Can chandeliers be outside?

Chandeliers have long been a staple of elegant indoor lighting, gracing ballrooms, dining rooms and foyers with their sparkling elegance. But lately some homeowners have been bringing the drama outside by installing chandeliers on covered patios, porches and pergolas. So can you have an outdoor chandelier? Let’s take a closer look.

The Short Answer

Yes, chandeliers can absolutely be used in outdoor spaces, as long as some special considerations are taken into account during selection and installation. Outdoor chandeliers need to be durable and made to withstand the elements. And they require proper mounting and wiring to ensure safety and function.

Challenges of Outdoor Chandeliers

While gorgeous, chandeliers come with some inherent challenges when used outdoors:

• Weather exposure – Outdoor chandeliers must withstand sun, rain, snow and wind. Moisture and UV light can damage fixtures.
• Temperature fluctuations – Heat, cold and rapid temperature swings can impact lighting performance and longevity.
• Bugs and dirt – Insects and dust are drawn to light fixtures and can get inside.
• Security concerns – Outdoor fixtures may be more vulnerable to people tampering with them.

However, when the right chandelier is properly installed in the right spot, these concerns can be adequately addressed.

Tips for Selecting an Outdoor Chandelier

Here are some top tips for choosing an outdoor chandelier:

• Opt for all-weather construction – Seek out fixtures advertised as outdoor, rust proof or all-weather. Water-resistant materials like cast aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel and man-made composites hold up better outside.
• Get the right finish – Powder coated, galvanized and antique finishes stand up to weather best. Avoid ornate details that can collect moisture.
• Consider clear or frosted glass – Clear or frosted glass shades withstand weather better than fabric or parchment. Make sure glass is thermal shock-resistant.
• Pick durable bulbs – LED bulbs last longer than incandescent. Bulbs encased in glass withstand humidity better.
• Check certifications – Look for IP or UL ratings indicating outdoor safety and security testing.
• Review dimensions – Scale fixture size appropriately for the intended outdoor setting so it neither gets lost nor overwhelms.

Ideal Outdoor Chandelier Locations

While outdoor chandeliers can go in many locations, the most popular placement spots include:

• Covered patios – Chandeliers protected under roof eaves help define patio seating areas with sparkle and downward illumination.
• Porches – Hanging fixtures by the front door highlight porch stairs and entries with light and style.
• Pergolas – Lush vines overhead pair perfectly with the romance of a hanging chandelier.
• Pavilions – Free-standing structures and gazebos integrate chandeliers seamlessly into the architecture.
• Trees and posts – Chandeliers mounted to tree trunks or posts lend whimsy and storybook charm.

Avoid placing outdoor chandeliers in direct sun and rain exposure which can damage fixtures over time. And mount them appropriately overhangs for maximum weather protection and security.

How to Install an Outdoor Chandelier

Installing an outdoor chandelier takes a few special considerations:

• Mount to a secure surface – Use sturdy beams, rafters or reinforced posts that can handle the fixture’s weight.
• Hang with outdoor-rated hardware – Use galvanized brackets, hooks and miscellaneous hanging parts.
• Caulk connections – Seal all mounting joints with exterior caulk to prevent water intrusion.
• Use outdoor wiring – Outdoor lights require wiring rated for exposure, moisture and UV light. Hire a licensed electrician if unsure.
• Employ a junction box – House wires and connections in a weatherproof electrical box.
• Add surge protection – GFCI outlets or surge protectors help protect lighting from power fluctuations.
• Get help when needed – If installing over 20 feet high or other challenges exist, consider hiring a professional.

Taking time to correctly mount the chandelier and make wire connections reduces safety risks and ensures the fixture remains securely installed in windy conditions.

Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Chandeliers

A few periodic maintenance steps will help outdoor chandeliers last:

• Keep clean – Gently wipe down the fixture with a damp cloth to remove dirt and bug debris before it builds up.
• Watch for wasp nests – Vacuum out any insect nests found inside shades or fixtures.
• Inspect wires and connections – Check for fraying or loose wires and junction box integrity.
• Check fittings – Ensure canopy, chain, rod and other hanging parts remain securely assembled.
• Consider end-of-season storage – Taking chandeliers down in harsh winters prevents weather damage.
• Reseal as needed – Apply fresh caulk if any cracks or gaps appear in light mounting joints.

Well-made outdoor chandeliers may hold up for years with minimal care. But inspecting and maintaining them periodically helps maximize their longevity outside.

