Ideas for Deck Lighting

If you think a bug zapper still qualifies as deck lighting, you're in for a surprise. Today's deck lights are more sophisticated and fashionable than ever before. Many different types of outdoor deck lighting can be used separately or in tandem to create a relaxing leisure area that actually improves on nature. These deck lighting ideas will help you get started.

Deck Lighting Types & Tips

The most important thing to remember with deck lights is that they are accent lights. They should set a mood appropriate to your deck use. Rather than use a few bright lights, try combining two or three different types of deck lighting. In other words, glow is better than glare. Installing a dimmer would allow you to change the lighting to suit your needs.

Another important deck lighting consideration is to make your functional lights part of the decor. Step lights or stair lights are a great example. Step lights are small, circular deck lights that shine down but not up, providing safe illumination for your deck stairs without bothersome glare. When used in combination with other low-voltage lights, step lights can help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Another example of beautiful and functional deck lighting is post and bollard lights (bollard is a British word for post). A pair of post lights or bollard lights would look very distinguished and old-fashioned when set up on the far corners of your deck.

To add ambiance to large decks and create a more defined space, use rail lights or rope lights. These deck lights feature a flexible plastic rod containing numerous small bulbs. They're easy to install beneath a railing or similar deck feature.

Finally, solar lights make great ambient deck lights. They require no wiring, the energy is free, and they fit easily into a creative deck lighting system.