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In patio lighting


23 creative ways to light a patio |

(Image credit: Getty Images/Rosendale Design/Lights4Fun)

Patio lighting ideas are a must if you have a patio or are planning to add one to your garden. Taking your space seamlessly from day to night, patio lighting ideas are perfect for extending the usability of your patio.

Just like indoors, outdoor lighting ideas have a dual role of curating an atmosphere and providing practical illumination. Whether you use your patio ideas as an outdoor dining space or as an area to relax with sofas and armchairs, these patio lighting ideas can help you to achieve the perfect balance between pretty and practical.

Patio lighting ideas

When you're planning your patio ideas, it’s vital to create sufficient light for everyone to move around the space and take their seats safely – as well as see their food and drink. But a surfeit of illumination will ruin the cozy ambience, and sense of intimacy.

‘Adding patio lighting ideas to your space, lets you enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on the deck after dinner or allows your gathering to continue well into the night and gives your outdoor living area a cozier ambience,’ says Mark Feldman, chief home officer of Riverbend Home . ‘Try ceiling lights overhead on a covered patio alongside outdoor table lamps, step lights for safety, path lights to illuminate your walkways. For softer lighting, add some candlelight with lanterns or candle holders. You can also hang string lights along railings or overhead for a festive look.’

1. Layer your lighting

(Image credit: Kate Anne Designs)

When designing a patio, you'll need to factor lighting ideas into the equation from the start.

'Lighting is an instant way to make the space feel more custom or higher end,' says Kate Anne Gross, of Los Angeles landscaping design build firm Kate Anne Designs . 'For example, when you go to resorts or high-end restaurants with outdoor seating, their lighting game is always on point.'

To achieve this, Gross says a layered look is key, similar to how you would design a lighting plan indoors. 

2. Hang a chandelier

(Image credit: Josh Young Design House)

Give your patio unmatched wow factor with a chandelier hung from a tree.  

'I love incorporating unexpected, architectural design elements and touches in any space, and we sourced and converted this antique street lantern and hung it like a chandelier above the dining table,' says artist and designer Josh Young, of JOSH YOUNG DESIGN HOUSE . 'Suspended from the branches of our 150-year old maple, the lantern grounds and centers the space, while adding a sense of formality in the garden of our DC townhome.'

3. Frame your outdoor dining table in light

(Image credit: Terrain)

To set an inviting ambience for evening dinners al fresco, wind a set of string lights around an over-the-table rod , like this one from Terrain. It'll instantly elevate your patio furniture ideas, and set a tone for something special.

For a semi-permanent solution you can use plug-in lights, but if you're dressing up your patio for an occasion or lack easy access to a power source, battery-powered lights work just as well. 

4. Use paper lanterns

(Image credit: Jenniy Reimold)

Paper lanterns add whimsy to a patio pergola.

'I love using our back porch for outdoor entertaining with guests, especially under our shaded pergola which is the perfect place to set up a seating area for an evening BBQ. I like to bring the space to life and add some ambiance by tying various outdoor lanterns on branches of a nearby tree or hanging from the top of the pergola,' says Jenny Reimold, interiors stylist and HomeGoods style expert.

Reimold notes that if you're looking for light, opt for lanterns with battery operate candles inside.

5. Add lights to a pool house or shed

(Image credit: Kate Anne Designs)

If you're lucky enough to own a patio that includes a pool house, incorporate patio lighting into your pool house ideas. The structure will likely be set back from your main house in an area that requires additional lighting. 

Adding a few exterior lights to the outer walls of your pool house can turn an unused space into an evening gathering area, a la the patio above, by Los Angeles based landscape firm Kate Anne Designs.  

6. Add wall lights to provide functional illumination under a pergola

(Image credit: Pooky)

Pergola ideas provide a versatile addition to the patio, increasing the usability of your backyard and enabling you to spend more time outdoors. However, when the sun sets the space under your pergola can quickly feel dark. Installing wall lights provides a quick and easy way to extend the usability of the space. 