Safety Tips for Outdoor Chandeliers

Any outdoor lighting brings certain safety considerations. Here are some top safety tips for outdoor chandeliers:

• Mount out of reach – Position high enough that people cannot easily touch, tamper with or swing on the fixture (at least 8 feet high).
• Avoid placing near water – Do not install directly over pools, hot tubs or other bodies of water.
• Direct light carefully – Shield or redirect intense light from shining into windows or people’s eyes.
• Shut off power when servicing – Unplug or turn off power via the breaker when cleaning or servicing the chandelier.
• Use a sturdy ladder – Climb a steady, extended ladder to reach the chandelier safely when needed.
• Think about wires – Position wires out of walkways and consider wire covers to prevent tripping risks.

Taking basic precautions helps ensure the chandelier remains securely mounted and its electrical components safely enclosed and guarded.

Top Outdoor Chandelier Styles

Chandeliers come in a wide array of designs suitable for exterior installation. Popular styles include:

Chandelier Style	Features
Rustic	Wrought iron, raw metal finishes, aviation and nautical themes
Transitional	Simple metalwork, clean lines, glass shades
Contemporary	Bold shapes, modern materials like acrylic, minimal ornamentation
Classic	Elaborate metalwork, crystal accents, Victorian or Old World themes
Tropical/Coastal	Woven and natural materials, shells, nautical rope details

Rustic, transitional and tropical styles often translate best to outdoor spaces. But any chandelier style can work outside with durable, weather-resistant construction.

Popular Materials for Outdoor Chandeliers

Outdoor chandelier materials must stand up to sun, rain, salt air and other outdoor elements. Some top material choices include:

• Wrought Iron – Extremely durable forged iron that can be left raw or powder coated for rust protection.
• Stainless Steel – Resists corrosion and requires little maintenance. Often finished with a powder coat.
• Copper – Naturally weather-resistant copper develops an attractive patina over time.
• Brass – Withstands moisture and resists corrosion through metal content ratios and applied finishes.
• Cast Aluminum – Rust-proof, lightweight aluminum that can be styled to mimic wrought iron.
• Glass – Soda lime glass shades stand up to weather extremes if properly sealed and reinforced.
• Acrylic – Durable plastic/acrylic sheds water and resists cracking, chipping and UV damage.

Heavier gauge metals and impact-resistant glass or acrylic shades ensure the chandelier withstands wind, rain and sun exposure over the long term.

Costs of Installing an Outdoor Chandelier

The costs of adding an outdoor chandelier include:

• Fixture cost – $100 to $1000+ depending on materials, size, style and ornate detailing.
• Electrician fees – $50 to $100 per hour; $200+ for complex wiring needs.
• Miscellaneous supplies – $20 to $100 for wiring, conduit, mounting hardware, etc.
• Permits – $100+ permit fees if required for electrical work.

In total, budget $500 to $1500+ to add an outdoor chandelier. Costs climb for installation high above ground level or far from electrical access. Multiple chandeliers will multiply the overall expense.

Chandelier Location	Typical Total Cost Range
Covered patio	$500 – $800
Porch	$800 – $1200
Pergola	$1200 – $1500
High tree limb	$1500+

Save on installation costs by handling less complex wiring needs yourself. But outdoor electrical work should always be done to code by qualified pros.

Alternatives to Full-Size Chandeliers

For those seeking chandelier-inspired style on a budget, consider:

• Mini chandeliers – Compact chandelier fixtures save on cost and suit smaller spaces.
• Lanterns – Hanging lanterns mimic chandelier elegance with simpler lighting.
• Chandelier shades – Readymade shades add chandelier style when paired with basic light kit hardware.
• Chandelier canopies – Strictly decorative canopies and swags mimic the look of a full chandelier.
• DIY options – Assembling a basic light with crystal beads or other embellishments creates a budget chandelier.

Well-chosen alternatives give the feeling of an ornate chandelier without the higher price tag or installation work involved.

The Pros and Cons of Outdoor Chandeliers

Here’s a quick look at the key upsides and downsides of installing outdoor chandeliers:

Pros	Cons
Add drama and elegance outside	Higher cost than basic outdoor lighting
Comfortable, directed downward lighting	Must withstand weather exposure
Highlight architectural details	Higher installation effort
Create focal points in outdoor rooms	Require weatherproof electrical
Range of unique styles	Higher maintenance needs

For the right setting, the visual impact of an outdoor chandelier outweighs the higher cost and care required.

Conclusion

Chandeliers are no longer reserved just for inside dining rooms and foyers. With the right selections and installations, they can add elegance, romance and architectural flair to porches, patios and pergolas, too. Just be sure to choose fixtures made to withstand wind, rain and sun. And take special care to install and wire them safely and correctly for the outdoor environment. With an outdoor-rated chandelier made from durable materials hung in a covered location, you can safely bring the sophistication and style of a chandelier outside.