Brighten Up Small Spaces with Patio Torches

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All too often our dreams are hampered by realities beyond our control. Many abandon any hope of incorporating beautiful landscape lighting into their home design simply because the space they have to work with seems to be inadequate to go for a bold statement. But the reality is that even small spaces such as balconies and patios can metamorphose into exquisitely lit getaways with the convenience of outdoor patio torches.

Getting the most out of a small balcony for example means adopting a less-is-more approach. Obviously, a dozen open flames haphazardly strewn about the space is going to seriously limit any other decorations you can include, but it is also clearly a safety hazard. Limit yourself to a simple table-top patio torch and maybe one or two rail-mounted torches. If you include some plants and tropical touches in your decoration, the illusion of a little luau will be well within your grasp.

Table-top patio torches come in a wonderful variety of elegant, contemporary, primitive and whimsical designs. Low, squat varieties such as the decorative piece pictured are safest. Their low center of gravity means they are less likely to be tipped by a, well, tipsy guest or rambunctious child. If you've no such concerns, taller versions similar in appearance to lava lamps are available. The style you choose is really just a matter of personal preference, but try to keep your patio torch selection consistent with your intended theme or dÃ©cor for best results.

Ground level patios offer a bit more flexibility in the number and placement of patio torches, but the limitation here may often be what I like to call concrete jungle syndrome. This condition is often defined by an almost complete absence of soil in which to plant traditional tiki torches for that tropical feel you might want to go for. Even here there are ready solutions available.

For those with little ground in which to plant torches, container gardening is the way to go. Pick a variety of pot styles and sizes to add elevation to your garden design. Use a few of these as "bases" for regular tiki torches and, just like that, you've converted a regular tiki torch into a patio torch. Be sure to include plants in the container surrounding the torch post for a seamless blend.

If you don't have a green thumb or want to minimize upkeep and maintenance by limiting the number of containers and plants, you can still light your concrete or brick patio with torches. As with the balcony suggestion, table-top or torches designed to be mounted to rails and fence posts are an easy solution. In addition, you can purchase metal or concrete bases designed specifically for tiki torches. These bases are heavy and provide a firm footer for your torch to minimize tipping potential, but a bit of extra caution is still warranted.

With all these patio torch ideas, one element applies same as with any other garden torch and that's to apply some common sense safety approaches. Try to keep the torches out of the way of foot traffic, don't use them if the wind is strong and be sure to educate children and guests to ensure there's no horseplay around the open flames. Always store the fuel for your torches in a cool spot out of direct sunlight and check your torches for leaks at the beginning of every season. Finally, ensure there are no overhead objects such as flags, streamers or anything else flammable near the torch.

With a bit of creative design and minimal sacrifice, even the concrete-hardened confines of a small balcony or patio can be transformed into a lush, tropical escape you'll want to return to again and again with the addition of patio torches. Don't let your small spaces dictate your design preferences. Just accept you'll have to bend a little to accommodate the room you have to work with.