There you have the bloomer lady, a woman bent at the waist so all you see is the rump down. There are gnomes doing gnomishish things, which may make you smile (the first time you see them). There are small animals going human things, like frogs sitting in lawn chairs reading the newspaper. And there are all the outdoor lighting options.  Specifically, outdoor string lights that come in wide variety of designs and styles.

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I am not talking about the usual Christmas lights, even the ones that blink and chase each other. I am talking about the patio string lights that has dogs and fire hydrants, or the string with palm trees and hula girls, or even the string with tiny campers and port-a-potties.

These, and less obvious funny patio lights, are now available because the new, small fairy lights do not create a lot of heat. Plastic covers can be used to shield the eyes from the direct light (good for LEDs especially) and create conversational topics at the same time. You can get light covers for your favorite sports teams, or to proclaim your favorite past time, like fishing or going to the seashore. There are lights to commemorate your last vacation, or to prepare you for your next one. Bicycles, horses, train engines, sailboats and other means of transportation are popular, as are more natural subjects, like butterflies, bugs, cactus, flowers, birds, and bees. All that outdoors stuff.

Putting one or more outdoor light strings on your patio or porch adds color and light after dark, when both are in short supply. And the string lights with covers do not over-light your outdoor space so you can still have mood. Probably not quite enough light to grill by, but once the cooking is done, off with the white deck lights and on with the ambiance. Add a few cold beers, and watch your patio lighting dance in the breeze, or just dance.  The next time you are in the garden section of your favorite home store, look for outdoor string lights, and see what shapes they have. Bet you smile!

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What types of outdoor lighting features that are available is often more a function of the specific design ideas you have in mind. Most of the lighting options available are given a name that describes where or how they’ll be used. We’ll cover some of the more general elements of patio lights and then give you some specific ideas about what type of lights might work best for you in that scenario.

For example, if you are looking for lighting ideas for your outdoor room or similar space, then you are more likely interested in lighting for ambiance. Yes, you do need it for simple navigation as well, but you want to set a tone or mood in the space. You can utilize any number of outdoor lamps for this purpose, as well as an outdoor chandelier or more specific types of spot lights. These are just like using recessed light fixtures in your indoor rooms. They can be hidden within the rafters of most patio covers. Built this way, they can be hidden from site and provide great lighting elements that can actually help to define spaces in that outdoor room.

For large spaces, you can count on outdoor flood lights to provide the illumination. In many cases, flood lights will not give you any spot lighting features, but are more for safety and a wash of light in one area. These can be set to turn on and off with a motion sensor making them even more efficient and saving you energy. Another way to save on energy is to use either compact fluorescent bulbs or light emitting diodes (LEDs). These are both great innovations in lighting design.

Here is a close up of a rope light.

Along these same lines are things like solar garden lights. These lights also come in a variety of styles and have different options. Some are simple stuck in the ground with no wires to worry about. Other garden lighting options that utilize solar have a wired set-up for the ability to store power and send it to the lights when necessary (ie. poor weather, extended evening use, temporary dirty photovoltaic panels, etc.). Photo credit

Then, there are lighting options that are designed specifically for use on stairways or deck rails and similar applications. These deck lights go by different names, but patio string lights is one of the more popular ways of describing them. They are also called rope lights, often times. Either description gives you an idea as to what they look like. They can be very helpful both for navigation on multi-tiered decks or stairs as well as illuminating or highlighting specific rail features. Plus, they just add another dimension to the overall outdoor lighting design of your backyard space.

How can your garden light search be made easier?  First of all, determine what type of lighting you are looking for.  In other words, do you want the lighting to be something that is more for accenting certain elements in your garden space or do you want to illuminate a path or walkway?  This similar line of reasoning can apply when looking for patio lights as well.  The reason is that in both cases, some lighting will be better suited to provide a more broad type of light to illuminate an entire space, while other styles will work best as a type of spot lighting like you might find in your indoor spaces.

Once you determine what you will need in terms of your lighting preferences, then you can go on a search for the perfect style, shape or fixture.  This is another whole area where you can go as simple and conservative as you like up to the most eccentric and artistic as imaginable and everything in between.

If you are just searching for something simple that will cast a light up a tree at night to provide a bit of dramatic lighting for your garden area, then you can find these at your local home improvement warehouse stores.  You can, of course, also find these online.  Some landscape lighting designers will tell you that the more readily available garden lights from the home improvement warehouses are cheap and unreliable.  You’ll have to use your best judgment as to whether you want to put forth the added expense of the lighting that you might find online.