7. Illuminate structures, trees and arbors for architectural interest

(Image credit: Lights4Fun)

If your patio is framed by an arbor or pergola, or perhaps is flanked by towering trees, then consider entwining the trunks or frame with string lights. One of the most atmospheric patio lighting ideas, they will create a welcoming glow that frames your patio. 

Pair with groups of candles to further set the scene. However, the requirements of safety mean they shouldn’t be left unattended, nor positioned where they could cause a trip hazard. Candles are also liable to be extinguished by the wind outside. Therefore, if you are thinking about adding candles to your patio lighting ideas consider hurricane lanterns which will be protected from breezes and be less likely to topple over. Alternatively, opt for battery powered LED candles, new designs are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, providing a safe and easy way to get the same look as a lit flame.

8. Help your patio to blend into your garden with lighting

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Patio lighting ideas offer the perfect opportunity to harmonise your patio with the rest of your garden ideas. Installing staked solar lights in your border will illuminate the greenery and throw light towards the rest of the garden, rather than just centralising around the patio. Pair your border lights with occasional illumination such as candles and spot lights on the patio and on the table to set a warm and welcoming tone.

9. Create a laid-back party vibe with paper lanterns

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Take inspiration from Miami beach parties and similar celebrations by incorporating paper lanterns into your patio lighting ideas. While traditional paper lanterns are lit with a flame and set free to illuminate the sky, these LED versions make for a beautiful hanging addition to your patio or deck ideas. 

Best used in shaded areas, the nylon outer-casing is durable but will not survive adverse weather, therefore are best used as occasional patio lighting ideas; perfect for setting the ambience for an al fresco dinner party or a family celebration. 

10. Add practical lighting to keep your patio safe

(Image credit: Lighting for Gardens)

As well as looking for patio lighting ideas that help to set the tone of the space, also think about practical patio lighting ideas. For example if your patio has steps or different levels, then illuminating them is a must. 

There are several options for adding patio lighting to steps. The preferred option, where possible, is to set lights into the walls either side of the steps, however, this is not always possible. Alternatives include strip lights that are recessed into the overhang of each step, illuminating the step below, or spot lights that are installed into each step's riser, providing a similar method of illumination.  

When lighting steps, another consideration is the quantity of lights you need. After all, you want enough light to see where you’re walking, but not so many that they detract from your patio. ‘Putting artistic considerations to one side, the quantity of lights you need is mainly determined by the height of the lights above the steps,’ explains Philip Milner, technical manager at Lighting For Gardens . 'If the lights are only a few centimetres above the treads you will need one for every step, or two if you want to light from both sides. If the lights are higher up, (300-400mm) above the steps, one light for every two to three steps is usually sufficient. If you are lighting down from higher up above, you may be able to light a small flight of steps with a single downlighter.'

11. Incorporate patio lighting ideas into your outdoor ceiling fan

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Outdoor ceiling fans are a must for formal patio areas, especially in parts of the country that have frequent heatwaves. However, they also bring with them the opportunity to integrate patio lighting ideas. 'Use an outdoor ceiling fan with lights as it will deliver both task and ambient light to your seating or dining areas as well as offering a cooling breeze,' advises Mark Feldman.

12. Create rustic style with festoon lights

(Image credit: Lights4Fun)

Outdoor string lighting ideas are a great complement to cottage patio ideas and can be easily hung from a rustic pergola. Let them drape towards the table for a soft effect and gentle light for the tabletop. Team them with other light sources for sufficient illumination for the patio area. 

13. Consider a firepit for a natural glow

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Even the warmest days can bring with them cool evenings, So as the sun sets, light up the fire to keep the party going into the night. Firepits have seen a rise in popularity in recent years and for good reason. Creating a cozy centerpiece on your patio, they provide a space around which friends and family can congregate and enjoy each other's company.

In addition to providing heat, the flickering flames also bathe the patio in a soft glow, setting the perfect, intimate backdrop for after dinner conversation.

