Patio lights can enhance your patio’s appearance and offer functionality. Whether you’re looking for a long-term solution or something to use for a short time, there are several options to choose from.
String lights are a common outdoor lighting option. They can be strung in tree branches and used to wrap around banisters and seating areas. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, they can provide a festive atmosphere. The strands can also be used to outline garden borders.
If you plan to hang the string lights on trees, you’ll want to make sure to purchase a cord compatible with the strands. There are a few different types to choose from, but some are more durable than others. Depending on your location, you may need to use guy wire to keep the strings from sagging.
When it comes to the lights themselves, you’ll want to consider what type of bulbs you’re using. LEDs are an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are cooler to the touch and don’t have the potential to overheat.
Some people prefer nickel-plated bases to make the lights weather resistant. Others opt for the look of a glass base. Whatever your preference, remember that your bulbs should be shatterproof to protect you from accidents outside.
Incandescent bulbs, on the other hand, are more fragile than LEDs. Shatterproof lights are better for severe storms, and they can withstand extreme temperatures.
Depending on the overall design of your patio, you can also use overhead lighting, accent lighting, or chandeliers. Each of these can highlight specific features or elements of your patio.