Most of these types of lights will be wired and buried in your soil.  A similar type of light can be used to illuminate a path or walkway through your garden.  However, instead of aiming upwards, the lights will have a cap to shine the light back to the ground.  These come in both stake-in-the-ground models and hanging styles.  The hanging ones are just suspended from what looks like a shepherd’s crook and hang about 12-16” from the ground in most cases.  Again, these are typically wired to a main electrical line outdoors.

What About Solar Garden Lighting?

If you would rather save money on your lighting and don’t want to have to worry about burying wires and all that, then consider going with solar garden lights.  They still come in a variety of styles and models, but you don’t have to concern yourself with the electrical wiring.  With some models, it is as simple as staking them in the ground and that night they will shine a path for you.  Simple.

Now, there are also some drawbacks with solar.  The most obvious one is that in poor weather conditions, the solar panel on the top of the light (most common model) will not be receiving enough light to charge the battery to power the light.  Also, if there is snow or grime that gets on the solar cells, they will not collect any energy.  Additionally, the power that they put out may not be enough to last through the night if you so wish.  One solution is to get a style that does have a larger battery backup reserve or one that can be plugged in just for days like this.  There are also styles that have a larger solar cell panel that can be mounted nearby, then wired to the light fixtures so that each one is powered without the need for a solar cell on top of the individual lights. These are just some ideas to get you started or help you refine your search for your new lights in your garden.

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These are incidentally the same things you need to consider with all outdoor lighting questions and matters.  We will take a few moments to break all these components down.  First, consider the fact that depending on the site you are searching or the store you contact, they may be using terms that are synonymous or quite different.  What this means is that while one site may be discussing outdoor patio lighting, another store or online site will be talking about deck lights.  Geographically, these may be different items, however, they may also be talking about what you are interested in, so you’ll need to clarify this first.

Location
The reason why location can make a difference for your patio light choice is that it will help determine the style that will work best.  If you are looking for light to navigate your patio and backyard space with, then outdoor flood lights are what you will need.  True, these are not the most elegant looking types of lighting, but they will do what you need – illuminate a path or entire area.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more intimate type of area, then patio lighting that is more like an indoor can will perform better for you in this scenario.  In fact, depending upon how your patio cover is built, you may be able to hide your lighting fixtures between beams or posts, making it appear more visually clean.  If you would like to create an intimate environment, but also be able to notice your elegant fixtures, then rustic lighting may be what you need to consider.  Within this category are styles of lights that could include metal with a patina or antler style chandeliers.  Outdoor chandeliers, incidentally, can make a big statement in any outdoor room or deck space.

Type of Light
Here, we are talking mostly about whether you go with a more standard wired light or a solar style of light.  It is more common to be able to find solar garden lights, but flood lighting and other deck lights are available with solar features now.  Because your patio is exposed to so much sunlight potentially, being outdoors, it is in a prime location to get enough energy from the sun to power your lights.  Similarly, the openness of your garden landscape allows for those solar lights to get enough sun to provide light through most of the evening and night hours.  If you are looking for more pronounced or bright lighting, then you will likely need to consider a wired and possibly low-voltage system.

Light Usage
This category of patio lighting relates with the type of light issues and location themes as well.  It has to do more with how you use your patio or deck space.  People that have more entertaining and parties will have different needs than someone who occasionally spends some time outdoors in the early morning or evening reading a book or drinking some tea.

Your patio activities will also dictate the type of lighting you need.  If you have designed an outdoor kitchen, then you will require some task lights or other lights that are bright enough to allow you to prepare your food.  Similarly, those intimate spaces you wish to create will require spot lighting.  In fact, these types of places can be created almost exclusively with the right use of specific patio lights.

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These are really a great innovation and development in outdoor lighting options for your garden or patio space.  The reasons they are so great are many.  To begin with, one of the main aspects that makes them beneficial in this category is that they can be place in most any place where there is a suitable spot.  Some require ground to allow for a stake to be stuck into the ground, others can be mounted on a wood or concrete surface.  But, the key to them all is that no wires are in the way or need to be buried, so applications can be much more fluid.

Now, there are types of solar lights that do have wires and these are used where an application calls for battery back-up power.  In this case, a capacitor can store a certain amount of charge and then this can be used to power the lights when there is inadequate sunlight available to power your garden lights.

However, in most cases, your solar garden light will do just fine all its own, with no wiring necessary.  In many cases, these lights are really serving more of an accent function and will not necessarily be required for ‘light’ in a traditional sense.  You can get specific outdoor flood lights or patio lights that will give you the kind of light you need to navigate your backyard or patio space in low light conditions.

