it comes to outdoor lighting options for cold weather, it’s certainly going to make an impression. This is a great way to make your indoor style make the outdoor one come to life.

A portrait of a young man.

Author’s bio: James Maddison has been freelancing as an exterior designer for a decade now. This passion came to him while he was looking for inspiration for his own home. He’s interested in helping other people see the beauty of this often neglected area both as a profession and a hobby. His personal preferences include minimalism and earthy tones and taking the best of what nature has to offer, although he doesn’t let his personal style overpower his client’s needs.

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