subject: Outdoor Deck Lighting - An Essential Accessory [print this page] When it comes to accessories, most of them are just that: decorative touches that the homeowner can feel free to skip on if they don't have the inclination or the budget to add them in. When it comes to outdoor deck lighting, however, you have an accessory that is every bit as essential to your project as the steps leading to the patio itself. Unless you intend to lock the door when the sun goes down and only be able to enjoy your patio in the daylight hours, you need some lights. The scheme can be as elaborate or as simple as you prefer, but it's something you'll need to consider in the meantime. Here are some of the things you should think about.
Glare
Outdoor deck lighting has the potential to be warm and inviting, but any light is also going to bring with it the potential for glare, which is something best avoided. You don't want your patio awash in harsh light, so make sure you choose placement that will not have your guests wearing sunglasses to a nighttime gathering. Not only does this make for an inhospitable environment, you're also defeating the primary purpose of having the lights to begin with. If people can't see because of the glare hitting them in the eyes, they would be better off without any illumination at all.
Indirect Illumination
If you want to highlight the better parts of your patio, you might consider the power of indirect illumination. The key to maximizing the appearance of this form of illumination is to hide the source away from view. If this means putting most of your outdoor deck lighting in the bushes beneath the patio, that may be the best solution you can find. It won't be perfect for those homeowners who value a brighter environment, but it can work wonders for those who just want enough light to see three steps in front of them.
Getting Creative
Don't feel as though you are stuck with a set number of obvious outdoor deck lighting ideas. This is your property, after all; feel free to get as creative as you want. Some homeowners find success in putting a canopy over the entire patio, implementing lights into the canopy itself. Others -- particularly in warmer climates -- may need a ceiling fan on their patio, to which lights can be easily attached. To get a festive atmosphere, you may want to string small lights across the top of your patio. In an instant, your patio area can look like Christmas in July.
