Tips for Great Patio Lighting

The patio is one of the most neglected outdoor spaces in most homes. Some people would rather watch TV or surf the net than hang out on their patio. And who can blame them? Most patios are dark and dreary, offering little to no ambiance, and we hardly consider creating a relaxing space without great lighting. Here are some tips for creating great lighting for your patio that will help you enjoy it to the max!

Plan It Out

Thinking through how you want your patio to look and feel is the first step in creating a sense of style. Are you interested in a casual gathering place or a more formal setting? Do you want to be able to light the whole area or just certain parts of it? What kind of lighting will work best with your home's architecture, landscaping, and interior design?

Choose the Right Bulbs

Many homeowners think of patio lighting as strictly decorative or ornamental, but that doesn’t have to be the case! When choosing bulbs, consider how bright they will appear at night — especially if there are no other sources of light nearby — and whether they cast any color on their surroundings (which can be great for creating ambiance). You may also want to consider what kind of bulb life cycle suits your needs best (LEDs last longer than incandescent bulbs).

Use String Lights

String lights are one of the easiest types of patio lights to install. You can use them in any area of your yard, from around your patio area to along walkways or even just on bushes and trees. They come in a wide variety of colors and brightness levels, so you can choose something that matches the look you want. If you're looking for something more permanent, you can attach the string lights directly to a wall or post with hooks or other mounting hardware. If you're looking for something more temporary, try using twist ties or clothespins to hold them up temporarily until they're no longer needed.

Use Solar Lighting

Solar lighting is an excellent option if you have a small budget or don't want to deal with wiring and plugs. These lights are powered by solar panels that collect energy during the day and convert it into electricity. This means they're easy on the environment since they don't use electricity generated by fossil fuels like coal or natural gas. Many solar lights come with rechargeable batteries that you can use when you don't have access to sunlight. This makes them ideal for patios where shade may be an issue during parts of the day.

Add Layers to Your Lighting

Add layers to your lighting. If you're only going to add one light fixture, consider adding another one that's farther away from where people will be sitting or standing. If you want to add more than two fixtures, consider using different types of lighting — such as a lantern or string lights — so you don't end up with too many identical sources of light.

Install Large Light Fixtures

Installing large light fixtures is one of the best ways to create a beautiful outdoor space. They're a great statement piece. Think along the lines of an outdoor chandelier.

These fixtures will give the patio more light and make it easier for people to see their way around. This is especially important if there are steps leading up to the terrace or if there are plants that need watering at night.

Conclusion

The patio is one of the most neglected outdoor spaces in most homes. Some people would rather watch TV or surf the net than hang out on their patio. And who can blame them? Most patios are dark and dreary, offering little to no ambiance, and we hardly consider creating a relaxing space without great lighting. Here are some tips for creating great lighting for your patio that will help you enjoy it to the max!