As summer creeps closer and the days get longer, you’ll want to make the most out of your outdoor living space. Decks and patio areas transform into cozy retreats for relaxation and entertainment, becoming an extension of your home. That transformation into a creatively lit outdoor environment requires a little bit of thought and foresight. From unique deck lighting designs to string lights and bulbs that bring warmth and create that quintessential summer night vibe, let’s explore some ways to maximize your time outdoors this season.
Deck, Step, and Rail Lighting
LED lights can be integrated directly into your deck, which provides a practical and safety purpose, while also adding a top-tier aesthetic element. Some notable LED options for this application are the EmeryAllen’s G4 and T5 base bulbs which both provide compact and powerful lighting capabilities. Deck lights can create a clear definition of the deck perimeter and elevation changes, which can prevent potential injury. They can also serve as accent lighting for surrounding landscape and hardscape elements of your home.
Incorporating lighting into railing and posts on a deck or walkway with the appropriate kind of bulbs is another way to enhance visibility and safety around stairs and deck perimeters. LED step lights have also gained popularity in recent years. Illuminated outdoor steps not only look phenomenal, they play a huge safety role in helping to prevent trip and fall accidents. These types of path lighting changes the entire dynamic of your outdoor environments, making the path feel like it was created just for you.
Suspended Lighting
String lights create a lively atmosphere that can transform any get-together into a special occasion. String lighting is versatile and can be used for many applications including open-air decks and sheltered porches, and they maintain their charm year-round. Vertically suspending string lights from a high point creates a drapery-like effect, while running them horizontally along a wall provides a more relaxed aesthetic. For best results, use EmeryAllen’s popular S14 filament bulbs for your string light project.

For outdoor applications with more coverage, installing overhead lighting like an outdoor pendant can be an excellent addition. An outdoor pendant or chandelier brings warmth and character to your deck space, as an extension of your home’s interior design style. Some options that come to mind are rustic, modern/contemporary, classic/traditional, coastal/beach vibes, and industrial, just to name a few.
From a safety standpoint, keep in mind that where you choose to place your outdoor suspended lighting is just as important as what style you pick. Refer to your state or local electrical codes when installing line or low-voltage lighting around pools, ponds, fountains, etc.

Deck and Patio
Without a doubt, the most common form of landscape lighting is the use of bulbs like EmeryAllen’s MR8, MR11, and MR16. These retrofit bulbs are energy efficient alternatives to outdated halogen lamps. While not often used directly on a deck or patio, these bulbs can be incorporated into your surroundings to complete the greater lighting installation. These bulbs excel in illuminating taller bushes and trees to create a more three-dimensional feel to your nighttime environment.
Whether you’re looking for replacement bulbs for your existing outdoor fixtures or doing a complete landscape lighting overhaul, PROLIGHTING has a lighting solution to perfectly fit your needs. Need help? Contact our lighting PROs! Whether a project involves a standard LED product or customized retrofit design, PROLIGHTING offers unmatched customer service and attention to detail to ensure that proper lighting is achieved with an excellent return on investment.
PROLIGHTING® is an authorized distributor of EmeryAllen.
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