Patio lights Center

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.