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Patio lighting is a great way to add personality and atmosphere to your outdoor living space. With outdoor patio lights, you can create a welcoming space where you and your guests can relax at night. Below, we’ll discuss LED patio lights as well as how to incorporate them into your space.
How To Use Wall Lights Around a Patio Area
Wall lights can serve as an important layer of your outdoor lighting. To add wall mounted outdoor lights to your space, follow the steps below.
- EXAMINE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE – The first thing you will want to do is take a look at the layout of your patio to decide the best location for placement of the wall lights. This includes pathways, architectural features and seating areas.
- SELECT THE BEST WALL LIGHTS – One of the most important things to consider are weatherproof lighting solutions when choosing your outside lights for patio. Outside of waterproof patio lights, you should also consider elements like the style, size and finish of the lights.
- FIGURE OUT THE BEST HEIGHT – It is recommended that you hang the wall lights at eye level or just above. This provides ample illumination without being glaring.
- THINK ABOUT PLACEMENT – Choose the different areas of your patio that need lighting, like entryways, architectural elements, seating areas and pathways. Plan to place your outdoor lamps for patio according to the various needs of each zone.
- INSTALL THE LIGHTS – With everything figured out, you can start to install the lights. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer, or get a qualified electrician to install them safely for you.
Some Additional Tips to Consider When Installing Wall Lights Outdoors Include:Â
- INCORPORATE MORE THAN ONE LIGHT – By using multiple wall lights, you can distribute light more evenly across the area and generate a layered lighting effect.
- LAYER THE LIGHTING – If you don’t have ambient, task and accent lighting already planned, try to incorporate other fixtures to create these layers for best results.
- MAINTAIN THE LIGHTS – Regularly check for any loose connections, burnt out bulbs or dirty fixtures, and maintain them to ensure the lights last as long as possible.
How String Lights Can Make a Patio Shine
LED string lights are a cute and whimsical way to decorate and light up your patio space. Their design makes them easy to install across various areas in a garden or near or on the patio, including:
- Attached to nearby trees
- Overhead on the patio
- Over seating areas or dining areas
- Along privacy fences
You can install them along with other types of lights such as hanging patio lights to generate fuller light across any given area. They can also be hung over walkways for more creative pathway lighting ideas.
Furthermore, string lights can be used to visually define the different zones of the patio in a stylish and effective way. This is especially true if you choose string lights in more than one colour.
How To Use Accent Lighting in Your Patio Area
Accent lighting is an important element of any lighting scheme, especially outdoor lighting. It is used to highlight certain areas of interest or to create a warm glow through mood lighting.
In order to determine where is best to place your accent lights, you should first examine the patio. Determine what areas you want to light up or where you want to add some mood lighting to using a patio lamp.
After the space has been determined, you can install accent lighting to create depth and shadows. Do so by placing the lights at various distances from areas of interest. This will give the space dimension and visual intrigue.
Any plants you may have on your patio can be lit up using accent lights, which can emphasize their shapes and unique features. Accent lighting can also be used to light up pathway areas by choosing low level lights with a soft glow.
It is recommended that you install lights on a timer. This way, they will turn on at dusk and turn back off in the morning. Dimmer switches are another way to increase the overall ambience and mood of your patio.
Why Are LEDs The Best Choice For Lighting a Patio?
LED bulbs are increasing in popularity thanks to their many benefits. Their perks can be found when you use an LED patio lantern opposed to traditional bulbs. Some benefits of LED lighting include:
- ENERGY EFFICIENCY – Energy efficient outdoor lights are important to consider when choosing your garden lights. LED bulbs are incredibly energy efficient, using far less energy than traditional bulbs to generate illumination.
- LOWER COST – Due to the lower amount of electricity used by LEDs, you will notice in time a lower electric bill as well.
- LONG LASTING LIFE – LED bulbs are often rated for patio lighting and are a great way to add personality and atmosphere to your outdoor living space. With outdoor patio lights, you can create a welcoming space for you and your guests to relax at night. Below, we’ll discuss LED patio lights as well as how to incorporate them into your space.
