Long gone are the days of a deck simply being a square with a table, 4 webbed chairs, an umbrella and a grill. Decks and patios today are outdoor living rooms. They have inviting furniture with cushions and pillows, TVs, fire features, water features, plants and flowers, sometimes even curtains, kitchens and more. These outdoor living rooms allow our lifestyle to extend beyond the indoors.
The time when most of us can enjoy our decks and patios is generally at night but as it turns out, one of the most overlooked aspects of outdoor spaces is lighting. Many people think the floodlights on the corner of the house will suffice, but they are not designed for this purpose at all. So let’s look at some components to outdoor lighting to help you avoid a dark deck and create the perfect outdoor living area. The basics:
Post Lighting
Most everyone is aware of post lighting. These unobtrusive fixtures are tucked under the post caps of the deck railing. The light shines down onto the deck, creating an attractive, soft effect. A possible downside to this method is that the height of the posts often makes the lights shine down into the eyes of those seated. A workaround for this is to mount the lights on the side of the post at a lower height.
Step-Lighting
Another go-to is step-lighting. We all know that steps are especially scary at night, and so there are lights that are created to tuck under the tread or on the riser and light the step below, some that can be mounted to the sides, and other options as well. In addition to making your deck safe, they also create a warm environment.
Beyond the Basics: What’s next?
Moonlighting
One of our favorite lighting techniques is called moonlighting. To moonlight your deck, a light fixture is mounted high up (usually in a tree close to your deck) and aimed downward, simulating the effect of natural moonlight as it shines down through the branches to create shadow patterns on your deck. We can mount the light on your house or pergola if no tree is available. This style of lighting also helps lessen light pollution, as the light is aimed downward instead of upward at the sky.
Undercap Lights
An alternative to post lights are under cap lights for built-in benches. They are tucked under the overhang of the bench, creating the warm glow you desire, with no harsh glare.
Dimmers
Do you want a romantic evening on your deck? Dimmers are the perfect complement to outdoor fireplaces and candlelight. At Southern Lights, we provide you with a deck lighting which features an automated, fully dimmable option that can be operated from your smart device to enable you to create the perfect ambiance.
Fun Stuff
There are many options out there to create a fun atmosphere. For example, lights that change color. These can add a whimsical, or holiday feel to your outdoor area with a touch of a button on your smartphone or tablet. Bistro lights are another option to create a lighthearted atmosphere. They’ll remind you of your favorite outdoor café, without the drive or the wait!
Here at Southern Lights we have the tools, the techniques and the training to design a lighting system that keeps your deck safe, while creating just the right atmosphere. Whether you want it warm and inviting, romantic or whimsical, or all of the above, we can achieve that through our design. It’s what we do.
Are you looking for Landscape Lighting in Greensboro? Located in Summerfield, NC Southern Lights- Architectural and Landscape Lighting serves properties and property management companies throughout the state of NC including Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Burlington, Reidsville, Oak Ridge, Brown Summit, Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Raleigh, Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Gastonia, Matthews, etc.
Southern Lights has installed hundreds of outdoor landscape lighting systems and carries more certifications than anyone in the state. We specialize in lighting designs and service everything we install as well as lighting systems installed by others. With attention to detail and a solid knowledge of design, Southern Lights is the leading outdoor landscape lighting firm in the state of NC and beyond. See why our clients choose us. Contact us today by web (online form) or phone 336-451-4969.
