Specialized lighting adds atmosphere to your outdoor décor

Specialized lighting adds atmosphere to your outdoor décor

A trend toward creating outdoor rooms has dramatically increased lighting options for homeowners who want to extend their time outside.

Most indoor lighting fixtures -- chandeliers, pendant lights, table lamps -- now have a counterpart designed for patios or decks.

"Outdoor lighting is a mood setter. It can make or break a design just like it can indoors."

The abundance of products lets you make outdoor spaces more functional, said Rich Young of Outdoor Living Brands in Richmond, Va. "It allows families to extend the square footage of their home. With the right light, you can extend the evening for dining or reading or other activities outdoors."

When choosing fixtures, consider how much light is necessary, said Alene Workman, a spokeswoman for the American Society of Interior Designers. A table needs sufficient light so diners can eat, but a conversation area may need only soft mood lighting.

Be creative with table lighting, suggests Krissa Rossbund, a senior style editor at Traditional Home magazine.