subject: Outdoor Lighting Is A Bright Idea And Three Outdoor Lighting Ideas You Can Do Yourself [print this page] Home improvements are all the rage and outdoor lighting is a great option to spruce up your garden. Patios and decking are springing up in every city, village and town, and not just next to large country manors. Any house with enough space outside for a few chairs and a barbecue is eligible for paving slabs or a hardwood deck, on which summer nights can be whiled away over food and drink with family and friends. Idyllic to be sure, but to fully maximise the peaceful and welcoming effect, the DIY enthusiast should also consider what type of outdoor lighting should be installed around his outside space.
Lighting options abound, and there will almost certainly be one to fit any application and budget. Even if hiring an electrician to run cabling to an outdoor light is not economically feasible, there are scores of illuminating choices that do not even need electric power. For example, many garden centers now offer solar powered outdoor lighting, at very reasonable prices.
These can be staked into the ground or mounted on decks, with the minimum of fuss. As the name suggests, their batteries are charged by sunlight during the day, allowing the lights to be switched on at night for hours at a time. In addition, there are gas-fuelled lamps and lanterns, which can be plumbed into a main line gas feed, or if that is not available, they can be linked to bottled gas.
Even oil lamps and lanterns are making a comeback for outdoor lighting. Oil filled torches are very economical to purchase, and to run, and these are particularly attractive around garden features such as ponds, rockeries or fountains.
Driveway lights are not only attractive, but they add a degree of safety and security on approaches to the house. Again, all different shapes, sizes and prices are available. One note of caution here. Always Check when buying driveway lights that they are actually suitable for outdoor use! Many lighting centers sell fixtures that look as though they would be fine in any weather. Sadly, this is occasionally not the case, so do not be afraid to ask the question, before deciding which fixture to take home.
Three Outdoor Lighting Ideas You Can Do Yourself
Once you have made the inside of your house beautiful, it seems necessary to make the outside of the house just as beautiful. There are a lot of outdoor lighting options that can reflect the beauty and comfort of your home.
Some people consider the deck to be an another room in their house. During warm seasons the deck can be used several times a day, and often takes the place of the kitchen. When grilling or entertaining outdoors you should have additional lights to last through the night. There are typical sconces or patio hanging lanterns, but adding string lights around the deck or under an umbrella will add an extra element to the space. There is also the option of setting out lanterns and candles around the edge of the deck and on top of tables.
Landscape lighting is the second option. If family and friends venture off the deck at dusk, there are several items that can be placed around the yard to light up the area. Garden lights and lighted figurines brighten the area, and add a touch of your personality and style. You can also add lighted bird baths and pond or fountain lights to the water in your space. If there is a garden or a path in the yard, then purchasing lighted planters and stepping stones can invite and guide your friends and family through the garden.
If you are looking for a more green option in lights for the outdoors, then solar lights are a good purchase. Solar lights are energy savers and they are now more available for outdoor lighting. When looking to light up the driveway you can use solar post lanterns and solar driveway markers. You can install an address light, spotlight and a security motion sensor which are all solar as well. Lighting and protecting your house can add to the beauty of your house while saving energy and money. The items that are used in the garden can also be used at the front of the house.
Adding lighted planters or stepping stones to the front of the house is an inviting way to greet friends and family that visit your home. Outdoor lighting is also a good way to keep uninvited guests away.
