GO WITH THE GLOW

For an outdoor space to really shine, experts recommend considering multiple sources of light, zones for different uses and durability

“When you walk into a great restaurant or a summer wedding and you wonder why it feels so magical, lighting is why.” founder of HMS Interiors

No outdoor entertaining space — even one with quality furniture, beautiful landscaping and a barbecue-ready grill — is ready to take a star turn at an evening event until you add lighting. ■ “When you walk into a great restaurant or a summer wedding and you wonder why it feels so magical, lighting is why,” says Hillary Stamm, founder of HMS Interiors in California.

You could just throw up an LED table lamp. On the some string lights and call it a other hand, “if you’re dining day, of course. But to get the outside, cozy low lighting works most of your outdoor space — well,” he says. (Think candles whether it’s an apartment and string lights.) balcony or a sprawling backyard And you’ll want to take with a pool and gazebo — advantage of the latest technology. experts suggest having multiple Putting lights on Wi-Ficompatible sources of light. “You’re not timers, for example, trying to create a really bright will save energy and help space,” Stamm says, “but you you adhere to the Dark Sky do need two to three sources of initiative guidelines, says Los light, such as outdoor can Angeles-based garden designer lights, candles or sconces.” Stephanie Bartron. They encourage

Jason Jorgensen, owner of homeowners to only Third Spring Landscape Design use light when needed, on the in Seattle, says to think in areas needed, and to make sure zones. What are you going to do it’s no brighter than necessary, outside? If it’s reading under a so people can help minimize covered deck, you might opt for light pollution.

Here are some specific fixtures that Stamm, Jorgensen and Bartron recommend.

Tabletop lights

Stamm likes Threshold’s maize outdoor lantern candleholders from Target ($20 to $30, target.com) to add texture to your outdoor space. Pair them with battery-operated flameless candles. She suggests arranging them in groups of three for a custom, layered look.

Jorgensen likes using rechargeable table lamps, such as the Poldina Pro ($169, zaffer

POTTERY BARN Outdoor globe string lights from Pottery Barn come in 25- or 50-foot strings. Hang them alone or in groups of up to three sets with table or standing posts as a support to prevent them from swinging in the breeze too much. $59 to $248

TARGET Threshold’s maize outdoor lantern candleholders add texture and warmth to your outdoor space. Available at Target. $20 to $30