It wasn’t all that long ago that outdoor lighting offered very little to get excited about. The choices were extremely limited. Now, however, things are changing when it comes to lighting up your lawn, garden, and other outdoor living areas. Patio string lights in fun and funky styles and designs are part of the reason for this excitement.
The Novelty of Patio String Lights
The really great thing, for many people, is that patio string lights come in all kinds of colors, shapes, and sizes. There are very few people who can’t find some sort of patio string lights to suit their decorating and design style. More importantly, they are reasonably inexpensive so you can switch them out at various times of the year or even according to whim.
You’ll find many different fun choices available for your string lights. A quick Internet search may reveal a wide range of these colorful lights that are sure to put a little pep in your outdoor living spaces. Patios are just the beginning.
Some of the lights you might find include grapes, lamps, lanterns, paper lanterns, blown glass balls, dragonflies, stars, butterflies, cocktail drink glasses, shoes, flip-flops, Tiki lanterns, and countless other creative options. It’s even possible to find off the wall ideas like fishing lures, cowboy boots, and chili peppers in string light sets. For those who are more into function than art, there are also string lights that are simply strings of light.
Powering Your Patio String Lights
For the most part, these lights are simple to power up. Most of them are plug and go style lighting. All that is required as an electrical outlet designed to handle the elements and/or a heavy duty extension cord.
Many of the sets that you’re able to plug into an electrical outlet are double ended. This means that you can string several sets together without the need to have an extension cord or outlet for each additional set you wish to use. Since most of these sets are small, around eight feet long, it’s a good idea to have more than one set if you want to light up a larger space.
The other option to consider is purchasing patio string lights that are solar powered. This will allow you to operate the lights year round without fear of a soaring power bill for the pleasure. It also means that you won’t have to worry with turning them on each night. Most solar powered lighting sets will last most if not all of the night.
Choosing the Right Patio String Lights for Your Patio
Sometimes, the hardest part of getting patio string lights is picking out the best set for your lighting needs. For some people, the string lights are only being used for a little atmosphere or to add a fun touch to their outdoor events. For others though, these lights are functional and part of their plan to shed some light on the things they do outside.
If you’re planning to use these to help light up your evening activities then you’re going to need to make sure the string lights you purchase for your patio are adequate to the task. White lights are usually more illuminating than colored lights.
Also keep in mind that the more shading on the lights, such as you’ll find with rattan balls or wooden Tiki lanterns, the more difficult it will be to get an adequate amount of lighting to see well by.
If you’re truly concerned with having bright patio lights but want to have the cozy atmosphere that only these patio string lights can provide, then you may wish to use these lights as a supplement rather than the primary lighting source for your patio or garden area.
Creating Atmosphere with Patio String Lights
Because they are so versatile, patio string lights can easily be used to create a specific atmosphere on your patio. For example, if you wanted to create a Zen garden atmosphere on and around your patio you might choose Chinese lanterns or some other Oriental themed string light set along with a water feature and wind chimes. It will create a very peaceful atmosphere for your patio.
Another idea to consider is turning your patio into party central with a Tiki bar and Tiki string lights. Use plenty of rattan and bright colors and you can have a fun place to hang out “after hours”. This idea works really well in homes with teenage girls too.
You can create a Tuscan patio theme by using grape patio string lights along with stone pavers and a water fountain with wrought iron patio furniture. This is great for those who want something that is somewhat low maintenance but also quite sophisticated.
Another option to consider is to bring back the barbecue to your patio. This is one that isn’t all that extravagant but can be a ton of fun. You’ll need a picnic table, barbecue grill, red checked table cloth and cowboy boot patio string lights.
If you’re really interested in turning up the heat for your outdoor living area, you might want to consider going with a “fiesta” party theme for your patio and patio lighting. All you need is a few strings of chili pepper patio string lights, some terra cotta planters and perhaps a water fountain in a corner of your patio. Add a little salsa music and a few margaritas and you’ve got an instant party on your hands.
As you can see there are all kinds of great ideas and themes you can incorporate into your own patio. With the help of some well-chosen patio string lights you can create almost any atmosphere you have in mind.
The main thing to remember as you look for the perfect string patio lights for your patio is that you need to find the perfect set of lights to reflect not only your personality but also to work with the way you’ll be using your patio.