Brighten Up the Night

Outdoor Elements

Staff -- Casual Living, 1/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

A sensible complement to an outdoor living area, lighting designs that, at first glance, seem to belong indoors are finding success outside. Now traditional lighting for the outdoors, like torches, lanterns and post lighting, is joined by high-class designs in floor and table lamps. It may be hard to believe, but these designs are completely compatible with Mother Nature.

Add Asian ambiance to an outdoor retreat with Tyndale's 27″-high table lamp. The openwork lotus design showcases its hand- applied oxblood finish and is topped with a sesame-colored Outdoorable fabric shade. • Suggested retail $695, Tyndale, 773-384-0800

The weatherproof wicker table lamp from the Casablanca Collection is available in eight finishes: antique white, black forest, bark, bamboo, sweat pea, spa, ebony and chicory. The 33″ lamp features a Sunbrella solid or linen fabric lampshade. • Suggested retail $525, Olympia Lighting, 800-843-4569

The Shoji Table Lantern from the Richard Frinier Collection for Currey & Company brings a Zen-like atmosphere to outdoor lighting. The lantern is finished in antique bronze with Sasian rice Sunbrella shade. • Suggested retail $1,060, Currey & Company, 678-533-1500

An all-weather PVC wicker shade highlights the Tahiti floor lamp. A powder-coated aluminum construction with heavy weighted base and two-level dimming switch ensures this lamp will enhance any outdoor living area. • Suggested retail $218, PLC, 866-736-0796

The Frog Torch stoneware collection from Gardendance is handcrafted of high-fired stoneware. The ceramic torch is about five feet tall and includes the solid copper lifetime torch assemblies. • Suggested retail $88, other designs are available, Gardendance, 919-245-0400

The Sousse I table lamp crafted from polystone resin resembles a piece of ancient mosaic. It is framed by powder-coated iron and the shade is Sunbrella linen, making it stain, mildew and fade resistant. • Suggested retail $398, Shady Lady, 800-343-1954

The craftsman floor lamp is fashioned of timeless aluminum in a number of finishes with cracked glass inserts. • Suggested retail $668, Terra, 626-912-8523