The right patio light not only enhances your home’s aesthetic, but it can also provide safety benefits and improve outdoor entertaining. From backyard birthday parties to evening cook-outs, family memories often take place outside — and it’s important that the area be well-lit to ensure your guests have a safe environment to move around.
The best way to illuminate a patio is by using lighting that’s specifically designed for outdoor use. Look for fixtures that are damp- or wet-rated, as they’re prepared to withstand the elements of the outdoors and aren’t susceptible to damage from sprinklers, water, or rain.
When it comes to lighting up your patio, there are many options available to you, including a variety of fixture types, color temperatures, and brightness levels. Before making your final decision, make sure you assess the needs of your space and consider things like how bright you want the lighting to be, if you’d like to add uplighting or downlighting to the area, and whether you need a path light to help navigate the space or highlight a plant or architectural feature.
One overlooked option for lighting a patio is to add accent lights on the ground — this can help to define an area and highlight objects that may be a tripping hazard. If you’re looking for a simple solution, this set of solar-powered pathway lights is an excellent choice that can be installed in just minutes. The pewter or copper finish blends in with most landscaping, and a stainless steel topper protects the bulbs when not in use.