So you’ve finished installing that new spa. You have the garden table and patio in place. Now is the time to select the right outdoor decorative lighting to light it all up!
Outdoor lighting not only dictates the underlying mood and energy of a space, it can also make activities feasible that would otherwise have to wait until daylight.
Since outdoor lighting has so many purposes and uses, both practical and aesthetic, it’s worth taking some time to consider what’s important about lighting an area specifically for you.
If you’re going to be reading or working in the area, you’ll obviously need lighting that’s bright enough to do these activities. Perhaps a dimmer switch would be better for an outside porch area. This way, you can control exactly how much light you need to enjoy your book on your back porch.
Start with the particular areas first. Areas that have unique purposes and activities will require special lighting, so it’s a good idea to start with these areas first.
If you have a pool, you probably already have pool lighting installed. You’ll probably want to consider adding some form of walkway lighting around the perimeter of the pool and accompanying walkways.
Outdoor eating areas and barbecue corners should have adequate lighting that does not attract insects and other pests. There are different types of stake lights that make wonderful hallway lights, as well as lights suitable for the barbecue area, when raised a bit from ground level.
For outdoor eating areas, you may want to consider outdoor chandelier-style lighting, as they provide overhead lighting that’s perfect for playing on a table.
Around a pool or tables for games and other recreational activities, try one of the types of outdoor booth lighting. There are some very nice traditional pieces made to emulate bamboo and other natural woods, as well as more contemporary pieces with chrome finishes, sleek matte blacks, and stained glass that will complement any outdoor gathering place.
Remember, exterior decorative lighting looks nice, but safety must also be addressed. For example, it is easy to forget about the small walkways between the different outdoor areas, such as the path from the house to the garage, or from the pool to the patio or the house.
It’s a good idea to have outdoor lighting placed every three to five feet along these frequently traveled pathways to help prevent accidents due to poor lighting. Once again, the stake type of lighting is wonderful for pathway applications.
These types of lights can be purchased in kits and installed quite easily. With a little patience and effort, anyone can install this type of outdoor lighting over a weekend. And there are tons of places to buy outdoor lighting, both locally (if you live in a city) and online too.
In fact, even if you plan to buy your outdoor decorative lighting supplies at a local store, using the Internet to do your research and see what’s available is a fun and easy way to prepare for the actual shopping trip.
After all, you probably won’t be replacing outdoor lighting for several years, so you can be sure you’ll get what you really want.