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Light Your Patio, Extend Your Evening

http://www.decor-ideas.org 07/07/2014 04:13 Decor Ideas 

A pitcher of sangria, a bucket of ice-cold beer, crispy chicken wings and neighbors splayed out in deck chairs watching children catch fireflies. A perfect summer evening? Indeed. But you can make it last even longer by adding lighting to your patio.

contemporary patio by Edmunds Studios Photography, Inc.
When you think of patio lighting, do your thoughts immediately turn to tiki torches? They’re definitely festive, but they just scratch the surface of the options available.

contemporary patio by Urban Jobe Architecture
Strings of lights have become very popular lately, and for good reason. Don’t they remind you of a hot summer night in Italy, with a large and boisterous party under the trees and lots of people downing pasta and limoncello? Strands like these are available at many retailers these days, starting at less than $10, and come in all shapes and sizes.

traditional patio by CJ's Home Decor & Fireplaces
Of course, if one string is good, lots of strings are better; the same premise as with a Christmas tree. You could let them dangle from your trellis …

traditional exterior by Paul Moon Design
… or wrap them around the beams for an even lusher and more romantic effect.

mediterranean patio by Finch Photo
Or how about hanging paper lanterns? These colorful gems can be found for a song online or in a local Chinatown. The least expensive ones do not have lights inside, but if you are hosting a daytime party, they are perfect for adding color and ambience. For evening fetes, spring for lanterns that are battery operated.

eclectic patio jary ralston
These neutral-colored lanterns are the perfect complement to the bamboo chairs, trumpet vines and colorful flowers in this enchanting garden setting.

traditional patio by Sean Papich Landscape Architecture


tropical patio Outside
Or hang a candle chandelier. This one was an antiques fair find; the owners light it up for evening gatherings.

I love a Moroccan fixture. It adds a touch of mystery … kind of Indiana Jones in feeling.

dining room by Sandy Koepke
I also think these evocative vintage pendants are great. You can find similar reproductions at Barn Light Electric; the options feel authentic and add such warmth and charm to patio dining.

mediterranean exterior by Amy Noel Design


transitional patio by Texas Custom Patios
Pendants can be as sleek and modern as the ones above …

… or as down-home as the ones at left, which were made from mason jars.

contemporary patio by Norwood Architects
Did you see the movie Mamma Mia!? My wife’s favorite scene has Pierce Brosnan hanging mason jar lanterns for a wedding. It has had two effects on her: 1. She has swooned, and 2. mason jar lighting is now her favorite solution for extending long evenings.


This outdoor seating area is lit by a chandelier fashioned from those immensely utilitarian objects.

mediterranean patio by Rozenkelim
How about this? A single branch suspended from the ceiling holds a cluster of candlelit jars. (My wife is in love … although I think it’s more with Pierce Brosnan than with the jar light fixture!)

traditional patio by Susan Cohan, APLD
Mason jar lamps also work well hung under an umbrella with LED candles set in lavender.

rustic patio by Exteriorscapes llc
You can never go wrong dressing a patio table with large candles set into classic lanterns.

rustic exterior by bldg.collective
Finally, if you, like me, are lucky enough to live in a climate where dining al fresco is possible all year long, consider a lighted evergreen tree like this one. It’s organic, festive and simple. Enjoy!

More: Light Up Your Night With an Easy Outdoor Table Lamp

URL: Light Your Patio, Extend Your Evening http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-24150.html
Category:Interior
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