How To Plan a Patio Lighting SchemeÂ
When planning your outdoor lighting for patio spaces, there are some steps to follow to ensure you end up satisfied with the end result.
First and foremost, be sure you understand how you want to use the patio space. Ask yourself whether it is primarily for dining, entertainment or simply for lounging around at night. Then, think about the kind of mood and atmosphere you want to set for such a space.
Once you have an idea of how you want it to be used, then you can start actually designing it. Sketch out the general layout of the area and mark important areas such as pathways, dining areas, seating spaces and any focal points you want to include. Using lighting, you’ll be able to zone out these areas easily depending on the kind of lighting they’ll need.
Think about the different types of lighting that are available to you such as lanterns, string lights and wall lights. Consider how they can contribute to your patio and how you want to incorporate them. This will also include layering them using ambient, task and mood lighting.
During this time, you should also be considering any focal points you want to bring out. Outdoor furniture, architectural details or unique garden features can be emphasised through spotlights and other types of accent lighting. Choose fixtures that match the style of the patio and work well to highlight the areas you want to bring attention to.
In order to get the most out of the outdoor patio lighting, consider installing some dimmer switches. Dimmers will let you stay in control of the brightness levels at any given time so you can dictate the mood at all hours.
Ideas for Lighting a Small Patio Area
Consider a few of the different small patio lighting ideas below to get started.
Covered Patio LightingÂ
Small patios tend to have covers either over some or all of it. Covered patio lighting ideas for such areas are many, but one of the best things to do is install some ceiling lights. Outdoor string lights, such as lights or Edison bulbs, work well in these areas and can create a whimsical look.
Recessed LightingÂ
Small areas benefit greatly from having recessed lighting. Recessed patio floor lighting, for example, provides out of the way lighting that won’t cause any obstructions. This is important to saving space.
Wall LightingÂ
In a similar vein, installing wall lights will remove obstructions that might otherwise be caused by floor lamps. Surface mounted or recessed wall lights provide a nice, soft and even glow for small patio areas.
Downlighting
If your patio is connected to your house directly, you can cast plenty of light over the area in an indirect and pleasant manner by using downlights. Downlights on the wall will illuminate the wall itself as well as its textures while lighting up the immediate area.
How To Care for Your Patio Lights
On occasion, you are going to need to take some time to maintain your LED patio lights. Outdoor lighting in general is exposed to the elements and will therefore need a little more attention than interior lights.
Before you clean anything, you will first want to turn off the power supply to the lights as a safety measure. Once the lights are off, all you will need is a bucket with warm tap water and a small amount of mild soap.
Using a rag or sponge, dip into the liquid lightly, just enough to make it damp. Then, gently wipe down the housing of the fixtures. Following that, rinse off the soap by using another rag that is damp with pure water.
Once the lights are clean, you can perform other maintenance tasks. For example, if you need to double down on your weatherproofing, now will be a good time for you to apply another coat of whatever weather-proofing material you use. You can also apply wax or polish to the metal aspects of the light fixtures
When it comes to lacquered fixtures and brass, be sure that you are not using abrasive cleaning liquids or pads, like rough sponges. This may cause scratches and other damage to the fixtures that will be harder to cover up.
How To Use Home Automation When Lighting a Patio
Contemporary garden lighting would not be the same without some smart lighting components. By incorporating your patio lighting into your smart home, you can make lighting the patio more convenient and stay in control of it down to the finest details.
All you will need is your existing smart home system, such as an Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Google Home or other such system. There are also specific lighting automation technologies for the job, such as Philips Hue.
Garden lighting fixtures that you have outdoors can be connected to the smart home system by installing smart light hubs and bridges. Installing them will allow you to control them through the smart home system by connecting it to wifi.
Once the smart light fixtures are connected to the hub, you can start controlling them. There are different ways to accomplish this depending on the home automation system you are using. Phone apps, timers and even your voice alone can help you switch lights on and off in an easy way.
Consider using your smart home system to set up timers. Timers will allow you to control the lights according to the schedules you set them to automatically.