Yet another thing to consider is that solar lights will pay for themselves in the longer term.  If you look at things in this way, it is actually quite a savings to go with the solar garden light variety, rather than over a more traditional wired installation.  While most garden lighting is low voltage and not a safety concern, installation can be a bit cumbersome.  If you are a DIYer, then you will also appreciate the ease that solar can provide.  They are almost ‘plug and play’ without the plug!  You just plug them into the ground and let the sun play the light for years to come.  The bulbs may be LEDs which will also give you longer duration and performance.  You can visit Patio Covers Place for more information about solar garden lights and even more patio accessories.

This is certainly the case.  Outdoor lighting options have created a wide variety of possible solutions for your design ideas outdoors.  There are the typical wired variety, some involving spot lighting or more traditional flood lighting combinations.  You can also find solar options that require no need for wiring, though may be available as a back up power source.  There are just times when solar energy will not be available because of cloudy weather or when you might need to store the power generated for a later time.  This is the perfect situation for a solar lighting with wires option.  Then, there are the more exotic or eccentric looking styles we are discussing in this article.

These chandeliers can also come in a variety of styles.  More common chandelier styles with the crystals and pendants are often reserved for indoor uses.  In fact, these styles of chandelier are also available outdoors.  However, more common are rustic lighting options, like the rusty metal or antler looking styles.  These appear more often because of their rugged looking appearance and ability to blend in with your outdoor space more easily.  More contemporary deck and patio spaces often incorporate warm ambient deck lights and other patio lighting that can make your space more inviting.

An outdoor chandelier is much more of a focal point for the eye and the ambiance it brings than for any amount of light it throws.  In other words, you don’t get a chandelier for your patio because you need to be able to see more clearly.  You get a chandelier to hang from your patio cover to provide a more elegant environment to relax and rejuvenate in.  It takes a certain type of patio enthusiast to make the extra investment to go with a chandelier.  You can get light from a ceiling fan or simple pendant style fixture.  If you want to up the classy and exotic factor, you need an outdoor chandelier to do that.

When it comes to outdoor lighting, you have many options.  For some, the choice is clearly dictated by function.  Some lights will provide the means to navigate your backyard or outdoor space, like flood lighting.  Then, there are more intimate types of lighting like patio lights and outdoor lamps.  While an outdoor lamp could be considered for general lighting as well, it is the design and placement that puts it into one category or another.

It all depends upon what type of outdoor deck lights you are looking for.  There are a variety that range from rope or string lights to more spot lighting that is placed on the end caps of your deck’s railing posts.  These can cast a glow all their own.  When combined with a nice set of string or rope lights, the look creates a nice ambiance.  The warm glow of the rope lighting is welcoming and inviting.

A nice comination of wall mount deck lights and a patio string set of lights.

Deck lighting has advantages over a more traditional flood light scene because of its ability to be more flexible.  You can light only specific areas and create distinct spaces or outdoor rooms using this type of lighting.  A flood light is much more robust and doesn’t afford you any charm or ambiance.  If what you are after is a more subdued type of light for entertaining and lounging in the evenings, then deck lights are your answer.

Let’s talk about what you may be trying to accomplish with your lighting needs for a moment.  For some, the evening is a great time to enjoy a patio.  It is after work and you just want a place to go to unwind.  Maybe you enjoy entertaining and your deck or patio is a great place for that as well.  With the boom in outdoor room design, you can create most any type of space you’d like.  If you have a more country or mountain type of theme, rustic lighting options exist to help you create that feeling.  If you have a more contemporary type of patio room, finding solar deck lighting will be on your list of priorities.

Since your patio space is for your own enjoyment, you should feel comfortable with whatever type of lighting you find.  There isn’t so much a wrong way or a right way to light your patio, just find a way to make the space you enjoy using even more comfortable and functional for you and your guests.  In the end, deck lights have no extrinsic value so much as the intrinsic value that they will provide you and your leisure.

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The term describes what these are.  These are simply a string of anywhere between 8-10’ of lights.  They are usually are smaller bulb and wattage than a standard light bulb.  The string allows you to decorate an area or hang them to create a type of edging.  If you want to spice up an area or make it more festive looking, string lights are the way to go.  You can find string lights in a whole variety of themes.  Having a 4th of July party and want some red, white and blue lights?  No problem.  Feeling a little Asian inspired?  Go for the delicate flower shaped or paper balls.  There are also hand-blown glass and LED illuminated solar string lights.

A colorful style of patio string lights along a railing.

In most cases, these string of lights are made to go outdoors, so you don’t need to worry about problems with the UL listing or complications with water.  What you might have an issue with is rain with the lights that have the wire frame paper wrapped decorations.  While they do have some protection on them for a light rain, leaving them outdoors for prolonged periods will cause them to simply fall apart.  The good thing is that they are relatively inexpensive.  The prices of these various quality light strings vary from the low end at  $15 USD to a more specialty style of $80 or more USD.

