How to Choose Outdoor Patio Lights

May 24th, 2009 by Dylan Brodderick

by James E Trent

I have loved the effects of outdoor lighting since I experienced a wonderful courtyard dinner in Mexico. I became charmed with the beauty of outdoor patio lights as we listening to a harpist and nibbled on the most outstanding cheese plate I had ever seen. We sat in the courtyard garden surrounded by outdoor art sculptures. It was the first time I had recognized the power effects of outdoor lighting and outdoor art. I was simply enchanted and have been so ever since. Since that night I admired outdoor lighting and outdoor art everywhere I go.

I always try to capture the idea of bringing my living room outdoors. I been inspired by the efforts of others and I love to continue experimenting with the effects of outdoor patio lights. In choosing outdoor lights there are a few things you might keep in mind. I have listed 3 important factors below.

1. Determine the purpose of your outdoor lighting. Is the lighting going to be primarily functional and safety oriented or will it be more atmospheric? Some amount of outdoor lighting is needed for general safety. These bright outdoor patio lights should be placed at every door including your garage door. Other types of lighting can be simply for atmospheric effect. Lighting for effect can be dimly illuminated. Mood lighting should be changed about for greater dramatic effect.

2. Placement of the lights. As mentioned above the safety feature lights need to be by each door of your house at a minimum and it must be relatively easy to change the bulbs. If the light is in an awkward location, you might go months with a burnt out bulb and that is dangerous. Lights for effect can be placed in trees shining down or at the base of trees shining up. You can use rope lights to highlight trees in the distance or often simple white Christmas lights make a year-round romantic setting.

3. What type of light are you looking for? There are a number of relatively new types of outdoor patio lights available these days. There are solar lights. Solar lighting has become less expensive but these lights are slightly unreliable and often give off poor light. It goes without saying that the placement of solar lights is important to their function and cannot be counted on in cloudy or rainy areas. Solar lights will likely work best as mood or effect lighting and should not be used as safety lights. Of course, the most popular and energy efficient are LED lights. These lights can be used as both safety lighting and atmospheric lighting. The price of LED lighting is very reasonable and these are the lights most recommended.

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