We all know our outdoor spaces often get forgotten as we head into the colder, cloudier fall and winter months here in Sarasota. But we’re here to tell you that the beautiful Florida weather allows for outdoor patio and porch usage from September through February, if properly prepared for.

After all, this isn’t Alaska or Minnesota. All you need to do is make some minor adjustments to your lighting and furniture, and you’ll transform your summer-ready outdoor space into a space that is more appropriate for fall and winter.

At Franklin Lighting, our locally-owned-and-operated lighting showroom has an abundance of outdoor lighting solutions for you to choose from. Whether you already have something in mind or have no idea where to start, our team of lighting consultants can help you find outdoor lighting that will fit your style and your budget.

We’re here to help you with any of your home lighting improvement projects. Contact us for more information or swing by our showroom today!

Amp Up Your Lighting

We all know as we head into the fall and winter months, our sunlight is more limited than it was throughout the summer. In order to get the most use out of your outdoor space without the sunlight, you’ll need to add more lights to the area.

You can swap your outdoor fan with an outdoor ceiling light, or you can hang up some sparkling string lights around the perimeter of your porch or patio. You can also find some great outdoor gas lanterns and hanging lights that will illuminate with a soft glow — perfect for cuddling weather.

Whatever you decide, be sure to layer your outdoor lighting so you can get several different uses out of it. For example, you’ll want a lighting option that is bright enough for when you have guests over, but you also want the option to have dimmer, relaxing lighting for when you’re relaxing on your outdoor patio by yourself.

Add A Heater

This one might seem kind of obvious, especially if you plan on using your outdoor space for long periods of time throughout the fall and winter months. You can opt for a space heater (or two), or you can also install an outdoor fireplace for a nostalgic campfire effect.

You can also invest in some “outdoor only” blankets and pillows to make your outdoor space extra cozy for snuggling.

Switch To LED Lighting

Since you’ll be in the midst of reinventing your outdoor patio or porch, we suggest using this time to invest in some outdoor LED lighting options — especially if you’re updating fairly outdated or old halogen lights.

LED lights might initially cost more, but they will save you more in the future. They have been proven to lower energy costs and they last a lot longer than their alternatives. On top of all that, they are environmentally friendly!

Get Ceiling-To-Floor Shades

Ceiling-to-floor shades are designed to reduce wind chill, which is ideal for Sarasota, especially since so many of us live near the coastline. We know wind can make cold weather even colder, so when you install these relatively inexpensive shades in your outdoor spaces, you’ll be happy you did.

These shades add privacy and can also stay up when the weather warms up, so taking the time to invest in them now means you’ll be able to enjoy your patio or porch whenever you please.

Adjust Your Timer For Your Outdoor Lighting

Most of today’s outdoor lighting systems are installed with a timer, which automatically turns on when it gets dark outside. You can then set the number of hours you want these lights to be on before they are automatically turned off.

If you already have one installed, make sure to adjust your timer to turn on earlier than you had it turn on during the summer. If you don’t have one installed, now is as good of a time as ever! You’ll no longer have to leave early for work in the dark and return to a dark home in the evening.

Shop Outdoor Lighting Products At Franklin Lighting

Are you looking to spruce up your outdoor lighting to be more fitting for the fall and winter months? Look no further than Franklin Lighting in Sarasota.

Our lighting showroom showcases thousands of lighting products that come in a variety of styles and sizes, so we know you’ll be able to find a lighting solution that will work for your outdoor spaces. Whether you live in an apartment with a small balcony or you need lights for your glamorous backyard porch, we have something for you.

If you have any further questions or you want to see our lighting products for yourself, stop by our Sarasota lighting showroom or browse our online catalog. You can also reach us by calling (941) 585-0043 or by filling out our online form.