14. Choose a pendant for outdoor patio lighting ideas

(Image credit: Zinc Textiles)

Pendant lights aren’t just a solution for the interior of a home, outdoor versions make an attractive feature in all different garden ideas, especially when suspended above outdoor dining furniture. When choosing your pendant light, it is important to size up. Opting for a large design will ensure that the light doesn’t become lost in the space. A metallic finish will also catch the sunlight during the day and make for an eye-catching feature.

'Hang pendant fixtures from the ceiling of a covered area with seating, such as your wraparound porch or paved patio. You can choose styles that match your home’s architecture or you can capture the string light look with clustered pendants featuring glass covers and Edison-style bulbs,' says Mark Feldman.

15. Frame an outdoor fireplace with symmetrical wall lights

(Image credit: Rosendale Design)

Set lights either side of an outdoor fireplace to create a sophisticated exterior living room. They can provide sufficient soft background lighting for a seating area that’s gently enhanced by the flickering flames of the lit fire. The symmetry of a pair of lights either side of the fire is the perfect complement to facing sofas that make for a fabulous alfresco entertaining space. 

16. Opt for portable lamps for versatile illumination

(Image credit: Nedgis)

You patio lighting ideas don't have to be permanent fixtures, in fact, investing in a collection of smaller lights that you can move around the patio will offer increased flexibility when creating your lighting scheme. 

From small candles and lanterns through to larger standing lights, portable patio lighting ideas will offer a delicate pool of light that's more than enough to create a cozy atmosphere. Alternatively, layers lots of smaller lights to create a more impressive display.

17. Bring the inside out with a floor lamp

(Image credit: Salt and Steel)

Like pendant lights, floor lamps definitely shouldn’t be confined to the interior of your home. Adding a standing floor lamp can make a stylish addition to a patio used for dining or relaxing and can be bought to complement your patio furniture ideas.

It should, of course, be a version specially made for outdoor use, and a weighted base will help keep it secure in exterior breezes. Want to avoid cables? Look for a design with a chargeable lamp.

18. Mix shapes and colors in your patio lighting ideas

(Image credit: Sparkle Lighting)

A group of lanterns above a patio dining table makes an attractive and eye-catching focal point and are wonderful accessories for brightening patio cover ideas. For a casual boho effect, mix different shapes and shade colors as well as suspending them at different heights.  

Think about echoing the colors that complement your flower bed ideas, or repeat tones from the table setting for a colorful sophisticated display.

19. Go for warm light to create a cozy atmosphere

(Image credit: Ella James)

When selecting your patio lighting ideas, the bulbs are as important as the lights' design. It is important to select bulbs that have a soft effect that is relaxing on the eye. If you’re going for LED lights or solar garden lighting ideas, that means picking a type that produces warm white light like those shown here. Cool white is more luminous than warmer tones, however, it is can feel cold and slightly clinical. Therefore, cool lights are better suited to practical applications rather than creating a cozy laid-back environment. 

20. Wash light down a wall

(Image credit: Davey Lighting)

If your patio is sheltered by a wall, it’s the ideal place to add permanent lighting that makes using the space super convenient. Wall lights with a hooded lid will wash light down the wall to make a feature of a painted or textured surface and to illuminate patio planting ideas or seating below as well as providing general illumination.

21. Hang a series of pendant lights to create a centerpiece

(Image credit: Nest )

Just as in indoor dining room ideas, a row of pendant lights over the table makes a great feature outdoors too. The key to achieving this look is to ensure that you have enough lights to illuminate the whole length of the table. 

Also, bear in mind that they’ll need to be suspended high enough to avoid blocking views and conversation across the table, but at a level lower than a pendant: the series should feel visually connected to the table below.

22. Double up with a patio light with integrated heater

(Image credit: Umbra)

If you live in a cooler part of the country, you'll know the value of a patio heater. Consider choosing an electric version that will provide light for the area as well as warmth. Select a design with a shade has the style of a lamp, too, as well as a lamp’s elegant lines.

If your patio is small, and a floorstanding patio heater will take up too much of the space, tabletop versions are a neat and handsome alternative.

23. Complement a contemporary patio with wall lights

(Image credit: Future)

If your patio is part of a modern yard design with the emphasis on hardscaping with materials such as stone, concrete and metal, along with architectural planting,  your patio lighting ideas need to be contemporary, too. 

