Articles

10 Secrets To Building Patio Lights That Will Allow You To Relax And Enjoy Your Backyard

by Morma R. Architecture & Design Writer

Introduction

If you're like me, you probably think of patio lights as a way to set the mood for an evening gathering with friends. But I've also learned that having the right type of lighting can make it easier to relax in your backyard and enjoy your surroundings. That's why I'm here today to share 10 secrets about how to build your own custom-made patio lights so that they'll fit your needs perfectly!


Always hang your patio lights higher than you think

This is one of my favorite tips. When hanging patio lights, always hang them higher than you think. The more light you can throw down onto your patio, the more enjoyable it will be to spend time there with friends and family in the evenings.

Hang your lights from a tree if possible — if not, use a ladder or step stool to get them up high enough so that they are shining on your yard but not actually touching any branches. This will ensure that the trees are safe for birds and other wildlife as well as yourself when walking under or near these lights in the future.


Avoid direct glare

If you want to make sure that your patio lights are going to be a good investment, one of the most important things to keep in mind is avoiding direct glare. You may not think that this is something that you should worry about, but direct glare can really ruin your ability to read a book or enjoy the view.

Direct glare occurs when there is a light source close by and it's too bright. This can happen because of poorly placed fixtures or because they were just too bright for the space. If this happens with your patio lighting, then it's best to replace them with lower wattage bulbs and move them further away from each other.


Use more strings than you think

It may seem counterintuitive, but using more strings than you think is the best way to maximize your lighting experience. In this case, more isn’t just better—it’s essential. Here are some of the reasons why:

     You can place them anywhere (and on anything) you want, so you can make sure they get the most light possible. You can put them overhead or along walls, and even hang them from trees or other objects if desired! And because they are all connected by one long cord that runs through your yard, it won’t matter where exactly a string is placed—you can always use another one somewhere else. So if there's no place near your house where they will be in direct sunlight all day long? No problem! Just put away that ladder and go with plan B instead (which involves taping down lots of extension cords everywhere).

     They come in many different styles and sizes so there's something for everyone (or at least everyone who likes patio lights). Whether you want something more traditional or something more contemporary; whether these are your first time buying these kinds of lamps or not...the possibilities really are endless!


Hang patio lights in layers

If you want to make your patio lights stand out, then it's best to hang them in layers. This will give your backyard a more interesting and dynamic look and will allow you to use different types of lights, such as globe lights, string lights, and rope lights. You can also vary the colors of your patio lighting so that there is an element of contrast between them (for example: white globe/clear globe). If possible, try hanging some of your patio lights at different heights on the same pole—this will help create depth within the scene by allowing various parts of it to fade into darkness or become highlighted by light depending on where they're located relative to each other.


Don't let your lights go to waste

Finally, once you have established a good lighting design plan, don't let your lights go to waste! If you are using patio lights as accent pieces in your yard or garden, make sure they are lit up and glowing whenever possible. Use them as a guide for landscaping and other features in your yard. For example:

     Lights can be used to highlight trees and shrubs that you want attention drawn to. The light will bathe the tree or shrub in a soft glow that makes it stand out from the background scenery around it.

     Illuminate pathways with LED rope lights so people can find their way around when walking at night by themselves or with others who might not know where they're going yet (or maybe just not paying attention). This will also help prevent collisions between two different people who both think they're right about where they're going but actually aren't...which sometimes happens when someone gets distracted by talking on their phone while walking outside at dusk instead of focusing on where their feet are going!


Opt for warm light over cool light

Warm light is more inviting and relaxing, whereas cool light can be harsher and more dramatic. When you're looking for lights for your patio, opt for warm light over cool. Warm light is less harsh than cool, which makes it more flattering. It also creates a cozy atmosphere that will make your guests feel relaxed and comfortable—perfect if you're hosting an evening party!

Cooler tones are perfect if you want to create a dramatic look in your yard and set the mood for an exciting night out on the town with friends or family. They'll give visitors the impression that they've entered into an exciting world of fun and adventure!


Protect your strands and bulbs from the elements

     Use a waterproof cover. A cover is the easiest way to keep your strands and bulbs from getting wet, so it's important to choose one that will last for years and hold up well when it comes to weathering the elements.

     Use a protective sleeve. If you want something more customizable than a standard light box, consider buying a protective sleeve along with your strand of lights: these can be made out of metal or plastic, depending on how much money you want to spend on them.

     Buy a light box with dimming capability. Some people like their patio lights bright enough so they can read outside at night; others prefer them dimmer so they can enjoy silence while they relax in their backyards after work or school each day. If this latter scenario sounds like yours, look for "dimming" capability when shopping around for patio lighting products; this feature will allow you access to both brightness levels without having to buy two separate sets of fixtures (which would quickly become quite expensive).


If your lighting is too complex, it won't be fun to set up

While it may seem like a convenient idea to have your lights magically turn on and off at a certain time, this will likely lead to frustration. If your lighting is too complex, it won't be fun to set up. So do yourself a favor and keep things simple. Don’t get hung up on the details!

If you don't know what we mean by this, let's break it down: The more complicated the setup, the more likely it is that something won't work or will fail when you want it most (i.e., when guests are over). So instead of wasting time trying out different designs and ideas for your patio lights, just go with what works best for your space and take advantage of easy-to-install options like solar powered lanterns or string lights with built-in timers.


Choose dimmers or remotes when possible

     Choosing dimmers or remotes is more energy efficient.

     They allow you to control the brightness of your lights.

     You can set the mood of your backyard using dimmers.

Dimmers are a great way to create special effects like flashing lights or fading lights, which will make your patio stand out!


Control your layout with planters and statues

You can also use your planters and statues to create a focal point, create a path that leads the eye through the yard, create an interesting shape with your landscape lighting, or create symmetry or asymmetry in your design. For example, let's say that you want to make sure that people coming in from the front gate are able to get a good look at all of your hard work. You could put a statue or some other object near the driveway so that it draws attention as soon as someone enters.

You may also decide not to use them for this purpose at all but instead use them just for decoration instead; either way is fine!


Takeaway:

While you may think that the main takeaway is “install patio lights,” that’s not exactly what we're saying. We want to be more specific.

We’re saying: Install patio lights where you can see them from your porch or deck. And make sure they match the style of your home and landscape. If you’re doing it right, installing patio lights is something a homeowner should enjoy doing—not only because it helps create an enjoyable space for entertaining friends and family members but also because it affords homeowners the opportunity to get creative with their designs! 


Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different ways to light up your patio. We hope that these tips will help you create a beautiful space where you can relax and enjoy the warm weather.


Sponsor Ads


About Morma R. Junior   Architecture & Design Writer

1 connections, 0 recommendations, 14 honor points.
Joined APSense since, November 16th, 2022, From Cairo, Egypt.

Created on Nov 16th 2022 16:16. Viewed 148 times.

Comments

No comment, be the first to comment.
Please sign in before you comment.