Over the past decade, outdoor living spaces have truly come into their own, with the continuing trend to bring the indoors outside. As such, patios, decks, and lanais have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners seeking to create an inviting place to rest, work, gather, play, eat, exercise, and more. With the proper lighting, these environments transform from day-time sanctuaries to scenic evening spaces.
When it comes to which features to include in the outdoor lighting plan, there are some important things to consider, and much of it comes down to the purpose of the lighting. Should you use a spotlight, or would a mini fixture be better suited for your landscape lighting project? Would path lights work around your deck, or should you consider deck step lights? What kind of outdoor lights for the patio would work best for your particular project?
Whether you’re lighting up a lanai, setting the mood with LED color lights, or adding deck step lights for a combination of safety and style, there are important features to consider.
Key Lighting Features for Your Patio, Deck or Lanai
Follow these five tips to create an inviting look and feel on your patio, deck or lanai.
1. Light up the Lanai
Bring special gathering areas to life with lanai lights. Cast light up or down for added ambiance with the VOLT® Lusitano Mini Brass Lanai Light, or achieve more subtle and balanced illumination with the VOLT® Brass Lanai Light, which has a frosted PVC lens. Both lanai lights feature a pre-installed brass mount engineered with a plastic cover for corrosion prevention when attached to an aluminum post. Check out more lanai lights, including our newest products, for additional options.
For a draping or playful effect reminiscent of your favorite outdoor eatery, try stringing bistro lights in the lanai. No longer just for temporary use at parties, these homeowner favorites continue to top the list of must-haves in the outdoor living space. Check out the VOLT® 120V E26 Bistro String Lights in 25 or 50 feet, or check out solar bistro lights for your next project.
2. Light the Path or Shine a Spotlight
If a walkway leading to or inside a lanai or patio lacks ample lighting, try some path lights to brighten the way. Path lights come in a wide variety of styles: classic, decorative, estate-size, specialty, and bollard lights. There are some simple guidelines to follow when selecting path lights. For more, check out our video on how to pick path fixtures for your project.
Does your project include a particular component that deserves special attention, such as a water feature, fire pit, tree, or ornament? Consider adding a spotlight to highlight this space that’s adjacent to a patio or lanai. Choices like those available from VOLT® range from the advanced feature-filled Infiniti™ series to the All-Star Mini Spotlight, but they all achieve the desired goal to shine light on one specific area of focus. Check out our guide about how to choose the best spotlight for your project.
3. Maximize with Mini-Fixtures
Sometimes less is more, and such is the case with mini fixtures. If you’re seeking an option to cast light in a small space, such as a plant fixture, the VOLT® All-Star™ Mini Brass Spotlight or the VOLT® Spark Mini Brass Spotlight are ideal options.
Perfect for niche applications, these mini fixtures provide a controlled light source that gives off just the right amount of illumination. When a discreet light source is required, a mini fixture is a great go-to.
4. Deck it Out with Step Lights
Safety and sophistication are on display with the right deck step lights. Made to withstand the elements – including foot traffic – low voltage step lights offer a dramatic effect while providing a warm and welcoming path of light. VOLT® LED step lights come in a variety of mount-ready models in heavy-weight and ultra-thin designs that are easy to install.
What’s more, these step lights aren’t just for decks and patios. Some can be installed as a recess option and/or are designed for concrete pour applications, which means they can be used for alternative spaces such as retaining walls or built-in to other backyard landscape features like a fire pit, column or outdoor kitchen. When you’re ready to add these fixtures to your deck or patio, learn how to install step lights.
5. Keep it Cool with Color
LED color bulbs are the perfect way to add a unique and personalized touch to any backyard with a patio, deck, or lanai. Available in blue, green, orange, and red, LED Color bulbs are a popular way to add a distinct touch to the landscape.
For even more flair, try out RGBW color changing spotlights and floodlights, which feature 2700k warm white color temperature and color modes – all controlled with the RGBW remote.
More About Outdoor Lighting Design for Patios, Decks or Lanais
Outdoor living spaces are an essential component to backyard landscape design, and the lighting you use to illuminate these spaces is critical. It’s important to do your research and choose the lighting products and features that will best suit your needs. Using VOLT® landscape lighting for your next project will help you to achieve that goal.
