Tips For Hanging Outdoor Lights
The lighting you choose for your outdoor space plays a big role in how it looks. Whether you want to add a touch of modern glamor or a rustic feel, patio lights are the way to go. Hanging outdoor lights can be a fun project and can make a big difference in how your yard looks. Follow these tips to get started.
1. Determine your power source
If you want to illuminate your patio, deck or balcony with string lights, you need a power source. This may be a receptacle in your home’s outdoor space, an extension cord running from your indoor outlet or a solar-powered battery that clips onto a post or stake.
Then, figure out how many strands you’ll need and what type you’ll use (we love these Edison bulb lights). Once you have your power source identified, decide where to hang your outdoor string light strands.
2. Determine your lighting needs
Whether you’re hanging an outdoor light to illuminate a dark corner or adding ambiance to your backyard, it’s important to determine the lighting needs for your space. You’ll want to consider ambient lighting, task lights and indirect lighting.
Ambient or all-over lighting should spread through your entire outdoor living area, illuminating the whole space without overpowering it. This is especially true if you’re using your outdoor space for entertaining, as strong lights can make it difficult to see around corners.
Look for UL or ETL labels to ensure your outdoor lights are safe. These independent product safety certification organizations assess products and label them one of three ways: Dry-rated, damp-rated or wet-rated.
3. Determine your lighting style
Before selecting outdoor hanging light fixtures, you need to determine the lighting style you want. Depending on your lighting needs and design goals, you can choose from different styles, including contemporary, traditional, and industrial.
The size of your fixture is another factor that will affect your selection process. Make sure to find a lighting fixture that will not only enhance your outdoor space, but also be the right size for your area.
String lights are an easy and affordable way to add decorative lighting to your patio or deck. They are available in a variety of lengths, bulb colors, and shapes.
4. Determine your lighting location
Whether you’re hanging outdoor lights by your front door, lighting up the way home, or highlighting your property with path and post lighting, it’s important to know where to position your fixtures.
Identify where the most accessible areas are for your installation, including the roofline of your home, and any other solid attachment points like trees or bushes.
Then, choose a light fixture that is in proportion to the size of your area. For example, an outdoor wall light for a front patio should be no more than one-third the height of the door frame.
Similarly, an outdoor ceiling light should be no less than six inches high above the door. Hanging down too low will create a dark shadow that can be distracting.
5. Determine your lighting installation method
If you’re installing new lights in your yard, consider the method that works best for you. There are several options, but the most common is using a post or pole for hanging.
Use a post that’s at least 4 feet long and drilled into the ground for maximum support. For lights hung more than 8 feet high, drive the post about three feet deep into the ground.
After that, you can attach the light strand to the post using a hook or hanger. You can also use zip ties to secure the strand in place. This is a more temporary method for mounting outdoor lights and is ideal for situations where you don’t want to drill holes in the surface. It’s also less expensive than the other methods.
Lights All Year
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=13344035528956299380
2400 Satellite Blvd Suite K, Buford, GA 30518
(678) 928-5580
https://lightsallyear.com/