Echo the geometric lines of the yard design in the shape of wall lights, and repeat the colors of a modern materials palette as well for a pulled-together effect.

What are the best lights for an outdoor patio?

The best lights for outdoor patio are those that suit the way in which it’s used, and which complement its style. For a festive feeling, outdoor string lights are hard to beat and can be solar or battery-powered, which makes them easy to fit and avoids any trailing cable worries.

But for regularly used patios, fitted lighting is the most convenient, and can combine pendant and wall lights as background lighting, along with other patio lighting ideas such as exterior floor and table lamps, plus accent lighting to highlight plants and architectural features. This will, of course, be best incorporated at the same time as you are planning and designing a patio, although can be less neatly retro-fitted.

If you are fitting electric lighting or outside outlets, always follow building codes and regulations and call in a qualified contractor.  

How do you light an outdoor patio?

To light an outdoor patio, think first about the ambient or background lighting for the space. This could be from an outdoor pendant light or string lights, for example, and will create overall light for the patio that’s soft and atmospheric.

You could complement these with wall lights on some patios. Just make sure to look for up and down lights to avoid glare.

If you’re grilling as well as dining on the patio, don’t forget that you will need bright enough light for safe working – in other words, task lighting. This should be able to be operated separately, though, so you can turn it off once cooking is done for a more relaxing mood.

For patios with seating areas, floor and table lamps are worthwhile additions to a lighting scheme, casting intimate pools of light over those seated.

Don’t forget that accent lighting that puts the focus on chosen features can double as a safety feature, highlighting the edge of the patio or steps, for instance. Any path to a patio should also be lit so the way to the area is clearly apparent. 

Do I need a special bulb for an outdoor light?

Yes, you do need a special bulb for an outdoor light. All outdoor lightbulbs will have a UL Rating. Look for bulbs that have been classified as UL Listed.  It must be UL Listed not UL Certified as Certified bulbs have not been tested for use outside. 

UL Listed bulbs will also provide guidance on  where the bulb can safely be used. Bulbs listed for use in a Damp Location can be used in a sheltered patio, such as one that is attached to the house. However, if your bulbs are to be used outside, ensure that they are listed for Wet Locations. These can be used in the garden for all your patio lighting ideas.

Can I leave patio lights out in winter?

Yes, you can leave patio lights out in winter so long as they have been rated suitable for outdoor use. However, leaving your patio lighting ideas outside during harsh winters will shorten their lifespan. This is especially true of solar lights where the solar panels can become damaged by snow and ice over time. 

To set an inviting ambience for evening dinners al fresco, wind a set of string lights around an over-the-table rod , like this one from Terrain. It'll instantly elevate your patio furniture ideas, and set a tone for something special.

For a semi-permanent solution you can use plug-in lights, but if you're dressing up your patio for an occasion or lack easy access to a power source, battery-powered lights work just as well. 

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. 

With contributions from

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If you've visited a mass retail store any time during the warmer months, you may have noticed a minimal and standardized selection of patio light options, usually with lengths only up to 25 feet -- which is not long enough for most outdoor applications. And, very few bulb size, shape and color options. This "one-style fits all" lighting selection is fine for some but it doesn't really address that we all have different outdoor space configurations. Different lighting style preferences. Different budgets. Different needs.

Patio string light lengths, light colors, bulb shapes, bulb sizes and bulb finishes all make a difference. To help you create the outdoor scene of your dreams, complete with lighting that fits your individual style, we've come up with our most helpful tips and tricks for selecting patio bulbs and light strings as well as mistakes to avoid before you buy.

Get the right length string lights

Measuring Tips - Part of what makes patio lights unique is the natural swag or arc that is created when you hang them. While beautiful, this natural curve is often the cause of strings that don't quite reach despite exact measurements being taken. To make sure you have enough length to cover your entire space, swag included, you'll want to measure the area in which you plan to hang your lights and then buy light strings that are 2 to 6 feet longer than your linear measurement. If you end up with a little more string length than you need you can always shorten it by doubling it up on the ends.