Sensors can also provide hands-free control of the lights. Motion sensors or daylight sensors will automatically turn the lights on and off according to occupancy levels or lighting levels respectively.
How To Design a Lighting Scheme for Summer and Winter UseÂ
There are many patio lighting options to choose from all year-round. During the summer and winter months, however, some patio lighting fixtures will be better than others. Here, we’ll discuss outdoor patio lighting ideas for the hot and cold months.
Summer LightingÂ
In the summer, you want to create a more inviting and invigorating lighting scheme. Use bright, vibrant lighting to accomplish a lively look this time of year.
Summertime also provides an opportunity for magical garden lighting using fairy lights and string lights overhead. Festive garden lights such as these will make your garden the place to be for outdoor parties.
As for colour temperature, cool, relaxing lights are a great choice. White or blue LED lights can create a more refreshing atmosphere than warm lights, ideal for creating an energetic outdoor space.
Since you are likely to be spending more time dining outdoors in the summer, your patio dining area lights become more important. Put focus on task lighting in dining areas, whether that is on surrounding walls or hanging pendant lights overhead.
Help ward off biting insects and other such pests by installing lights that have a yellowish hue. If you want to keep away pesky nuisances while you’re trying to enjoy the summer evenings, you may want to consider warmer, yellow lights instead of cool colour temperatures.
Winter Patio Lights
When the chilly months roll around, cosiness takes the lead. Choose soft, warm colour temperatures to create a more atmospheric area for relaxing at night. Warm white or amber colouerd lighting makes for an inviting and intimate setting to spend your winter nights.
Since it will be chilly, it’s a good idea to focus your lighting around any heat sources. Space heaters, fire pits or cosy seating areas should be well lit, since you’ll be spending most of your time there. Candles and lanterns placed on tables or by seating areas bring the warmth of the fire all across the patio.
Winter-themed lighting is a fun way to make the space more festive as well. Choosing fairy lights that have snowflake shapes or even hanging icicle lights can add some personality to your patio.
Speaking of snow: plan ahead for any snowfall and accumulation by choosing lights that don’t sit on the ground. Hanging lights, wall lights and similar types of fixtures remain elevated and don’t run the risk of being buried by snow.
Benefits of Outdoor Patio Lighting
Modern patio lighting is a must for those who want to spend more time outdoors. There are many perks to having lighting for patio areas, including:
- AESTHETICS. Stylish wall fixtures and hanging lights go a long way towards enhancing the look of your patio. Good lighting, both in terms of illumination and the fixtures themselves, will enhance focal points on the patio and provide decoration. They can be used to make the interior feel like the exterior in terms of style for a smoother transition.
- EXTEND YOUR LIVING SPACE. By having a patio area where you love to spend your time, you can make the most out of all of the space your house has to offer. Patio lights will allow you to continue using your outdoor living space long after it grows dark instead of cutting activities short and heading inside at dusk.
- STAY OUTSIDE FOR LONGER. With the ability to remain outdoors later into the night, you’ll get to enjoy more time spent in nature instead of cooped up indoors.
- FOCAL POINT CREATION. Outdoor spotlights and wall lights are a great way to show off certain areas of the patio. If you have unique architectural features, sculptures or plant life you want to show off, focused patio lighting allows you to do so.
- ECO FRIENDLY GARDEN LIGHTS. LED patio lighting can help you reduce your overall carbon footprint while saving on your energy bills. Low consumption LED fixtures require less energy to run, so they put a smaller strain on resources like electricity.
- AMBIENT IMPROVEMENT. There are many ways you can use light to create atmosphere in your patio space. Set a romantic mood for date night outdoor dining with dim, warm lights, or create an energetic outdoor space for parties with friends in the summer.
- HIGHER PROPERTY VALUE. Potential home buyers look for a lot of things when deciding if a home is right for them. Outdoor lighting is usually one of those aspects. By having a well-lit patio, you can raise the overall appeal of your property and increase the resale value of it.
Ideas on Different Design Styles for a Patio AreaÂ
Back patio lighting ideas are plentiful. Depending on the kind of vibe you want to go for, there are many different styles you can work with. Below are a few ideas to inspire you and get you started.