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A pretty unique style are the umbrella lights.  Your patio umbrella might not have its own lighting disc, like some do, so getting some of these string lights to hang from the umbrella frame can be a great look.  It can make your umbrella look a lot more ‘dressed up’ and even add that hotel style feel to your patio space.

Even if you are just thinking about adding some basic lighting to make your patio have more ambiance, these string lights can fit the bill perfectly for you.  With a few strands hanging along the edges of a pergola or cross-wise over a courtyard area, you can achieve a really nice look.  If you combine these lights with your landscape elements, you can take it a step further.  When you get into this though, you are starting to talk about other outdoor lighting options as well.  Remember, for simple but sweet patio lighting, go with a set or two of patio string lights.

If you thought chandeliers were only for indoor spaces, think again.  In fact, there are all sorts of rustic lighting

It just feels instantly more elegant with a chandelier - even outside.

options that may suit your patio space.  Some of these patio light options include rope or string lights.  The rope style is sometimes referred to as deck lights, because of how they can be mounted along a railing or perimeter of a deck.  There are also styles that are more playful or whimsical and can be hung from your patio cover or other outdoor patio structure.  You might even find that your patio umbrella can be used as a source of light – at least in so far as the umbrella structure can support different lighting options.

But, for truly elegant lighting and a grand outdoor space, you’ve got to look into getting an outdoor chandelier.  These are not just indoor models that you no longer care about so you stick them outside.  These varieties have been manufactured to withstand the conditions of water and other issues with the elements, such as temperature and dust.  Imagine your patio as a type of outdoor room.  This room, just like others in your home, has a roof, floor and walls.  Okay, sometimes the walls are more a hint of a wall, like posts upon which some outdoor curtains or shades have been hung.  The floor can be stone or pavers and may be softened by the use of an outdoor rug.

The use of quality outdoor dining furniture will also help to create the mood of the space in question.  If you use top of the line furniture, your lighting will only serve to accent that and make your space shine even more.  So, enough talk about why a chandelier makes such a great addition to your outdoor room, how about some specifics.

The style of chandelier that you choose will be directly related to how you plan on using your space.  Like all accessories, you will get the most benefit if the type of lighting you choose matches your entertaining style.  These outdoor chandeliers we are speaking about are also available with shades, so you are not limited to the pendant drops and crystal styles.  Again, in all circumstances, remember to ensure that any outdoor light you choose is approved for outdoor use, has sealed electrical circuitry and is appropriately grounded.  You can get additional protection from having your switch in a rubberized ‘envelope’ with a heavier gauge outdoor cord.  These things should all come standard on any outdoor chandelier.

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You’ll also find in your searches ads and the like for outdoor lighting that will include wall lights, sconces, floor lamps and an assortment of specific lighting needs.  The one area where patio lighting is becoming more and more specialized is in the area of task and accessory lighting.  There used to just be those outdoor flood light types of installations available and that was about all.  Now, you can find lighting that is as simple as a little bullet shaped head concealable in your patio structure itself or something more of a focal point, like an outdoor chandelier.

Just a look at an outdoor lamp style.

Your outdoor lighting needs are only limited by your design and decor elements and budget of course.  With the materials and tools available now, it is possible to create just about any type of lighting for your outdoor needs that you can dream up.  In fact, many custom installations take pride in the fact that their rustic lighting looks like it has been around for years to develop that patina.  Similarly, this type of rustic look can give your patio space a very defined look.

Just because your outdoor space doesn’t have the formal walls and ceiling of your indoor rooms, don’t think you can’t decorate it just the same.  In fact, with the stars and sky as your ‘ceiling’, there is no limit to how creative you can get in making your outdoor room feel as comfortable as an indoor space.  If your patio paver ‘flooring’ isn’t creating the soft type of feel you are after, look into the number of outdoor rugs made specifically for this purpose.  Need more lighting next to your chaise lounge, opt for an outdoor lamp.

Styles of Outdoor Lamps

We talked earlier in this article about how there are many different names for these outdoor lighting choices.  When referring to outdoor lamps, you might be thinking one thing and Google or Yahoo might be thinking something else.  As you read here, you can see what was chosen to use for a picture in this article.  While this is not all inclusive of the types of lamps available, it does show a couple different styles.

Another very popular style consists of outdoor floor lamps and table lamps.  As mentioned, outdoor rooms have created a big boom in the way of products made specifically for the outdoors.  Originally, you would have to simply bring the couches, chairs or other items you wanted to use out to your patio – usually the stuff you didn’t care as much about because you knew the weather would take its toll on it.  But now, with the technology advancements and changes in materials and designs, your outdoor wares rival anything that is made for indoor use only.  You can find outdoor lamps that are made with the same high grade materials and craftsmanship as your favorite Tiffany lamp from yesteryear.

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