Hanging Patio Light Patterns - Some popular light hanging patterns include the zig zag, the X, the scallop and the square. Different spaces may lend themselves to different patterns so consider the look you'd like to achieve. First, determine if you want your patio lights to hang taut or if you'd rather they create a sweeping effect across your space. Next, choose a pattern and measure the total linear feet you need accordingly. Then add a few feet to the measurement to account for a swag, if you want one.

String Lights on Stakes - Use shepherds hooks to hang lights along a path, or create perfect spacing with walkway light stakes. When planning the length of lights to use, you'll want to estimate for the natural dip that will occur between stakes.

Choose The Best Light Bulbs

Patio light bulbs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to complement any space or decorative style. The image above illustrates the type of bulbs available as well as the bulb base size. Bulb base size is important to know in order to match the bulbs you choose with the appropriate string socket size. For example, bulbs with E12 candelabra bases will need to be paired with a light string that has E12 sockets.

Globe light bulbs are the most common choice in outdoor string lights and iconic for their round shape. Globe lights range from small G30 (30mm) bulbs, perfect for cozy spaces to larger, G50 (50mm) bulbs which are ideal for larger areas where greater size and coverage is needed.

Edison light bulb shapes come in many varieties but the S11 and S14 feature more elongated bulbs, which are very popular because of their unique look. A15 and A19 bulbs are also a popular choice because they are the universal light bulb look.

C Bulbs are typically associated with Christmas lights and are routinely seen right side up. However, you can just as easily turn them upside down and achieve the same patio string light look. Because the shape of C7 and C9 bulbs is more elongated like a candle tip, it creates a more slender and long light halo.

LED Patio Light Bulbs

LED patio bulbs are available with glass and acrylic lenses and a variety of finishes. LED patio lights are long lasting and incredibly vivid. Additionally, if your project requires a long run of bulbs, going LED means less time configuring power supply needs, calculating max wattage and worrying about blowing fuses.

Bulb Finishes Matter

Glass vs. Acrylic

The choice to go with glass or acrylic patio bulbs often comes down to durability, budget and display. Glass bulbs are generally less expensive than their acrylic counterparts which can be very important when factoring budget into your outdoor lighting equation. Although initially more expensive, acrylic bulbs are shatterproof and the colors are infused into the material instead of being painted on, so they won't fade, chip or crack. Additionally, because acrylic bulbs are also LED, they stay cool to the touch, providing convenience and peace of mind. While budget and durability weigh heavily in the decision to go glass or acrylic, the choice is also often one of personal preference regarding display. Glass bulbs are iconic in the patio lighting world, so it is understandable why many people are drawn to their classic beauty, whereas others love the vivid colors and modern designs found in acrylic LED bulbs.

Clear, Faceted, Satin and Pearl

Clear bulbs allow the light to shine its brightest while also showing off the filament or interior bulb design. This is classic finish, perfect for any space and especially popular in larger outdoor applications.

Faceted bulbs cast a stunning light pattern when hung near or against solid surfaces, adding an interesting design element to your light display.

Satin and Pearl bulbs diffuse the light to create a soft, inviting glow, and they look like decorative accents during the day, adding to their appeal.

Transparent Patio Light Bulb

Faceted Patio Light Bulb

Pearl Patio Light Bulb

Opaque Patio Light Bulb

Get the Appropriate String Light

Wire Insulation Comparison

Wire Insulation

SPT2 Wire For Longer Runs - You might notice the distinctions of SPT1 and SPT2 made between string light wires. This notation indicates wire insulation which is an important consideration, especially when planning longer term lighting installations. SPT1 wire is the standard for moderate to normal light usage, while thicker SPT2 wire insulation supports higher wattage bulbs and provides better protection against the elements, particularly in regions with extreme weather patterns and temperatures.

