Patio lights Center

Patio umbrella lights can be a great way to extend backyard fun. By adding illumination to your patio, you can continue to enjoy your patio furniture long after the sun has gone down.

Patio umbrellas are a charming way to add shade and comfort to any patio, yard or deck. However, once the sun has set, a shade umbrella can be somewhat superfluous. Rather than removing, or just ignoring your umbrella come evening, installing lighting on a patio umbrella turns it into a useful and beautiful decoration that extends your outdoor enjoyment well into the evening hours.

Patio umbrella lights come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials, each with their own advantages and drawbacks.

Umbrella lighting can utilize LED lights, incandescent lights, or old-fashioned flame lanterns. LED lights are becoming a highly popular choice in home decorative lighting. They are smaller than incandescent bulb lights, longer lasting and very inexpensive. In addition, insects are less attracted to the glow of an LED light, a definite advantage when used outdoors. They burn brightly for their small size while generating minimal heat, making them safe even when positioned close to the canvas of an umbrella. The white lights give off a cold, bluish glow that some people find unattractive, although they are also available as colored lights or with colored shades or covers. Incandescent lights come in white, colors or covered varieties and have a soft, warm glow similar to indoor lighting. They can get warm over time and should not be placed directly adjacent to flammable or heat sensitive fabrics or objects.

Candles, lanterns and oil lamps rely on burning flammable substances to produce light. This is the most basic form of illumination, requiring nothing beyond the lamp, oil or candles and matches. The light is warm and soft, but can produce smoke and is almost certain to attract insects. Lanterns that use burning oil or candles should be placed and monitored carefully, due to the risk of fire. A safer alternative might be ‘flameless candle’ lights, which imitate the flicker of firelight.

Patio umbrella lighting can take several forms. The simplest is string lighting, a variant of old fashioned Christmas style fairy lights. They can be a single string, attached to the outer edge of the umbrella or wrapped around the umbrella pole, or a radial string designed to attach to the spokes of the umbrella. String lights are available in a wide variety of styles and colors. Many string lights feature molded plastic covers, such as flamingos, dragonflies or other designs, making them useful for themed parties or any occasion on which whimsical or unusual lighting is desired. String lights are also available with miniature Asian paper-lantern covers, for an elegant, understated look.

As with holiday lights, try to purchase string lights that stay on even when one or two bulbs have broken or burnt out to avoid having to replace the entire string when one bulb fails. Lantern-style lights can be hung from the spokes of a patio umbrella for concentrated lighting, though care must be taken to choose lighting that is not too heavy for the umbrella supports. Chandelier or pole lights are affixed to the center pole of the umbrella, and can be raised or lowered as needed. This can be particularly useful for activities such as playing cards late into the evening. They can be a simple lighted disk, or an elaborate multi-bulb sconce. Chandelier lights give a classic look to outdoor decorating, particularly suited to formal events such as evening weddings, but require removing the umbrella pole from its stand to install and remove.

Outdoor patio umbrella lights can be powered by batteries, electricity or solar batteries. Solar power lights can be placed anywhere, but depend on several hours of direct sunlight to charge the battery fully and may not charge properly on overcast days. Electric lights plug into any outlet or extension cord and are most suitable for patio sets located near the house outlets or an outdoor generator. Battery powered lights can be strung anywhere without regard to outlets or available sunshine, though keeping a spare package of batteries nearby might be advisable.

A patio umbrella with lights is a wonderful way to extend your patio entertaining or relaxing late into the evening without being dependent on harsh flood or porch lights. A patio umbrella light is available in a variety of styles and powering formats and can be as elaborate or as simple as your budgeting or entertaining needs require.

People often do not realize what a major transformation patio string lights can make to their patio and yard especially when entertaining. They are easy enough to install, come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes and can be left up through out the year.

In addition to providing a festive air about the patio and garden areas, they also provide a source of security with the flip of a switch. A party atmosphere can be enhanced by using decorative theme covers and or highlighting functions such as the dance floor or bar with specific colors. You can choose whimsical fun patio string lighting or go for an elegant sophisticated look.

Design Choices

Three of the most popular types of string lighting from which to choose include hanging lanterns, hanging bulbs and rope lights. Some people are only looking for lighting that provides a warm glow, while others are interested in bright light for security or outdoor grilling. Hanging lanterns can add a charming effect providing bright light for festive occasions.

Hanging bulbs will also provide strong light using higher wattage than rope lights. For intimate low lighting, select the soft glow of rope lights. Additional types of string lighting include LED light sets and bulbs, C9 or C7 strings and bulbs, globe light sets and mini lights. Look for lighting at home improvement stores locally or visit lighting websites online. If you are buying locally, you can save on taxes by purchasing in another county with lower rates. Watch for deals online with free shipping offers and most sites do not charge any tax.

