Create the perfect atmosphere: the best lights and illumination techniques for summer terraces

At Fidere, we understand that a home with a terrace can make the difference to your life in the summer months and, indeed, all year round. Our terrace options mean you can enjoy the outdoors and create unforgettable moments in the comfort of your own home.

Terraces offer a private space for relaxing and enjoying nature, enhancing the quality of your life and well-being in general. No more so than in the summer months when they become the perfect place for disconnecting, hosting guests and enjoying long evenings in the open air. A key aspect of getting the best out of your terrace is to have the right lighting.

Why is properly illuminating your terrace important?

It creates a unique atmosphere

The right lighting can completely transform the atmosphere of your terrace, creating a warm and welcoming space to relax and enjoy those special moments. You can play around with different intensities of light to tailor it to the vibe you want, the space you’d like to create or the type of event you want to arrange.

Security and functionality

A well-lit terrace is crucial for security and helps you maximise how the space is used, especially at night.

It highlights the details

Well-placed lighting can make architectural features, decorative elements and specific parts of your terrace really stand out, creating focal points and accentuating their beauty.

Type of terrace lighting

• Hanging lights

Hanging lights are a fantastic option to create an elegant and romantic atmosphere on your terrace. You can choose from hanging lights with modern designs or string lighting or festoons for more of a party vibe.

String lighting brings a magic and romantic touch to any terrace. You can it them around the edge of the terrace, from the ceiling or wind it around pergolas or trees for example.

• Floor lamps

Floor lamps are versatile and easy to install on a terrace. You can position them strategically to illuminate specific areas such as the eating area or a reading spot.

• Spotlights

If you’ve just bought a new home and want to enhance the lighting on your terrace, spotlights recessed in the floor or walls are ideal for creating soft and subtle ambient lighting. They can highlight architectural features or provide ground level lighting.

Spotlights and projectors are perfect for lighting up specific areas of your terrace such as the outdoor eating or seating area. You can adjust which way they face and their angle to aim the light where you most need it.

• Solar lights

Solar lights are an environmentally friendly and practical option for lighting terraces. They charge up during the day and come on automatically at night, providing soft and sustainable lighting.

It’s not just a case of having different types of light on your terrace, the key is to know how to use them properly and get the best out of those spaces you need using a variety of lighting techniques: ambient, functional, etc.

A well-lit terrace is not only a beautiful space but also enables you to enjoy lots of different activities at night such as:

• Outdoor dinners

Arrange a romantic dinner or gathering with friends and family on your illuminated terrace. Create a welcoming vibe with soft lighting and enjoy delicious meals outside under the stars. You can have a barbecue, enjoy a romantic meal or even arrange a themed dinner to add that extra bit of fun and excitement to your evenings on the terrace.

• Film nights

Why don’t you turn your terrace into an outdoor cinema? Put a TV or projector on it and enjoy a film under a star-studded sky. Spread out some cushions and blankets to create a warm and delightful atmosphere. Don’t forget the popcorn and refreshing beverages for that full movie experience.

• Chillout sessions

Your illuminated terrace is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a hard day. Create a corner for chilling out with comfortable sofas or deckchairs, light some scented candles and put on some ambient music to create a calm and serene environment. You can do yoga or just enjoy a good book while you relax outdoors.

• Parties

Organise parties on your terrace and have a laugh with your friends and relatives. You could organise a cocktail evening, tropical party with themed decorations and refreshing drinks or even a dance party with music and disco lights. An illuminated terrace is the best place to enjoy some really happy and fun moments.

• Stargaze

Make the best of the peace and darkness of night-time to enjoy the beauty of the starry sky from your terrace. Put out some comfy seats or cushions on the floor and enjoy a bit of stargazing. You can identify the constellations using mobile apps to learn more about the universe and enjoy the wonders of the night sky.

Having the right lighting is crucial to getting the most out of your terrace on summer days. With the best lights and illumination techniques you can create a delightful welcoming space that invites you to spend some special moments outdoors. Fidere offers homes with terraces to rent or buy. We give you the chance to have your own outdoor space where you can put these lighting tips and ideas into practice. Whether it is creating an outdoor dining area, chillout zone or a garden on your terrace, remember that the right lighting can make the difference when it comes to creating a magical and practical space. Get the best out of your terrace this summer and create unforgettable moments with the perfect lighting.