Contemporary Patio Lighting
Modern patio lighting puts focus on clean, sleek lines and minimal design styles. Oftentimes, you’ll notice metallic finishes and geometric lines that give outdoor areas sophisticated appearance.
To accomplish this, recessed lighting is a good way to go. It provides unobtrusive lighting to feed into the minimalism. Similarly, pendant light fixtures that have geometric shapes can also contribute to the contemporary aesthetic.
Bohemian Patio Lighting
Bohemian lights put focus on colors and textures with unique patterns to boot. They promote a more eclectic and free-spirited feel. Lanterns, multi-colored string lights and various types of fixtures all characterise boho looks.
String lights are one of the most common additions to bohemian design due to their whimsical and playful look. Festive festoon lights and lanterns of various sizes will help you create the boho patio of your dreams.
Southwestern Patio Lighting
Bring vibrant desert vibes to your patio with southwestern lighting. Inspired by the American Southwest, this style features earth-toned colours, geometric patterns and rustic materials. You will often see terracotta and wrought iron fixtures in this aesthetic.
Retro Patio LightingÂ
Retro patio lighting takes its inspiration from decades past, using motifs and design styles that are often called vintage. With this aesthetic, you’ll usually see Edison bulbs, lantern style lights and wrought iron fixtures, so adding string lights is an especially good idea with this style. Choose antique style lanterns to help drive home the vintage feel.
Coastal Patio Lighting
Inspired by the sea, nautical lighting is perfect for those who love the beach. Maritime colours of dark blue and white take centre stage and are accented by ropes and seaside symbols like anchors. Wall sconces made from metal and glass work well in coastal decor.
Modern Industrial Patio Lighting
Industrial lighting blends modern aesthetics with industrial elements. Metal finishes, exposed bulbs and utilitarian fixtures work together to create this urban aesthetic.
Pendant lights with these properties are perfect for a modern industrial patio. So, too, are string lights with exposed bulbs, like Edison lights.
Mediterranean Patio LightingÂ
Inspired by coastal, breezy locations and rustic elements, Mediterranean design is perfect for creating a relaxing, open-air patio. Wrought iron and terracotta are the defining materials of this aesthetic with warm golden lighting illuminating the area.
Choose wall sconces that have intricate metalwork to really get the Mediterranean look down. Warm white string lights can also elevate the patio area to a Mediterranean getaway.
Transitional Patio Lighting
Blend the best of both words with modern and classic design styles merged into one. Mix and match various elements to create a transitional space that can suit any taste. Neutral colour palettes are prized in this design style.
Rustic Farmhouse Patio LightingÂ
Vintage elements work with farmhouse style decor to create this laid-back, country chic aesthetic. It is characterised by wooden fixtures with distressed finishes more often than not. String lights that have mason jar shades provide abundant farmhouse personality, as do wooden chandeliers.
Art Deco Patio Lighting
Take inspiration from the 1920s with the geometric, busy and often glamorous look of Art Deco. Design a patio with symmetrical patterns, metallic finishes and bold colours for this effect. Geometric pendant lights in a bright colour are particularly well suited for this design style.
Ideas on Different Lighting Types to Use in a Patio Area
The best patio lighting for you will ultimately come down to your preferences. Get familiar with the different lighting styles you can incorporate and find the one that speaks most to you.
String Lights
String lights are draped overhead from a ceiling or posts. They create a magical, whimsical feel that is good for casual spaces. Hang them across the patio or wind them around pillars and columns.
Pendant Lights
Hanging lights are a sophisticated way to enhance your patio space. They can be hung above dining areas and seating areas to provide both task and ambient lighting.
Lanterns
Hanging lanterns or placing them on the ground will provide a cosy, timeless look to your patio. You can also use them along pathways leading up to the patio for a charming finishing touch.
Spotlights
Spotlights are great for drawing attention to certain features on the patio. Use them to highlight architecture, sculptures or plant life on or near the patio area.
