So you've finished putting in that new spa. You've got
the landscaping and patio table in place. Now it's time
to select the right outdoor decorative lighting to set
it all off!
Outdoor lighting not only dictates the underlying mood
and energy of a space, it can make activities feasible
that would otherwise have to wait until daytime.
Since outdoor lighting has so many purposes and uses,
both practical and aesthetically oriented, it is worth
taking a little time to consider what is important about
the lighting of an area, to you specifically.
If you will be reading or working in the area, obviously
you will need lighting that is bright enough for you to
do these activities. Perhaps a dimmer switch would be
best for an outside porch area. This way you can control
exactly the amount of light that you need to enjoy your
book on the back porch.
Start with the particular areas first. Areas that have
unique purposes and activities will require specialty
lighting, so it is a good idea to start with these areas
first.
If you have a pool, you probably already have pool lighting
in place. You will probably want to consider adding some
type of walkway lighting around the perimeter of the pool
and its accompanying walkways.
Outdoor eating areas and barbeque nooks should have adequate
lighting that will not attract bugs and other pests. There
are different types of stake lighting that make wonderful
walkway lights as well as adequate barbeque area lights,
when elevated up off of the ground level a bit.
For outdoor eating areas, you may wish to consider outdoor
chandelier type lighting, as these provide overhead lighting
that is perfect for dinging at a table.
Around a pool or tables for game playing and other recreational
activities, try one of the stand types of outdoor lighting
.
There are some very handsome traditional pieces made to
emulate bamboo and other natural woods, as well as more
contemporary pieces with chrome, sleek black matte finishes
and colored glass that will compliment any outdoor hangout
spot.
Remember, outdoor decorative lighting looks cool, but
safety should be addressed as well. For example, it's
easy to forget about the little walkways between the various
outdoor areas, such as the walk from the house to the
garage, or the pool to the patio or house.
It is a good idea to have outdoor lighting placed every
three to five feet along these frequently walked pathways
to help avoid accidents due to poor lighting. Again, the
stake type of lighting are wonderful for pathway applications.
These types of lights can be purchased in sets and installed
quite easily. With a little bit of patience and effort,
any do it yourselfer can install this type of outdoor
lighting over a weekend. And there are tons of places
to buy outdoor lighting either locally (if you live in
a city) and online too.
In fact, even if you plan to purchase your outdoor decorative
lighting supplies at a local store, using the internet
to research and see what is available is an easy and fun
way to prepare yourself for the actual shopping trip.
After all, you probably won't be replacing your outdoor
lighting
for several years, so you may as well be sure that you
get what you really want.
