From Dawn 'til Dusk: Outdoor Lighting

Guest post by Lily Ellis of Birch + Bird


Although April's showers seem to be hanging around, May's flowers are in full bloom and patio season is just around the corner. Some of my favourite summer moments are warm nights spent outside with great friends, good music and a glass of wine...or two! Another key ingredient to evenings outdoors is mood lighting. Whether you prefer candlelight, string lights or wired-in fixtures for your outdoor space, there are plenty of affordable options available for the season ahead...

Sunset Magazine. Photo by Thomas J. Story. 



Although our upcoming market will be held indoors, Rachel and I wanted to add some additional lighting to the industrial space and recently bought a number of these globe string lights from Target. I'm really excited to see how they look strung throughout our venue and have a feeling that at least a few strands will find a nice new home in my backyard after market day!





I love watching the days grow longer, don't you? While there are plenty of designer lanterns and lamps to choose from, candles are a cheap and easy way to illuminate your space. Looking to add some colour? Visit your local thrift store for canning jars (usually sold for about 10 cents apiece) and spray paint them in your favourite hue, pop a tea light in and, voila, instant colour burst!

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Lily co-writes with Rachel over at Birch + Bird
Together they organize local handmade + vintage markets and run a small Etsy shop. 
Scout Vintage Market will take place May 25th-26th, 2012 in Abbotsford, BC.
You can follow Birch + Bird on Facebook and Twitter.

Jan Halvarson

4 comments:

Brooke said...

I love all of these but my fav would have to be 4th and 5th. I love the way lanterns defuse the light and bare bulbs suit any occasion formal or casual.

Pinecone Camp said...

Hey, hello Lily! Great post. I'm just hoping we can actually sit outside some time soon! Love all these lighting options.

Katie said...

Oooh! I love outdoor living spaces. These are great! Love that modern bench + light!

Unknown said...

“Another key ingredient to evenings outdoors is mood lighting.” Definitely! Lights set a mood to make the setting of an event complete. It can turn a dull setting into a cozier one. When creating a mood through lighting, consider the room’s main function, seating arrangement, color scheme and the main focal point. Then, choose the right lighting material that is applicable to the place, like candles or bulb. ->Allison Shallenberger