Patios are a great place to relax outdoors, but the lighting can make all the difference in your experience. When it’s dark outside, you may feel unsafe or want to turn on some lights for safety reasons. A poorly lit patio can also ruin an evening because of limited visibility and lack of mood-setting options. If you’re thinking about installing outdoor lighting on your patio, St. James lights at Teton Lighting guarantees the highest level of craftsmanship and quality. Below are six common mistakes that people often make when doing so:
Creating Glare
One of the most common mistakes people make with patio lighting is creating glare. This happens when too many light sources are pointed in one direction, irritating and obstructive. It’s essential to avoid shining lights directly into people’s eyes, as this can cause discomfort and even headaches. When installing your patio lights, try to position your sources so that they don’t create any glare. You also want to make sure your lights are diffused or softened by placing them behind some shade, like an umbrella.
Another mistake people often make with patio lighting is not using enough resources regarding the number and types of light sources used for their patio.
Forgetting Variety
Another common mistake people make with patio lighting is not using various light sources. This can create a plain-looking space that doesn’t have much depth to it, so try to add in different types of lights and other decoration items, too, while you’re at it. You may want some bright overhead lighting for safety reasons or simply better visibility, but don’t forget to add some mood-setting light sources too.
Candles, lanterns, and string lights are great examples of patio lighting that can create a more inviting atmosphere. And if you have an outdoor fireplace or fire pit on your patio, be sure to use it as a source of light as well.
Using Non-LEDs
One mistake people often make with patio lighting is using outdated technology. This can be a big problem, especially if you’re trying to save on your energy costs. LED lights are becoming more and more popular because they use less energy than traditional light bulbs and last longer. So if you’re updating your patio lighting, be sure to choose LEDs. Not only are LEDs more energy-efficient, but they also produce less heat than traditional light bulbs.
This is important to consider if you’re installing lights near plants or other flammable items. And finally, LED lights to come in a variety of colors and styles so that you can find the perfect ones for your patio.