Season Finales
From heated pendants to rechargeable table lamps, Union Lighting & Furnishings beautifully extends our pleasure of outdoor summer living.
By Julie Gedeon
Summer vacations are over, but the season itself can be enjoyed well into September and even October with the myriad of Union Lighting & Furnishings’ outdoor furniture and innovative accessories to entertain friends or simply laze.
“Let’s start with the amazing sofas that don’t look anything like typical patio sets,” owner Mark Naimer says. “They’re fully upholstered but in a Sunbrella fabric that is fade- and water-resistant—and a great way to give a deck or sunroom a fresh, upscale look.”
As the days get shorter, it’s also essential to have the proper outdoor lighting to make the most of evenings. “Maybe because of our winters, many Canadians don’t tend to put enough emphasis on their landscape lighting,” Naimer notes. “If done well, it greatly enhances a home’s curb appeal and makes a backyard so welcoming, even magical.”
A cardinal rule for outdoor lighting is to ensure that lighting isn’t glaring. “You want the bulb to illuminate a particular space away from people’s faces because in the dark, our eyes are always drawn to the brightest point,” Naimer says. “That’s why it’s essential to have the proper outdoor bulbs paired with the correct outdoor fixture.”
“Maybe because of our winters, many canadians donít tend to put enough emphasis on their landscape lighting. If done well, it greatly enhances a homeís curb appeal and makes a backyard so welcoming, even magical.”
It also explains the popularity of the new indirect linear strips of LED lights being discreetly installed along outdoor walls, privacy screens and poolside. “They’re great because they subtly illuminate areas,” Naimer says. “At night, a little light goes a long way.”
Another new line of outdoor lighting will fend off an evening’s chill: These clever plug-in lights look like regular floor or table lamps or hanging shades but include a heater so you can enjoy your outdoor space, even on brisk days. “It won’t be as powerful as a gas or propane heater, but it’s so easy to use and move around and comes in outdoor fabric with the look of linen in a natural beige or black,” he says.
Using portable USB-rechargeable lamps is another popular trend to create an intimate setting or to put here, there and everywhere as party decor without the fuss or concerns of candles or fueled lanterns. “You may have to bring in some lights to recharge at the end of the night, but they don’t take long to set up again if you make the right selections. They’re great because the puddle of light extends anywhere from a couple of inches to several feet, depending on their size and height,” Naimer says. “And they’re available at all price points with the more elegant ones having ribbed acrylic shades, crystal or alabaster to create any look you want.”
Naimer encourages shoppers to stop by Union Lighting & Furnishings’ showroom at 1491 Castlefield Avenue before making final decisions. “Go on our website to find ideas, but then visit us with those images to make certain you get lighting and furnishings that are the right purpose, scale and feel for your space,” he advises. “In our expansive showroom, you’ll also likely find the ideal products you weren’t aware of to complete your look.”