Posts Tagged ‘patio lighting’

Patio Umbrella Lighting Solutions

Posted in Patio on August 12th, 2010 by Jim – Comments Off

Lights intended to be used out in the yard need to be tough and durable. Many of the fixtures that we use indoors simply are not suited for this task, and rick electrocution when exposed to water. To stay safe while properly lighting a yard, always choose lights rated for outdoor use. These lights have casings which protect the internal components. And because outdoor outlets are GFCI rated, they will cut the power in the event of a short or overload.

If you are the owner of an outdoor umbrella shade, you have the option of using umbrella lights. These systems are designed to be used specifically with patio umbrellas. While their main purpose is for shading, they can become effective light sources when coupled with patio umbrella lights.

There are several distinct types of umbrella lights, one of which clips onto the umbrella shaft. These lights have onboard battery packs which are usually rechargeable. After many hours of reliable use they can be plugged into the wall to recharge. While most systems are equipped with LED lights only, some have extra features like speakers for your MP3 player. Basic models are made from a smooth plastic shell with the components stored safely inside. Most lights have a switch which allows for multiple light intensities and manual on/off. Lights powered by the sun almost always have a sensor which tells them when to activate.

Canopy lights are mounted higher than the previous models, closely hugging the fabric of the canopy. Made with many lights attached to strings, canopy lights are quick to install and have a surreal appeal. Featured in more colors that shaft lights, they allow for more creative expression and work well at parties. If installing lights is not your forte, consider buying an umbrella with the lights already built in.

Patio Umbrella Lighting Options

Posted in Lighting on July 12th, 2010 by Jim – Comments Off

Are you one of those people who love to spend more time outside your backyard patio? Then, you don’t have to worry doing outdoor activities when darkness sets in. Patio umbrella lights can help you enjoy your after-dark events. Adding patio umbrella lights can be useful in so many ways.  Those umbrellas can help you shield harmful sunlight during the day, while the lights attached on it will extend your late-night affairs. These patio umbrella lights come in different styles and designs. Here are some of the options you can choose from:

String Lights

These are the most popular umbrella lights available. All you have to do is attached the string lights on the umbrella’s frame or ribs. The light overhead will give your party a festive feel. They come in different colors and designs that will make the event fun or elegant. The popular names available are Island and Harbor.  You even still closed up your umbrella with the string lights attached so you don’t have to keep attaching it on and off.

Chandelier Lights

Chandelier lights are the romantic and elegant type of umbrella lights. All you have to do is hang these mini chandelier lights beneath your umbrella to provide a graceful ambience. There are also a wide variety of designs available for chandelier lights.

Lamp Lights

Lamp lights are also referred as “globe lights” because they are usually surrounded by globes. It may look like a lamp or lantern and are attached on the poles of the umbrella. Patio umbrella lamp lights may hold one, two, three or maybe even four lamp lights. The lights are closely spaced together to resemble a lamp post.

Sphere Lights

This kind of style of umbrella light is a single light that can casts plenty of light on your outdoor surroundings. Umbrella sphere lights can be clamped directly to the umbrella’s pole. You can even move or adjust it to any height you want.

Candle Lights

Umbrella Candle lights are not actually real candles but small incandescent or LED lights resembling a set of candles. So it will lessen fire hazard. This patio umbrella lights are secured at the edges of the umbrella’s pole giving your outdoor a romantic feel.

Patio umbrella lights installation is very easy to do. It only takes a few minutes to attach it. Prices may vary depending on the design and manufacturer. But most are inexpensive and provides the buyer with many benefits. You can find umbrella patio lights on sites like ebay and amazon.com.

Patio Lighting for Parties

Posted in Garden on July 8th, 2010 by Jim – Comments Off

If you’re planning a gathering or party and you’re going to use your patio after dark, you do need to make sure you have patio lighting that will help people find their way up and down steps and along pathways. But there are so many other types of patio lights that you don’t have to limit yourself to functional lighting.

You can choose things like patio string lights which not only add illumination but give the area a certain style and mood. Often called garden lights, these lights are strung together and are available with a variety of different shades ranging from whimsical to very classic and elegant. They can be made of materials that are very inexpensive or they can be high-end lights that you might choose to use all the time. Paper lanterns are common for this type of light, especially for those designed to be used for certain occasions like garden parties or holidays.

If you have a fountain, special fountain lighting can be purchased to make it a focal point. These lights are designed to show off the different angles and features of the fountain. Special LED lights designed to float on the surface can also add some pizzazz for your party. Most lights of this type can be purchased in styles from dim to bright and in different colors to add whatever type of mood lighting you prefer.

If you have a pool in your patio area, floating lights that change colors add a definite festive touch. You can even purchase certain lights or certain filters for colors to coincide with holidays. When you choose the lights for your patio party, be sure everything is lit up well enough so that people unfamiliar with the layout can see where to walk and step at all times. Special deck lights can help with this, so that you don’t have to rely on only overhead lights to mark pathways and stairs.