Whenever night falls and you still want to have enough available lighting to enjoy outdoor living spaces, considering adding patio umbrella lights for a nice decorative accent that’s also functional.
Patio umbrella lights come in two versions: strings of lights that can be attached to the veins of the patio umbrella or as a cluster of lights in ring form that fits around the umbrella’s main support pole. Some versions of patio umbrella lights need an electrical source to operate, so be sure to invest in weather-resistant extension cords if your electrical outlet box isn’t right next to your patio table and umbrella. There are also patio umbrella lights that operate via batteries or even solar powered lights that are charging throughout the daylight hours for you to enjoy that night. All three types of energy-sources tend to be very easy on your electric bill!
Patio lights tend to be superior to other forms of outdoor lighting such as candles. Although candle light can be romantic, there is always the danger of fire, or children or pets getting burned, as well as air pollution from the smoke and the unwanted appearance of insects that are attracted to open flame.
The design of larger patio umbrellas seems to work best with light strings that can be hung from the umbrella veins. The effect of this style of patio umbrella lights is as close to natural lighting as possible, illuminating everything positioned directly under the umbrella and atop the patio table. It’s important when positioning these lights onto your umbrella that you position the extension cord for electrical connection as far back and away from human contact as possible so that someone seated at the patio table doesn’t have to contend with an electrical cord hanging directly next to them. An extra-long heavy-duty extension cord gives you leeway to tuck the cord in such as way that it won’t interfere with the activity of people surrounding the table.
For smaller umbrellas and spaces that are more intimate, the ring version of patio umbrella lights that can easily be secured around the umbrella’s main pole do a nice job of providing adequate light. Invest in an extra supply of heavy-duty batteries for this style of lighting so that you’re not enjoying a pleasant evening out when the lights start to dim and you find yourself without any battery replacements.
To be totally free of the need for electrical cords or batteries choose solar lights that draw their power from a solar panel positioned atop the umbrella’s center. The latest trend in patio umbrella lights is solar lighting that can change color which is certainly a dramatic effect sure to elicit plenty of conversation among your guests. Although this style of patio umbrella lighting may initially be more costly, you will not be limited as to where you can position them on the umbrella and you will never lack lighting due to an electrical outage or a shortage of fresh batteries.