Choosing Lights for your Needs

Above all people want the best looking lights, at the least expensive price and any duel purpose would be a plus. If you plan to entertain often then you should probably select lighting that not only provides light but also looks festive and adds to the look of the exterior design of your home. The only real limitation for hanging outdoor string lights is that they must be plugged into at least one outdoor socket. Read the manufacturers recommendations; some can piggyback up to three strings on one socket.

Take a few measurements before getting serious about shopping; you will have a better idea of what it will cost when you have all the measurements. A good rule of thumb for average costs will be about $40 for 15 feet. Of course, the more detailed designs or expensive materials always run a bit more in cost.

Are you just going to string lights in and around the patio, deck, pool area or did you want to highlight some garden arbors and fountains too? Do not forget safety lighting for railing and staircases. Consider longer lasting commercial grade lighting for any outdoor string light that will be mounted permanently. You save a little time and energy later if you determine an overall design for the whole yard area so it can all be done on one weekend when you already have ladders and equipment out.

It sure is fun to decorate with party theme lights. They help to establish the theme of a party and put guests in the mood for celebrating. Theme lighting can be shaped in cute designs of: leprechauns or shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, piñata lights for Cinco de Mayo or red, white and blue for the Fourth of July.

Installing Patio Light Strings

Untangle the lighting strings and lay them out where they will be installed to get a better perspective of how they should be hung. The easiest method for hanging lights is to install hardware hooks at about one foot intervals. Another option is electrical staples; just be sure you are using the proper type for electrical wiring.

Many people pay special attention to the inside design of the home and neglect the enormous potential of the outdoors, and the patio lights that can make it a magical space.

An Important Space

The backyard patio can be full of inspiration.  Choosing decorative furniture with dining space, chairs for lounging, and plenty of shade, all contribute to a functional and relaxing place to be.  Take it a level higher by using contrasting but coordinated colors and textures with the fabrics in chairs and pillows; and carefully selecting several types of lighting to illuminate the perimeter, dining space, and even the pathways leading throughout the landscaping.

While lighting is a necessity in order to be able to use the space at night, harsh outdoor spot lights are too bright to create a comfortable atmosphere, blinding guests and creating heavy, unpleasant shadows.

The availability of stylish designer patio lighting today makes this a simple problem to solve.  If we assume that the typical patio has at least one walkway, a space for guests to sit around a table, an umbrella and some landscaping features, which will need a touch of accent lighting. The following are some suggestions for essential outdoor patio lights.

Light to Move By

A subtle glow is sufficient for most patio gatherings at night, allowing sensitive night vision to adjust gradually.  This is especially true for walkways and the perimeters of raised patios.  Having ground lights with low wattage bulbs in these areas is a safety issue, helping people find their way without spraining an ankle or stepping into a flowerbed.

The styles of lights for this purpose range from the contemporary to the rustic, but at night, a simple unobtrusive glow is the most important detail.  The do-it-yourselfer can install a pathway kit with a series of 30-watt halogen lamps, lighting wire, and transformer in a day’s time.

For the patio dining area, a string of low voltage patio lights hung from an umbrella, or attached to the outside edge of a raised patio will offer the perfect illumination for an intimate gathering of friends.

If the cooking is done close by, consider attaching a task light on an adjustable arm next to the cooking surface to avoid spilling out towards the guests.  This is also the ideal spot to hang lantern patio lights.  There are several options for placing these; either from the umbrella, on a nearby railing, or from tree branches if they are present.

If the homeowner wishes to provide light for sports or games at night, spotlights should be used, but aimed away from areas where guests are relaxing if possible.  Also, if there are landscaping elements to be highlighted, carefully placed accent lights with adjustable heads are inexpensive and easy to install.

Designs and Installation

An outdoor patio light will be either hardwired and hooked up to a transformer box, or powered by a solar charged battery.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both.  A hardwired set has no limit on the length of time it can stay on, but requires additional time and effort to install properly.  When the homeowner has many lights to install, an extra transformer box may be needed to handle the total wattage.

With solar lighting, the installation is simple, and wiring is almost never needed.  The batteries charge from the UV rays of the sun, which are present even in cloudy weather, and there is no limit to the number of lights the sun can power up.  However, you have less control over these lights, as they do rely on getting enough sun for the maximum charge, which typically lasts from dusk to dawn.

That said, both types of the patio light are made in every style from the simple to the bizarre.  Be sure yours make a personal statement, and provide practical illumination for your outdoor space.