Ideas for Patio Accent Lighting
By Michelle Moltz
, last updated February 4, 2011
Your patio can be a great outdoor space for relaxing on a lawn chair with a book by yourself or for hosting a barbecue with friends and family during the spring and summer months if you have proper accent lighting. In addition to the main lighting, accent lights can be used for decoration and to help showcase your landscaping. Here are a few stylish ideas for patio accent lighting that are easy to install and will help you enjoy being outdoors at home after sundown.
Tweet
String Lights
You may already be used hanging lights around your trees and pillars at Christmas, but this type of lighting can also be festive and functional in warmer weather. Retailers such as Target sell affordable string lights in various styles. Instead of hanging a strand of traditional bulbs, you could get creative by selecting butterfly or lantern shaped lights. Depending on your furniture color scheme, you could select multi-color or solid hue string lights.
String lights are easy to hang and are typically plugged into an electrical outlet. This could be a good option for illuminating a gazebo or adding extra lighting above and around a patio seating area.
Solar Powered Lights
Go green, and save money on your electric by using lights that are powered by the sun. These lamps typically run on batteries that charge during the day with sunlight. The lights automatically turn on the evening once the sun is setting and remain lit until morning.
Lamps Plus has various options available for purchase including landscape lights that you stick into the ground and smaller portable lanterns. There are also solar powered string lights sold online at stores including Target. Stick one on in the ground next to your favorite plants and flowers to showcase your landscaping even after dark.
You can enhance the best features of your patio by using accent lighting!
Resources and References