Step Lights
If you have any steps leading up to the patio area, step lights are a great choice. Not only do they provide better visibility and safety, but they can also enhance the general look of the patio.
Globe Lights
Globe lights are great for modern patios. They feature large, sleek designs that can turn your patio into a trendy and chic place to spend time.
Wall Lights
Wall lights, either mounted or recessed, provide a nice indirect light source. They can be used for zoning out different areas on the patio or just to provide a general glow.
Fire Bowls
If you want to create a more relaxed style, fire bowls and pits are the perfect idea. These encourage hours of relaxing outdoors and are especially good if you use your patio as an entertainment area.
Patio Lighting IdeasÂ
Decorate your patio and provide plenty of indirect lighting with the LWA215 6 Watt LED Black Outdoor Wall Down Light. This downlight shines illuminatioon down onto the wall below it in a wide angle. It outputs 430 lumens of 3000k warm white light, making it great for pairing with multiples of itself. This light is fashioned out of durable aluminium and has an IP65 rating to protect it from the elements. It measures 120 millimeters in height and is finished in a sleek anodized black.
Add an indirect glow to your patio lighting with the LWA385 4 Watt Round Black Outdoor LED Wall Light. This wall light is round in shape and features a black body highlighted by the ring of illumination around it. The opal acrylic diffuser ring softens the 400 lumens of 3000k warm white light to make it even gentler on the eyes. Its 102-millimeter diameter allows it to fit easily on any wall, while the black finish lets it work with any decor style. It is crafted out of durable aluminium and given a waterproof IP65 rating.
Decorate your patio with modern charm when you install the LWA310 5 Watt 300mm Tall Black Outdoor LED Wall Light. This elegant wall light features a sleek black artistic body that hosts the cylindrical opal acrylic diffuser. This diffuser further softens the 430 lumens of 3000k warm white light that shines from the bulb. It measures an overall size of 300 millimeters in height by 62 millimeters in width and can easily be installed on any patio wall. Its IP65 rating and aluminium construction make it durable enough for outdoor use.
Enjoy a more traditional look with the LWA491 6 Watt Black Outdoor LED Wall Light. This wall lamp features an umbrella-shaped shade that directs light both behind it on the wall and above it. It outputs 500 lumens of 3000k warm white light, making it bright and easy to see. This light is fabricated out of high quality aluminium and has an IP65 rating to protect it from the elements. The black finish makes it easy to incorporate into any outdoor living space.
Section off your patio area from the rest of your garden with the LFL011 9 Watt 700mm Tall Black LED Bollard Light. The bollard light can also be used to light the pathway to or through your patio. It features a 700-millimeter tall post with an opal acrylic diffuser at the top. Through the diffuser, an ultra bright 800 lumens of 3000k warm light shines 360 degrees around the surrounding area. This aluminium light is IP65 rated to protect it from the elements.
Shine a light onto your patio in a stylish way with the ODL036 9 Watt LED Black Finish Garden Spike Light. This spike light sits on the ground and shines up onto the wall. The head can be tilted in the direction you choose to shine light right where you want it. The 630 lumens of 3000k warm white light deliver a bright but soft glow for your patio. This aluminium light is finished in black and has an IP67 rating for total waterproofing.
Bring some modern flair to your outdoor living space with the ODL043 1 Watt Square Halo Effect Recessed Black Outdoor LED Step Light. This step light makes the perfect addition to any pathway area, providing ample lighting while creating an artistic halo wall washing effect. It outputs 70 lumens of 3000k warm white light and looks best when used in a line with other such lighting. This light measures 60 millimeters by 60 millimeters and is manufactured out of high quality aluminium. Its IP65 rating protects it from weather damage.
Increase the style and ease of navigation for your patio with the ODL703 3 Watt Rectangular Black Recessed Outdoor Wall Light. This low level wall light shines illumination down onto the path in front of it, outputting a total of 300 lumens of 3000k warm white light. It is built to withstand the elements thanks to its hardwearing aluminium construction and IP65 rating. The light measures a total size of 103 millimeters by 58 millimeters and is finished in sleek black.
