Outdoor Chandelier Ideas for Patios & Gazebos

Damp-Rated Chandelier: Outdoor Wine Barrel Stave Chandelier

Damp-Rated Chandelier: Outdoor Wine Barrel Stave Chandelier

Covered porches rarely touched by the elements are perfect places for damp-rated chandeliers, but if there is any chance of your fixture encountering rain, ice, or snow, be sure to choose a wet-rated chandelier. These fixtures have enclosed shades and are made of sturdier materials that can stand up to harsh weather. If you live on the waterfront, proximity to coastal areas can be particularly hard on lighting fixtures. Look for or marine-grade outdoor lights with wet-ratings that are constructed from corrosion-resistant materials like brass or resin composites. Remember, outdoor chandeliers can be hung indoors, but indoor-only chandeliers should never be hung outside.

Marine-Grade Outdoor Hanging Light: Jacksonville Hanging Outdoor Lantern

Hang Your Outdoor Chandelier at Least 7 Feet Above the Ground

With any hanging fixture, it is important to install the light at the best height to illuminate your space without causing a safety hazard. For chandeliers positioned over walkways or hung in the center of gazebos or pergolas, the bottom of the fixture should be about seven feet from the ground or floor—higher if you or your friends are particularly tall! Hanging the light at this height reduces the risk of bumped heads or impeded views.

Outdoor Chandelier with Downrods for Adjustable Height: Outdoor Onyx Chandelier

Calculate Your Chandelier Diameter Based on the Space’s Dimensions

Choosing the size of your fixture can be a little more complicated depending on the shape of your space. For an indoor room, we recommend you chose a chandelier with a diameter that is the sum in inches of the length and width of the room—a room that is ten feet long by ten feet wide can support a chandelier with a diameter of twenty inches. The same is true for outdoor chandeliers—however, if your space is oddly shaped, you may have to get a little creative, like hanging multiple fixtures through long, narrow areas, or using smaller chandeliers as accent pieces while ceiling lights or sconces to provide the bulk of the illumination.

20-inch Indoor/Outdoor Fixture for a 10x10 Space: Medium LED Fiber Weave Pendant

Use Your Patio Table as a Sizing Guide

If you’d like to match a chandelier to an outdoor table instead, you can use the table to determine the size and shape of your fixture. First, measure your table at the widest point and subtract twelve inches. This number is the diameter of an appropriately sized chandelier. Then you can use the shape of the table to either accent or contrast the shape of the chandelier—a round chandelier looks great over a round table, while a square chandelier over a round table creates a stylish accent. Linear chandeliers are ideal options for rectangular tables, or you can hang two or three smaller round chandeliers in a line for a bit of modern drama. Just make sure to leave about thirty to thirty-six inches of clearance between the bottom of the chandelier and the tabletop to reduce hazards and leave clear views.

Linear Indoor/Outdoor Chandelier: Rectangular Rustic Chandelier

Advice on Outdoor Chandelier Installation

We recommend you always consult an electrician when installing chandeliers, as certain fixtures may require special considerations for weight and safety. For outdoor areas, a little light can go a long way, so look for fixtures with chandelier light bulbs that are 80 watts or less—or for LED lights, in the range of 100 to 300 lumens. Dimmer lights with a soft, warmer glow are best as they illuminate a space while minimizing the shock of stepping from a lighted area to a darker one.