The subtleties of organizing lighting on the balcony and loggia

Many today consider the balcony not as a place for storing old things, but as the territory of a cozy home. It is landscaped, often insulated, used as a recreation area, workplace or garden. Of course, the organization of lighting becomes an important issue. Our article will tell you about the intricacies of choosing devices and connecting them.

Backlighting enhances the functionality of any room. A balcony or loggia is no exception. Sources of artificial light allow you to be here comfortably at any time of the day. You can sit with a cup of tea with friends and admire the beautiful view or work at the computer, secluded from the noisy household. In any case, you cannot do without electricity.

If the balcony is open, lighting devices must be protected from the environment (moisture, precipitation, frost, dust). To do this, choose garden lights or closed wall lamps in durable glass. If you decide to make the territory insulated and glaze it, the choice of lighting methods is expanding for you.

In this case, you can implement any design ideas, adjust the light to your needs. At the same time, you can choose any devices produced by manufacturers for decorating houses and apartments.

To choose the right options, it is worth considering all types of appliances suitable for insulated balconies.

Often, this area is designed in the same way as the rest of the premises in the house. Ceiling lamps are traditional. If a suspended ceiling is installed on the balcony, point models can be mounted in it. These are small spots, they can be both static and rotating.

In the first case, the light is gently scattered around. In the second, it becomes possible to select individual corners of the room. Usually, from 4 to 8 lamps are mounted in the ceiling.

A chandelier is another option. It can be positioned in the center, complemented by other light sources. Of course, you should focus on the size of the territory and choose from compact chandelier models. A massive crystal structure would be out of place here.

Sconces can perform not only a practical, but also a decorative function. They decorate the room, they can illuminate the sofa or be located above the coffee table. However, as a device for organizing a workspace (working with a computer, documents) or reading, they are not suitable... The illumination level turns out to be insufficient.

Table lamps are ideal for a mini office on the balcony. Many modern models are equipped with a lever system. This allows you to control the luminous flux. The main thing is to think in advance about the optimal size of the table so that all important objects can fit on it, including a source of artificial light.

A floor lamp is a decor item that creates a truly homely atmosphere. If you like to read on the balcony, the installation of such an element of the interior will provide you with a sufficient level of illumination for comfortable enjoyment of literature.

LED strips allow you to realize the most interesting ideas. They are flexible lighting devices that can take any shape. The adhesive surface makes it very easy to mount the tape. You can simply run it around the perimeter, creating an effective decorative lighting, or create an original lighting composition.

Luminaires use different types of lamps. Let's consider them in more detail.

This is the most affordable, but outdated option. The fact is that the operation of such lamps is completely unprofitable. They consume a lot of electricity, and the service life of the products is limited to 1000 hours.

Their power corresponds to the previous type. Moreover, they consume 2 times less electricity. Products are available in different shapes and sizes. The shades of light also vary. From a design point of view, such lamps are the most interesting of all.

Such products give a more powerful luminous flux. They are quite economical and have a long service life (up to 8000 hours). The disadvantage of this type is the high cost.

This is by far the most popular option. Products are economical and durable. They are capable of working as much as 50,000 hours.

When choosing artificial light sources for a balcony, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

• Device type. As already mentioned, only lamps with protective shades are suitable for an open balcony. In this case, the switch must be located inside the apartment. For a warmed room, devices are selected based on their purpose: for reading - a floor lamp, for work - a table lamp or a wall-mounted movable spot on a leg, located above the table, for decoration - a sconce.

• Style. Lighting elements must correspond to the style of the territory design.The minimalism style is characterized by spotlights, laconic ceiling chandeliers and wall sconces in a matte white frame or with chrome details. The loft assumes the installation of devices in metal shades.

In neoclassicism and modernism, original models made of transparent glass are allowed. Vintage styles perfectly complement products in fabric lampshades or with wrought iron elements. Options stylized as antique street lamps look luxurious on the balcony.

• The size. The smaller the room, the more modest the light sources should be. Do not install models hanging on long cords with low ceilings. And also voluminous chandeliers and floor lamps with a catchy design with a large number of things in a limited area will be inappropriate. By overloading the space with details, you run the risk of creating a feeling of clutter.

If there is no glass and insulation on the balcony, the lamps are located in places protected from precipitation and strong gusts of wind. The best option is above the apartment window. If the room is landscaped, the placement of lighting devices is thought out taking into account the area and the nuances of operation.

The traditional option is built-in point spots along the entire length of the territory. A special optical reception will help to visually expand the narrow balcony - the lamps are not mounted in the center of the ceiling, but are shifted to one of the walls.

Another option is to direct the light flux of the swivel fixtures onto the walls. And the finish should be light and preferably glossy. In this case, it will reflect the light.

It is possible to organize general lighting with several large, but flat ceiling lamps, placed on the ceiling with an equal pitch... If the ceilings are high, the use of suspended models is acceptable. You can place several identical sconces on one of the walls.

If the room is spacious, you can hang a small chandelier in the center. Backlighting in local zones can complement it. For example, a floor lamp or sconce should be placed near the table or over the sofa. If there are shelves or cabinets in the room, it is also advisable to highlight them. This way you can quickly find the things you want.

An interesting effect is achieved by placing the LED strip under the windowsill. This soft lighting comes in handy when you need to create intimate lighting.

It is not enough to choose the design and type of fixtures. It is also necessary to decide how to conduct electrical wiring to the balcony. There are three options.

• From the shield on the landing. This method will make balcony lighting stand alone. In addition, you can connect not only light, but also any powerful devices (for example, a convector, a computer). However, this can be done only at the stage of overhaul.
• From the junction box of the room or kitchen adjacent to the balcony. This method is more convenient. However, work should be carried out taking into account the diameter of the wire cores. You cannot overload the group.
• From the outlet in the adjacent room. This method is considered to be the simplest and most economical.

We bring to your attention several examples of balcony decoration.

Laconic design is emphasized built-in ceiling lights. The unusual shape and color of the ceiling is in harmony with the shelf and photo frames. The placement of light sources with a shift to the side makes the room visually more spacious.

The spots do not have to be strict. Here is an example of models decorated with glass beads. The sofa has a minimalistic sconce that further illuminates the seating area.

The main lighting can be organized by hanging devices, and the illumination of the workplace - by spots made in a similar style. Ideal for a stylish yet business-like environment.

Bulbs can not only illuminate the space, but also act as a decoration. For example, you can make an original garland out of them and place it on the balcony railing. The wall is equipped with sconces, matching in color with the decoration. If there is not enough light, you can turn on the floor lamp.

Another option for organizing light using pendant devices. This time these are modern models that look like glass balls. The height of the ceiling allows the luminaires to decorate the interior and not interfere with free movement.

If you want to maintain a discreet design, you can choose flat chandeliers, which give enough light, but hardly stand out against the background of the ceiling. Two or three of these devices will provide a sufficient level of illumination in the room. And also you can additionally install modest sconces on the wall.

For information on how to conduct the light on the balcony with your own hands, see the next video.