Get better use of your patio with dramatic patio lights

Many people think of their patio as a daytime only place. Maybe the house you purchased didn’t have patio lights and you haven’t given the project much thought. In either case, consider the practicality of installing patio lights. This is a relatively inexpensive project that can be done either on your own or by hiring a landscape gardener that results in using this part of your garden for romantic dining during most of the year.
One important advantage of installing patio lights is that the lighting acts as a safety feature. You won’t stumble if you go out at night and would be robbers are deterred by the lighting that exposes them to view as they approach your home.
Patio lights are available for every garden situation. Down lighting and back lighting are just two techniques that create dramatic effects while, of course, providing light. Each technique may be used to create a virtual work of art when a lacy-leaved tree is highlighted. This works in winter as well, with deciduous trees with interesting branch formations. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of lighting, go to Google’s image database and type in ‘garden back lighting’ and ‘garden down lighting’ for examples of the lovely effects of this type of garden lighting.
Solar lights are another option for patio areas. These are available in a variety of styles, from plain to ornate designs. These are like little lanterns which you place in the ground and are useful to light pathways to the patio or to mark perimeter points. Solar lights also serve to provide safety to you and your guests.
Another attractive option in patio lights are the simple strings of white lights as well as the icicle style popular at Christmas. Hung from rafters or around the roof line of a gazebo adds a lot of sparkle to your lighting scheme. After Christmas, you can buy these quite cheaply, so if this idea suits your taste, snap some up. Installation is as close as your staple gun. This type of lighting can also be used in shrubs or trees, carefully wound through the branches. Of course, you probably don’t want to have them everywhere suggested here, but judicious use makes a lovely display.
One very simple and useful idea for patio lights is the citronella candle. These candles are most useful placed in close proximity to the eating area, as they discourage mosquitos, a real plus for summer barbecues.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With so many benefits at an inexpensive price, it makes sense to look into all the patio lighting options. The DIY places and lighting shops both stock garden lighting fixtures. Go take a look and see how your patio can be a star at night. If you want to find out more about this, I recommend taking a look at MES-FM.com – a facilities management company serving Scotland and beyond- they can hook up lights, service boilers or generally help you improve and maintain your property.