The warm season calls for more outdoor activities. For this reason, many people are preparing their patios. It includes cleaning the area, replacing the broken furniture and finding new decoration. One of the easiest ways to light up the patio is installing string light. Instead of attaching it on the pillars, you could do something different. How do you do that?
Read also: Best Porch Lighting Design Ideas To Compliment Different Porches
1. Drag The Lights from Patio to Nearby Tree
To attach the light, you need a sturdy base. Instead of the patio’s pole, why don’t you hook the lights to the nearby tree? The starting point is the patio’s pillar or any area under the roof. Then pull the string light to the tree. Wrap the light in one or two circles. You might use clipper or small nails to keep the lights on its place. The curve in the middle will be the charm when the lights are on.
2. Hook The Lights on the Panel
Some patios are built as private area. Passing strangers cannot see the activity in the patio. Panels are used instead of walls, so the air and light could be softly filtered. These panels are also great place to hang the string light. You might fill all the holes or simply make low or deep curve along the panels. At night, the lamp will accentuate the ornament on the panel.
3. Create a Lighting Ceiling
Where do you usually find a bulb? Yes, the bulb is commonly installed on the ceiling. If you want to maximize the functionality of the LED lights, you could remove the bulb. Install the small lights on the ceiling. Make sure to cover the whole ceiling to provide enough lamination. If you plan to host romantic dinner, change the light colour into yellow instead of bright white.
4. Double The Lights
More than often, string lights are not the main illumination in patio area. It is the additional decoration, minor things to set the mood. To create double impact, you could combine the light jars and the string lights. Both will support each other, adding more impact to your patio. This setting is suitable for wide patio, accommodating two to three small groups at the same time. Otherwise, the light will be too bright.
5. Follow the Focal Point
Any patio has at least focal point: an item serves as the centre of the room. For example, you may have several hanging plants. Others prefer to put a nice vase on top of the table. Whatever the focal point is, you could use string lights to make it even shinier. All you have to do is arranging the LED string around the object. Here is a thumb rule: follow the shape of the object.
6. Push Back the Light
Your patio is well-lighted already. Do you still need a string light? Decorative lights could take the supporting role instead of the main focus. The trick is simple: find the wall side located close to the electric socket. Take the LED string and drape some lines with it on the wall. Make sure the tail ends in the socket. This way, your patio will be even catchier than before!
7. Install Freestanding Poles
Have you ever seen an open patio? String light could aid this area to glow up. Before you arrange the string, you need to install freestanding poles. The cheaper DIY trick is plugging poles to the potted plants. The soil will hold the pole. You could also do mini project: mixing some cements and creating pole base. Once the pole is ready, hang the lights from corner to corner.
8. Light The Plants
A patio will be empty without plants or potted flower. If you have them, then you already have the place to put the string lights on. There are several ideas to try. First, you put the lights near the roots for glowing effect. Second, line and tape the lights on the stem, to light up the entire plant. You could also highlight the flowers only. Pick one idea you like the most!
9. Make Simple Chandelier
Aside from the bulb, is there any other types of lighting that comes to your mind? A chandelier is one of the prettiest decorative lightings. Be creative while designing the string chandelier. The easiest one is hanging chandelier: draping uneven length of LED strings on a circle support. Another option is round chandelier. You may need yarn ball to build the support.
10. Pair with Bunting
Do you like colorful lights for at least one night? Purchasing the rainbow LED strings is not an option. You need new ideas. Try to pair the light with bunting. The triangle ornaments come in different spectrum, are available in the market and affordable. To get rainbow hue, you should match one bunting with one string bulb. Random installation will soften the light in the patio.
11. Install One String Only
Aside from being an ornament, LED lights are a great item to highlight something. While planning on romantic dinner, you could make better impression by preparing a little surprise. On a small table for two, attach two poles on both sides. Pick the lights with round and bigger bulb. Hang the light from the top of one pole to another pole. Wait until the guest see your surprise!
12. Wrap on Fence
Would you like to be modest with your sparkly string? Then wrap them around the patio fence. The wider the gap, the softer the light will be. Make sure to pick the rope lights! It helps the guests to grab the fence without breaking the bulbs. If you could choose between the regular and battery-operated light, take the later. It is more convenient for this purpose.
13. Cover All Patio Area
Go big or go home! When you have to please the guests, there is actually no rules. Bring over plenty of LED string with you. Cover the whole patio with these lights. Start from the pillars, the fence, the ceiling and the walls! You want to leave the floor empty because the guests will walk on it. Think carefully about the electric cords; hide them well or cover them with tape.
14. Set Lighting Vines
For permanent green vibes, you may purchase fake vines. It requires no watering, so you could leave the vines as they are. Spice things up by adding string lights following the stem direction. The patio will be pretty at the daylight and at night.
15. Create Artsy Corner
Last but not least, you could create an artsy display for your guests. Bring together the items you have in the patio. Then make an outstanding object. Take an example from this project: a shining watering can. The water is created from mini strings.
