Patio Cloud Cover and Lighting Ideas

Use Lighting with Windows

• If windows look out on your patio, install an awning to hang lights on, and light up the patio area by extending your indoor lighting design outdoors. This accomplishes two things: It unites the patio visually with the rooms inside, making the house seem larger, and it reduces the glare from uncovered windows as the outdoors light begins to fade.

Post Lighting

• Lighting installed on posts around the edges of the patio is useful if you don't want to put an awning or covering over the patio but still want the patio space illuminated. Tiki torches are a popular tropical example, but there are many other options for different patio themes. One is classical iron lamps.

Fireplace

• A patio fireplace provides minimal light, which can be useful if you need only enough light to navigate more easily in the darkness. It also provides warmth that can stave off the cool air an evening cloud cover typically brings. Patio fireplaces also are great focal points. If properly constructed, they can even be used for cooking.

Spot Lighting

• Spot lighting is the use of lights to highlight specific objects. If you have special landscaping projects, trees, rocks, artwork, or water features which you are proud of, use spotlights to highlight them. This gives guests something to look at, and provides indirect illumination without blinding anyone.

Solar Lights

• Solar lights are a popular patio addition when homeowners want light. They can only recharge in sunlight, so do not use them in areas where the cloud cover is constant. In areas that do receive sunlight, solar lights are useful additions--easy to install and maintain. They also are inexpensive to use and are available in many different styles.