Chances are that you take pride in the appearance of your home and want to enjoy it as much as you can, even when the sun goes down. So, perhaps you are considering patio lighting. Adding lighting to your home’s patio can enhance safety by brightening walkways. It can also create dramatic looks and effects in your home.
Whatever the reason – amplifying the beauty of your home, creating a secure environment, or simply relaxing and entertaining – proper planning can help you get the most out of your patio lighting.
Use Different Types of Lighting
Consider a couple of different types of lighting to provide ambiance as well as safety. Accent lights are usually space saving and low voltage. They can be mounted on posts, railings, or steps that focus light downward, increasing visibility. Outdoor rated holiday lights or rope lights can be used on your deck year-round to create a relaxing atmosphere. Cast shadows on walls or other flat surfaces by placing lights in front of trees, fixtures, or sculptures. Accent lights placed at the base of a tree or in the ground can create a dramatic highlight.
How to Do It
Begin the planning process by sketching out your patio. Ideally, the best time to install lighting is while you are landscaping, but it can be added at any time. Keeping safety in mind, decide the amount of lighting that you want. At a minimum, you want to light steps and dark areas. Before purchasing lighting, try out some of your ideas at night with a flashlight. You will also see that you have ambient light coming from other sources that you should note. Consider a mix of standard voltage lighting for a brighter, more illuminated area and low voltage lighting for mood and accents. You might even want to try solar.
Don’t overdo it. Less is more. Lighting comes in all shapes and sizes – suspended, mounted on your home, under eaves, on poles, and in the ground. Do some research, and decide what works best for you. With the proper lighting, not only will you be able to maximize the use of your home and patio, you’ll be able to show it off – literally. Contact us to get started.