Patio Light Tips & Secrets

norms, methods of lighting, selection of lamps

Terraces or patios are often arranged for a cozy design of the open area of ​​a private house. They allow you to arrange your vacation or evening gatherings with the family, however, the planned activities will stop after dark if there is not enough visibility. That is why in this article we will consider the lighting of the terrace. In view of the fact that all lighting fixtures will be located on the street, a number of special requirements are imposed on them.

Standards and regulations

When providing outdoor lighting on a terrace, it is important to take into account the effects of moisture from precipitation or temperature changes, dust injection and direct sunlight.

In addition, note that insects at night can be a real punishment on the summer veranda. Therefore, all terrace lighting devices must be located at some distance from sofas, chairs and tables.

Ways of lighting a terrace

All terraces differ both in the way they are made and in their dimensions, which will further determine the methodology and strategy for organizing their lighting. In general, all methods may differ in style, layout and purpose. You can arrange outdoor veranda lighting in hi-tech, classic, ethno, country, loft, etc. styles. The main thing is that the idea is consistent with the interior design.

In addition, the method of lighting may differ in the location of lighting devices: on the ceiling, in the floor, along the perimeter of the fence or walls. Of course, all of them can perfectly complement each other in the exterior design of a residential building, so you can combine several sources into a single composition. For example, install one central terrace lighting device and decorative step lighting. By purpose, terrace lighting can be divided into basic lighting, decorative or backlighting, then we will consider each of them in more detail.

Base light

Base light is designed to provide sufficient visibility on the terrace. In fact, this is a house adjoining territory, which can have a closed and open type of execution. If there is a roof or canopy, basic lighting devices can be mounted in the ceiling plane, as this provides good coverage of the space below them.

However, this solution is not always advisable:

The number and angle of dispersion of lighting devices should be selected depending on the area and design of the veranda.

Decorative lighting

In addition to the general lighting of the terrace, many owners do not lose the opportunity to turn this space into a fabulous corner on their site. A well-made veranda is already a decoration of a house or garden, but the use of lighting effects will enhance the image at night or create an additional decoration. Most often, decorative lighting is performed with LED strips or spotlights.

Depending on the application, decorative lighting can be made as:

Please note that the purpose of decorative lighting is to decorate, and not to create a powerful luminous flux, so the power of the lamps is chosen appropriately, flexible neon is also appropriate here, since it will give little light, but will create an excellent color effect. If you want to ensure visibility, a special backlight is equipped.

Illumination

Unlike the previous version, terrace lighting is also functional.

It not only decorates a certain area, but also makes it visible for any operation:

Selection of luminaires

Lighting fixtures of various types and designs can be used to decorate the veranda.

The most common options are:

Luminaires location options

Depending on the location of the lighting fixtures, there are five most popular ways: along the perimeter of the terrace, on the wall, on columns, on the ceiling or from the periphery of the yard and its fences. The location of the lamps around the perimeter will provide uniform lighting, especially true for open terraces.

Installation of lighting equipment on the wall is suitable either for closed gazebos or terraces adjacent to the building, especially elongated along the perimeter of the walls. Mounting lamps on poles is relevant in open terraces - on a high leg if there is a fence or on a low one if it is absent. Also, lighting devices can be installed on the fence around the site or supports near it, directing the light of street lamps directly onto the terrace.

Wiring details for terrace

  1. Depending on the installation location of the patio lights, the cable routing will also differ. In one case, it will hide under a canopy or come out of the wall of the house, in the other, it will have direct contact with the ground or be in the open air. It should be noted that it is not worth laying the cable in an open way to the terrace, as this will significantly spoil the appearance of the interior style.
  2. Where is located, electrical wiring must be installed in such a way that it cannot be reached by pets or children during play. When arranging a wooden floor, under which the wiring will pass, they are separated by a non-combustible base, for example, a metal pipe or sheet of metal along the entire length of the gasket.
  3. When laying in the ground, the cable must be at least 0.8 m deep. If you try to save time on digging a full-fledged trench, you run the risk of breaking the cable during the processing of the beds or being left without light due to the natural actions of animals.

