Summer is the time for outdoor living. Many homeowners in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods enjoy the comfort and privacy of a backyard patio. Whether entertaining friends or enjoying quiet times in the privacy of your outdoor space, summer nights are special. The right outdoor lighting will enhance your experience.
Patio Design With Outdoor Lighting
How do you use your outdoor patio space? For many, a patio becomes an outdoor center for living. You and your family move outdoors for gardening, cooking, entertaining, and relaxing. The design of your outdoor space may include multi-level designs that incorporate steps; retaining walls for privacy; cut outs for natural garden areas, and patio covers and pergolas for shade. Adding outdoor lighting has many benefits:
- Enhancing safety and security with lighted paths and entries. You can also add motion triggered floodlights to deter animals and unwanted guests.
- Highlight special features of your garden and outdoor area.
- Provide the appropriate lighting for tasks such as preparing and serving food.
- Creating moods for entertaining and other activities.
What Exterior Light Fixtures Are Available?
Outdoor light fixtures cover everything from porch and patio sconces to string lights. Some of the most popular additions to outdoor lighting schemes are:
- Lanterns
- Path lights
- Barn or bulkhead lights
- Spotlights
- Floodlights
- Security lights
- Sconces
Most outdoor fixtures are designed to withstand seasonal outdoor conditions. It's worth hiring an experienced electrician to install light fixtures. Electrical contractors know how to safeguard against weather, can guide you in choosing the design, and offer helpful suggestions.
If you are adding a patio or rebuilding an existing structure and plan to include outdoor lighting, make sure that your plan includes coordination between the masonry contractor and electrician.
A well-designed patio with appropriate outdoor lighting can give years of satisfaction to homeowners. Think about intimate late evening dinners with friends and family or enjoying quiet times in the backyard privacy afforded.
Renaissance Development, a firm of masonry contractors in DC, builds and restores patios using traditional materials – brick, stone, or concrete – that complement the 18th, 19th, and early 20th century residences in the District’s oldest neighborhoods. Contact us for a free site visit and project quote.
