Deck Lighting Ideas

Deck Lighting delivers a big plus to our outdoor living spaces in the Okanagan region. With the onset of spring many of us cannot wait enjoy our time outdoors. This involves sweeping off our decks and patios and getting things ready for some leasurly evenings around tbe BBQ and Firepit. Many home owners in the Okanagan are investing in outdoor living. Here are some of the top ideas for adding lighting to your deck or Patio this spring.

1. String lights: String lights are a classic and popular choice for patio lighting. They come in many different styles and can be hung from pergolas, trees, or other structures to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Edison Lights a a good choice for these Light Strings. I good rule is to string them high and over longer spans use a guide wire to support the light string.
2. Lanterns: Lanterns can be hung from hooks or placed on tables to create a warm and inviting glow. They come in many different styles and can be made from different materials such as metal, paper, or glass. Lanterns a great for temporary lighting during an event, special dinner or party. Using battery powered lights can allow you to run lanterns down paths and entries to illuminate hard to reach places.
3. Spotlights: Spotlights can be used to highlight specific areas of your patio such as plants, trees, artwork, or architectural features. They can also be used to create a dramatic effect by shining light up into tree tops. Keep in mind not everyone may appreciate a lit up yard when it is dark so make sure you have the option to turn these types of landscape lights off or put them on a timer.
4. Solar-powered lights: Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly option for patio lighting. They come in many different styles and can be placed anywhere that receives sunlight during the day. Solar power lights have a large range of quality so pay attention to the build quality, plastics used and warranty.
5. Outdoor Pendant Lights: Many manufacturers supply outdoor lighting fixtures that are approved for wet locations. This results in a wide range of pendant lights that are suitable for gazebos, decks and covered outdoor spaces. In the Okanagan region this is ideal for outdoor dinning.
6. Fire pit: A fire pit can be used as both a source of light and heat for your patio. It can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing with family. Natural Gas and Propane fire pits are popular choice in our area with many retailers offering a wide range of styles. Look for brands like Napolean that are made specifically for our Canadian climate.
7. Under-table lighting: Under-table lighting can be used to illuminate your patio table and create a unique and inviting atmosphere. It can be achieved using LED strips or battery-operated lights. This indirect lighting can cast a soft and inviting glow. It also helps with safety as a method to light walkways and edges in the dark of night.
8. Rope lights: Rope lights are another popular option for patio lighting. They can be wrapped around trees, columns, or other structures to create a dynamic effect. Look for CSA apporved LED light ropes and consider how durable they are given our harsh winters.
9. Ceiling fan with lights: A ceiling fan with lights is a functional and stylish option for an outdoor living room. It can provide a cool breeze on hot days and also provide ample lighting for the space. There are different types of cieling fans so make sure you are buying a fan that can withstand wet or moist conditions that exist outside. Reversible fans are also important here as they can help circulate heat down in a covered deck or pull heat up and away in the hot summer days when switched to reverse rotation. Fans come in a variaty of sizes so talk to your local lighting store to learn about the appropriate blade lengths for your deck or patio.
10. Floor lamps: Floor lamps can be used to add both light and style to an outdoor living room. They can be moved around to different areas of the space as needed and come in a variety of styles to fit your design aesthetic. Floor lamps are now build into modern furniture so it is possible to have a side table that is illuminated or a stool that lights up. Many of these new light designs provide a whimsical flair to your outdoor living space.
11. Table lamps: Table lamps can be used to add a cozy and intimate feel to an outdoor living room. They are ideal for providing focused light for tasks like BBQing or mixing drinks. There are several battery powered options including lanterns.
12. Wall sconces: Wall sconces can be used to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to an outdoor living room. They are ideal for providing ambient light and can be placed on the walls surrounding your deck or patio. Many design options are available and can reflect your particular style. Check out the outdoor sconces at Sundial Lighting to see a wide selection of wall lights that can withstand wet conditions.
13. In-ground lighting: In-ground lighting can be used to highlight specific areas of the outdoor living room such as a pathway, plants, or artwork. They can also be used to create a dramatic effect by only casting light down. These dark sky light options are idea for pathways and stairs where you do not neccessarily want the light shining up into eyes or ruining the ambience you have created in the outdoor space.
14. Post Lights: These lights are often part of a landscape light design and can be a real focal point in a yard and create a sense of drama as the night turns dark. Consider your choice of light wavelength for these types of outdoor living lights. A light in the warm spectrum can help to soften the overall effect.

Overall, the best lighting for an outdoor living room depends on your personal style and needs. Consider experimenting with different types of lighting to create a unique and inviting atmosphere for your outdoor space. Visit Sundial Lighting to learn more about your options and see what is available in our Lighting Showrooms in Vernon and Penticton.