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Whether you use it for entertaining or relaxing in the fresh air, your patio is one of the most used areas of your property. As winter brings earlier sunsets and darker nights, you may find yourself spending more time indoors (unless you have a gorgeous outdoor fireplace to gather around)—but you don’t have to let the darkness drive you away. Consider these outdoor deck lighting ideas to brighten up your outdoor space and get more out of it year-round.
Why set fire to your deck?
There isn’t just one answer to why you should think about ideas for lighting your outdoor deck. Landscape lighting is proven to increase the beauty and safety of your property and can also significantly increase the value and appeal of your home.
A modern outdoor lighting system is economical and uses few watts. It is built to withstand the elements. A Truly Smart Investment: Outdoor lighting can dramatically change the look and feel of your deck, patio, walkways and more.
By installing a beautiful, custom-made lighting system on your patio, you can enjoy it well into the evening, any time of the year. You don’t have to stop the party or put down your book when it gets dark.
Outdoor patio lighting ideas
Depending on how you use your deck, how it is constructed, and the atmosphere you want to create, there are a variety of different lighting fixtures and techniques. Lighting your deck can serve to enhance the beauty or create a mood as well as enhance its functions. Here are a few ideas to let your imagination run wild!
Stair Lights: Provide secure footing while creating a welcoming feeling of invitation! They can be recessed into stairs for a romantic, soft glow or placed on posts for architectural appeal.
Post or Track Lighting: If your deck has surrounding posts, placing lights along these posts can highlight the edge, adding style and safety. Lighting under the railing can also enhance the magic after dark.
String lights: Whimsical and romantic string lights can be a playful choice. With a wide range of bulbs and colors, they can create many different sparkling atmospheres.
Recessed lights: Placed in the floor, they create a luxurious look, while ceiling lights take advantage of the height. If you have an outdoor kitchen, these can be installed under countertops for after-dark transformation.
Spotlights: Eye-catching architectural lighting can completely transform the look of your patio after dark while providing increased safety and security. Spotlights can also draw attention to a feature and highlight shapes in your landscape.
Landscape Lighting: Highlighting the landscape around the patio can be another great way to transform your space come nightfall.
Your landscape lighting professional can help you decide which areas to illuminate and which techniques and fixtures will best achieve your goals.
Do you have to wait until spring?
It may get cold in northern New Jersey, but winter is a good time to think about landscape lighting, even if you aren’t out on the patio to enjoy it yet. Lighting your outdoor areas can set the mood after the Christmas lights are out. Additionally, there is added safety in well-lit areas that would otherwise be at risk of slips and falls in icy conditions. And even if you don’t plan on using your deck until spring, completing the installation beforehand will give you more time to enjoy it when the weather warms up!
