Creative Ways to Brighten Your Evenings

It’s prime deck and patio time right now, but not too late to get creative about all of the different ways to add light to your outdoor spaces.

String and Rope Lights

String lights never go out of style, are easy to set up and take down, and you can go for a whimsical, tropical or urban feel depending on the shape and color of the bulbs and coverings. If your deck or patio is partly covered, you can hang string lights from hooks mounted on the ceiling. Rope lighting is durable enough to be run along stair edges or walkways, or under deck railings, and casts a nice glow.

LEDs in both string and rope lights come in every color imaginable. For both of these types of lighting, make sure you use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use and that your power source is a GFCI outlet.

Wall Sconces

Hardwiring light sconces on an exterior wall of your house near your deck can provide year-round atmosphere and safety. Decorative sconces that sit lower than an overhead porch light not only create a more ambient light, but they add pizzazz to your deck seating area in the daylight, too.

Sconce lights installed near stairs or doorways will make it easier for your guests to find their way around your evening barbecue.

Deck Post Lighting

There are many choices for lighting your deck using solar, battery or hardwired lights that attach to your deck’s posts and steps. Most are easy to install, and some are fairly small and unobtrusive, or bold enough to add an artistic element to your deck.

It makes sense to focus on stairs and walkways for safety purposes – but before you ring your whole deck with LEDs, map out how you use your outdoor spaces and make sure you aren’t washing out features of your yard with too much light at night.