Types of Patio Lighting
A warm summer night, a group of friends, a cozy fire and a round of drinks served up crisp and cold
on the patio; with the proper patio lighting, this scene can play out in any home across the country with ease.
Having a beautiful patio and backyard is a situation that just begs for the opportunity to host outdoor
entertaining. Rounding out the picture is the perfect placement of the ideal lighting that will create an inviting
and comfortable setting. Too much light will make the patio seem garish and will likely produce the presence of
uninvited guests; flying insects. Too little light could cause someone to trip and make identifying the guests on
the other side of the patio difficult. So how do you make the decision on what type of patio lighting will work
best in the space you have?
There are two basic types of lighting options available; standard voltage and low voltage. Standard voltage
lighting is great for doing work outside after dark, or to illuminate the home for security purposes. It is quite
often much too bright for entertaining, however. Low voltage lights can be used in muted settings, such as water
features in order to showcase the beauty that they present. They can sometimes be too soft for entertaining,
however, especially when the area to be illuminated is a large and spacious one.
Different varieties of patio lighting can provide many different looks to the area. Illumination can come from
below or above; each casting a varying effect on the surroundings. Pathway lights or paving lights give off a soft
glow at the ground level. Lantern lights and spotlights can be placed virtually anywhere in the yard so as to
direct the light wherever it may be needed. A popular means of illumination has developed in rope lights; they are
easily attached to trees, columns, poles and railings while providing a warm ambient radiance to the area
around.
Choices of lighting options are varied in appearance, as well. From the whimsical characters and objects to
sophisticated and elegant, there are lighting styles to suit any décor. With the many temporary string lights
available, the décor can be changed from fun to sedate in mere moments to complement the occasion.
Patio lighting can be the crowning glory on any type of outdoor
entertaining. Bright and colorful or muted and intimate, the type of illumination that makes your patio shine can
set the mood for any get together.
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