The Pooky Party Lighting Guide

Discover top tips for lighting any kind of party, indoor or outdoor, from the experts at Pooky Lighting

The right lighting can really set the mood and help bring a party to life. From fun family gatherings to intimate dinner parties, we’ve enlisted the help of the experts at Pooky to provide practical tips and insights for creating the perfect party lighting, whatever the occasion.

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Lighting for a big family party

Party lighting has two important roles: first, making sure there’s plenty of practical illumination and secondly creating the right mood and atmosphere. When it comes to lighting for a big family gathering, it’s a good idea to consider each area or zone.

Brighter light is more energizing and stimulating and is well suited to areas such as the food and drink zone. Softer, yellow light is more calming and is great for creating chill-out areas where people can relax and mingle.

Place a pair of matching floor lamps either side of a comfy sofa or pop a decorative table lamp in a cosy corner or alcove for a warm, ambient glow. Finally, add some beautiful party backdrops, garlands and table accessories to elevate the different zones.

Lighting for an evening dinner party

Whether it’s a formal dinner, a meal with friends or a romantic supper for two, the key to lighting an evening dinner party is to include plenty of warm, low-level mood lighting that feels intimate and flatters your guests. Base your party lighting scheme around the dining table.

If you have a fabulous ceiling light – a chandelier or a row of striking pendant lights – hang it low and centrally over the dining table as a centrepiece and talking point but keep it dimmed. Otherwise, turn off the main overhead lighting and use floor lamps and table lamps placed around the wider space.

Enhance your dining area and make it the focal point of the room with some beautiful table candles and tableware.

Lighting for an outdoor party

There’s nothing quite like an alfresco party and well-chosen outdoor lighting can help your outside space look and feel fabulous.

Rechargeable table lamps are perfect for bringing warmth and atmosphere to an outdoor party. They are lovely decorative objects and completely portable, so you can place them exactly where you like, whether it’s on a balcony, veranda, patio or outdoor table.

Add some stylish table candles and fairy lights for the perfect outdoor party feeling.

Lighting for a festive drinks party

A festive drinks party is all about creating atmosphere. You can use your lighting to create a range of moods and effects. A large sitting room feature light, suspended low over a coffee table, will really come into its own.

You can also create highlights and accents with floor lamps and table lamps placed on either side of a fireplace, on shelves or in alcoves.

Lighting for a kids’ birthday party

Kids’ birthday parties are all about fun, color and energy. There are all sorts of party light options, from colored lanterns to twinkling fairy lights, light-up balloons and disco balls, not to mention the birthday candles. Here you can have fun by combining a range of vibrant party lights.

Aim for plenty of bright lighting in key areas such as the disco floor and food area. Add extra sparkle with fun decorations and tableware. From birthday banners and balloon garlands to sparkler candles and themed plates, cups and napkins, you can create a birthday party to remember.

Finally, for added atmosphere, some beautiful festive candles and candle holders will create a warm, ambient glow. Place them at strategic points around the room, on a mantelpiece or drinks table, or use them to create a lovely festive scene

Lighting for parties – 5 key tips to take away

If you love to host a lot of parties, here are five top tips for investing in your home lighting:

1. Have lots of layers of light

Don’t rely on a single overhead light source. In your main party rooms and kitchen, have plenty of options for different scenarios: table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights. See more tips in Pooky’s expert guide to layering light in the home.

2. Buy a bunch of small rechargeable table lamps

They look amazing on dining tables, can be taken outside for alfresco parties and give you endless options for layering your light.

3. Rechargeable wall lights are a lighting lifesaver

If you don’t want to do disruptive rewiring, rechargeable wall lights are brilliant and as easy to install as hanging a picture.

4. Hang dining room lights low

Hang your central ceiling light low over the middle of the table. As a rule of thumb, the bottom of the light should be about 30 to 34 inches above the table with an 8ft ceiling. If your ceiling is higher, add three inches in pendant height for every foot of ceiling height.

5. Lights on when the party’s over

Soft warm lighting is great during the party, but when it’s time for guests to leave, turn the music off and the big lights on. Don’t sacrifice a central overhead light completely.

Whether you’re looking for a fun, energetic vibe or a cosier, more intimate feel, with well-chosen party lighting you can create the perfect atmosphere.