Light Up Your Patio With Indoor-Outdoor pillars

Transforming your patio into an inviting oasis for relaxing summer evenings just got easier. Indoor-outdoor lighted pillars create ambiance and extend enjoyment of outdoor living areas well after sunset. Keep reading to learn all about using these versatile fixtures to make your patio shine.

Strategically placed lighted pillars illuminate formerly dark corners of your patio and garden. Their soft glow highlights architectural features, while providing safety lighting without harsh glare. Pillar lights look stylish year-round, so you can continue enjoying alfresco dining or parties on warm fall evenings. Their warm light even creates a magical winter wonderland when placed along snowy walkways.

Choosing Pillars Appropriate for Your Space

When selecting lighted pillars, consider size and scale appropriate for your setting. Measure patio dimensions and look for pillars tall enough to make an impact while avoiding a disproportionate appearance. Materials like wood, metal and fiberglass are common, each with different aesthetic qualities. Compare electric versus solar power options if wiring access is limited. LED bulbs offer longevity and energy efficiency, while halogen and incandescent provide a more traditional ambiance.

Also note light color and brightness when choosing pillars. Cool white LEDs provide crisp visibility, while warm white settings promote relaxation. Too bright may feel harsh in a small garden - opt for adjustable or lower lumen models instead. Luckily, many pillar lights allow customization to get the perfect light for your unique space.

Key Considerations When Selecting Patio Pillars:

• Height and width suit the scale of your setting
• Preferred materials like metal, wood, fiberglass or masonry
• Electric hardwired or solar/battery power source
• Bulb type such as LED, incandescent or halogen
• Light brightness and color temperature
• Adjustable directional lighting abilities

Installation Tips for Proper Placement

Proper pillar placement amplifies their dramatic effect. Position lights strategically near seating areas, pathways or steps to safely illuminate frequent walking areas. Angle adjustable fixtures to highlight architectural focal points or plants. Use multiples to line the patio perimeter or frame an entryway for bold curb appeal.

For versatility, choose plug-in pillar lights over hardwired. This allows you to easily reposition them seasonally or for parties. But for permanent installation, consult an electrician to hardwire lights to an outdoor electrical box and switch. Always follow local codes for safe outdoor wiring. Place exterior GFCI outlets nearby to conveniently plug in festive string lights later.

Expert Recommendations for Pillar Placement:

• Line the patio perimeter or frame entryways
• Flank steps and pathways to light the way
• Angle toward focal points like fountains or sculptures
• Group in corners or dark areas that need illumination
• Allow ample ventilation and drainage around fixtures

Popular Styles and Designs

Classic straight pillars with simple molded details or fluted columns create an elegant, timeless look. For a bold geometric statement, try square or rectangular pillars. Or make a tropical statement with bamboo or rattan. Carefully choose scale and proportion to complement your architecture. For vintage appeal, opt for gas lamp or lantern-style fixtures. Where a view is priority, unobtrusive clear acrylic or glass pillars disappear into the landscape.

Ornate options like spiraled, Greek or grooved pillars provide an instant touch of sophistication. Blend multiple sizes together for added drama. For gardens inspired by Tuscan vineyards or Spanish courtyards, wrought iron offers romantic flair. Or boost curb appeal with stately ionic or Corinthian column motifs flanking an entryway. With so many designs available, you're sure to find the perfect pillar lights to enhance your home's unique personality.

Popular Pillar Shape and Design Elements:

• Straight, tapered or fluted columns
• Square, round, hexagonal or spiral
• Clear glass, acrylic, wrought iron or vinyl
• Gas lantern, Greek, ionic and Asian motifs
• Textures like fluted, grooved or smooth

Using Pillars to Illuminate Interior Spaces

The versatile pillar has long served as both an architectural design element and lighting fixture indoors. Line entryways or hallways with elegant pillars to create an inviting lit pathway. Accent niches and drapery with soothing backlighting from strategically placed pillars. Or make a statement by framing doorways or anchoring living room corners with tall, eye-catching pillars aglow. Their slim profile makes freestanding pillars easy to move wherever needed to spotlight display cabinets or artwork.

For a cozy dining experience, place complementing pillars to softly illuminate the table and highlight decor. Built-in pillars work well flanking window frames or lining the perimeter of indoor garden atriums and solariums. And nothing beats the magic of color-changing LED pillar lights set to slowly transition, creating a dreamy prismatic effect ideal for parties or romantic evenings.

Creative Ways to Use Pillars Indoors:

• Line entryways, halls and staircases
• Frame doors, windows and room corners
• accent living rooms, dining spaces and bedrooms
• Add color-changing drama with LEDs
• Highlight indoor garden rooms and atriums

Connecting Indoor and Outdoor Areas

Strategically placed lighted pillars create a seamless visual flow between indoor and outdoor living areas. Uplight porch ceilings, steps and pathways to draw attention outside and make a grand entrance. Position patio pillars near outdoor seating arrangements that mirror interior furniture placement for a cohesive feel.

Use matching pillars year-round both inside and outside for a pulled together look. This establishes continuity between rooms while allowing you to enjoy the patio long after sunset. They provide a feeling of boundary extension, making small patios feel more expansive. It also enables party lighting to spill elegantly between areas so guests can freely flow in and out.

Design Tips for Inside-Outside Transitions:

• Highlight entryways with exterior pillar lighting
• Use matching pillar fixtures throughout all living areas
• Extend interior seating and dining arrangements outside
• Create well-lit pathways between indoor and outdoor spaces
• Use similar light color temperatures for a cohesive feel

Year-Round Use and Holiday Display

While patio pillars help extend summer evenings outdoors, they also provide beautiful illumination year-round. Light walkways, yards and driveways to help navigate dark winter nights. Pillars along the eaves or railing make porches more inviting for cooler fall gatherings. Their warm glow against snow creates a magical wonderland effect through the holidays.

For festive flair, accent pillars with string lights and holiday greenery. Use color-changing LED models to switch seasonal palettes from crisp winter white to festive reds or greens. Timed auto-changing LEDs add effortless pizzazz to patio pillars. They easily transition lighting schemes from summer sunsets to holiday sparkle and back again.

Year-Round and Holiday Uses for Patio Pillars:

• Light snowy walkways and yards in winter
• Accent fall and Halloween decorations
• Showcase greenery and string lights
• Use color LEDs to match seasonal schemes
• Protect delicate fixtures from harsh weather

While LED and weatherproof pillars withstand elements better than older designs, proper maintenance optimizes their performance. Keep drainage openings clear of dirt buildup and debris to prevent water damage. Routinely inspect fixtures for cracks or excessive wear. Repair any loose lights or electrical connections immediately for safety.