Ready -made ideas in the photo

Used literature

Do-it-yourself terrace lighting, rules, photo

Contents

One of the favorite places to relax and eat in a private house is a veranda or terrace. Such buildings may already be in a private house or be attached with their own hands by new owners. Whatever the origin of the terrace, an important aspect of a comfortable pastime here is the high-quality lighting of its space.

Lighting on the terrace of a private house

Since terraces are located outside the house, their lighting needs to be based on different principles than when creating home lighting. Our article will be devoted to the issue of creating do-it-yourself lighting on the open terrace of a private house or in the country.

Why do you need veranda lighting?

Terraces or verandas, especially open ones, always raise a lot of questions. This is due to the fact that such extensions are located on the street, which means they require a completely different approach to lighting. But many people do not consider it necessary to carry out lighting on the open veranda of a private house, referring to the fact that at night there is no need for light here.

An open veranda in the country house

But this is a delusion, because the illuminated terraces carry a lot of positive things:

Please note! Motion sensors will help make the veranda part of the security alarm.

In addition, today there are a wide variety of lighting installations, ranging from classic chandeliers to LED strips, which will give your dacha an unforgettable look in the evening and at night. At the same time, the installation of any version of the lamp can be done by hand, without spending money on the services of expensive companies.

Terrace lighting at night

But remember that if you decide to light your outdoor terrace, you will attract unwanted attention from insects. In order not to languish from midges in the evening, sitting on the veranda of a private house, it is necessary to consider the placement of lamps so that they are at some distance from you.

Rules to follow

Outdoor veranda lighting is included in the outdoor lighting group and must necessarily comply with the following rules:

Please note! To create security on the veranda, lighting installations with an increased moisture resistance class should be used. Such lamps will help you avoid a short circuit situation when water gets inside the lamp and reduce the risk of fire.

Proper terrace lighting

Knowing these rules, you can easily make any terrace lighting with your own hands, using either wall lamps or LED strip.

Veranda lighting options

Outdoor veranda or terrace lighting can be implemented in different ways. Most often you can find such options for organizing outdoor lighting of the terrace of a private house or cottage:0003

Please note! Experts recommend using waterproof LED strips to illuminate the terrace. Such products will last a very long time, and they will use a minimum of electricity for their work. In this case, you will have a chance to make the lighting of the perimeter of the veranda more interesting by purchasing a controller and a multi-colored ribbon.

Lighting on the terrace with LED strip

House entrance lighting

Spotlights on the veranda

In addition, one of the important aspects on which the terrace lighting should be based is the lighting of the steps. It is this place that is considered the most traumatic on the entire veranda, because it is very easy to stumble on the steps in the dark. For this reason, the illumination of steps in this situation will be a responsible task. There are several options for placing lamps:

Veranda step lighting

Any type of terrace lighting described above can be easily implemented by hand. The main thing here is to choose the right lighting fixtures and install them. Usually anyone can do this task.

Choosing lighting installations

The appearance of an open terrace, as well as the quality of its lighting, depend on which models of lighting devices are used to illuminate it. To date, such illumination can be implemented by three types of lamps:

Chandelier on the veranda

Porch wall sconces

LED lighting option

Which type of lighting products will be used to illuminate the porch of a summer house or a private house depends entirely on your preferences.

Automatic light

Today, many people use installations such as motion sensors to light their porches. They make it possible to automate the lighting system.

Motion sensor

The light, in the presence of such devices, will turn on only when a person approaches the veranda - the sensor of the device will detect a change in the signal sent and turn on the lamp. Motion sensors, in addition to increasing comfort, will reduce the cost of paying for electricity.

Please note! In order for the motion sensor not to react to pets, it will need to be fine-tuned. In such a situation, the risk of false positives will almost completely disappear.

Lighting options

In addition to the above lighting options, various lighting modifications can be used, which can be:

Unusual terrace lighting

Recently, "luminous stones" have become very popular. They are coated with a special phosphorescent composition, which is absolutely safe for people and pets. Such products give a pleasant soft light. Most often they can be found as a decorative element on the porch or at the beginning of the steps.
But the simplest and, at the same time, festive way to illuminate the terrace will be hanging ordinary New Year's garlands.

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