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Savona Post Caps | Product Spotlight | Deck Lighting & Design
New Deck Post Lights – Savona Post Cap Sprucing up your backyard decor just got a little bit easier! Say hello to DEKOR’s all-new Savona Post Caps, the perfect addition to residential and commercial decks. They feature a sophisticated design and CREE LEDs for warm, inviting light – rain or shine. Keep reading to learn more about our newest deck post light addition! The Savona Post Cap Aesthetic The Savona post cap design is stunning, featuring a striking pyramid silhouette and four rectangular pillars at each corner. The design meshes well with virtually every landscape aesthetic, whether it be rustic, traditional, eclectic, or minimalist. The post cap comes with optional lights at the top and on all four sides. It can be customized further to include only a portion of the lights (more information below). Lighting Options Galore We’re all about tailored decor solutions that fit your needs, so our Savona Post Caps come with several lighting options. Choose from the following: No lights – The “no lights” option offers no-frill aesthetic appeal for simplistic landscapes or modest budgets. Top light only – This light configuration features upper lighting only, with no lights on any of the four sides. It is ideal for minimalist backyards with no need for a strong light source. Lighted 4 sides – No top light – For buyers who want ample lighting but don’t need the upper light, this light option will work well. Lighted 4 sides – Top light – Choose this lighting option for maximum illumination on all sides and on top. Each post cap is powered by 36 CREE LED lights, known for their outstanding longevity and superior performance. Light Temperature The Savona post cap emits light with a color temperature of 3200K, which is suited for natural light in an outdoor environment. It’s the ideal lighting temperature for any backyard. In addition, it complements your backyard’s greenery and structures. Color Variety You’ll Love We’ve made the Savona post cap available in several hues to suit any backyard style. Choose from the following colors: Intrinsic white – A matte, bright white with no cream or yellow undertones. It complements modern landscapes like a dream. Obsidian Black – A jet black for some stark contrast. Swarthy brown – A delightful cedar brown that effortlessly harmonizes with the greenery in your outdoor space. Dark copper vein 10 – A mixture of copper and black tones with a visibly raised, uneven texture adds interest to any backyard. Premium Majestic Stone MS – A light gray hue with a stone-like texture, great for contemporary landscapes. Premium Pearl Shore PS – A pearly hue with a subtle sheen to add a touch of class to outdoor areas. Two Sizes to Choose From The Savona Post Cap comes in two sizes: 2” and 2.5”. These sizes indicate the post size that the cap will fit on. These caps are crafted by an experienced manufacturer and will fit your posts like a glove. Be sure to measure your aluminum post before purchasing to ensure that you’re getting the correct size. Usability Wondering how you can use these post caps? You can certainly use them on your deck posts, but you’re not limited to that. You can also use them on your fences and any other aluminum post that meets the sizing requirements! Other Specs In addition to all of the above, here are some other Savona post cap specifications you should know about: Plug-and-play capabilities make these post caps quick and easy to operate. When you use the caps with a DEKOR transformer, you get a 5-year warranty. The lights are waterproof. Thanks to their superior construction, innovative design, and extensive customization options, Savona Post Caps by DEKOR are sure to delight!
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7 Lighting Ideas for Deck Posts and Deck Post Caps
Every deck needs beautiful, functional lighting. And even though it may be tempting to use string lights or fairy lights for ambiance in your outdoor living area, they can’t hold up to the power of high-quality, permanent light fixtures on your deck. Post lights are a fantastic option for anyone looking to bring more light to their deck and the areas around it. You can take advantage of two different types of deck post lighting in your planning: deck post cap lighting and lighting affixed to a deck post. Each of these types of lighting can be installed on its own or they can be combined for maximum lighting effect. What follows are just a few of our favorite lighting options for your deck posts. All About Deck Post Cap Lights Post cap lights are one of the best ways to light your deck and the space around it. Post caps typically shine light in a downward direction for a soft, warm glow in the vicinity of each post. They can also be stylish fixtures in their own right. In fact, post caps don’t have to be lighted at all. But, they are a great opportunity for some brilliant deck lighting: why not go for both appearance and function with lighted post caps? Elegant, Modern Post Caps Post caps are the difference between a deck that looks unfinished and one that appears modern, stylish, and elegant. If you want to achieve this look, search for post caps with light fixtures that shine a warm light downward and light up the area on and around your deck. For a cohesive deck design, look for post caps that match the color and overall aesthetic of your deck as well. DEKOR®’s Savona Post Cap Lights are a new, modern approach to deck lights. They are our newest offering, with a pyramid style and a top flat cap detail, held by architectural corner columns. This particular shape gives each post some polish, especially since you can customize the color of your post cap to match your deck’s finish, as well as the lighting configuration. Check out the Savona 2.5″ Post Cap Light or the Savona 2″ Post Cap Light, depending on which size best fits your deck. Post Caps with Multiple Configurations There may be situations where you want matching post caps for all of your deck posts, but you need different lighting configurations depending on where the posts are located. For example, you may want lights that shine in 3 or 4 directions for a corner post, but in only 1 or 2 directions for a standard post. Or, you may want some post caps with lights and some without. This is why post caps with customizable lighting configurations are a popular option for those looking to spruce up their home lighting scheme. DEKOR® offers several classic post caps with multiple configurations, including our Pyramid Post Caps and our Flat Post Caps, both of which come with 5 different lighting options, as well as the ability to purchase the post cap without a light. More Lighting Per Post Most post caps have lights installed on 1 or more sides of the cap, below the wider, architectural top, so that the light generally shines down. This is often the most convenient light angle for an outdoor space, especially if you’re lighting a post near steps. But, sometimes it is useful and visually appealing to install a post cap with a top light as well as the downward-facing lighting, like DEKOR®‘s Flat Post Cap with a top light. The top light adds a soft glow to each post cap and will brighten your deck railing and posts beyond the capabilities of a traditional post cap. Go Solar: Solar Post Caps Everyone wants to go solar these days, and post caps are an easy way to integrate small solar panels and lights into your deck design. Post caps often have a flat top design, which makes them an ideal fixture for small solar panels. Solar deck lighting powers itself, but still usually comes with traditional charging methods and transformers, just in case. Solar lighting lowers your electricity bill and is a greener way of lighting your home. DEKOR®’s Savvy Solar Post Caps are a great introduction to solar lighting, each built with premium batteries, Cree® LED lights, and our signature weather-resistant style. Make the Most of Your Deck Posts Post caps are not the only way to light your deck. Of course, you have deck stair lighting, rail lights, and much more. But let’s talk now about how to bring your deck posts to life with beautiful lighting that looks great during the day and casts a perfect shine on your deck at night. Accent Lights for Everyday Elegance Accent lights are a great way to bring your own unique style to your deck post lights. Accent lights are often small, powerful, versatile fixtures available in a variety of shapes and styles. Plus, they can be installed the way you like: individually, in a geometric pattern, or in combination with other types of lights. Check out DEKOR®’s Diamond Post Medallion Accent Lights or our Bar Post Medallion Accent Lights for inspiration. Decorative Post Lamps Sometimes, a light alone is not enough; you also need a lamp or lantern to add some visual interest to your deck posts during the day. Post lamps are a great option, especially for the posts at the base of deck stairs or at the edge of your deck. DEKOR® offers post lamps in a number of different styles, including the Holly Post Light and the Teardrop Post Light. These lamps can be installed all along your deck posts or just in certain places for a strategic, varied design. Subtle Post Lighting Most of the post lighting we’ve talked about so far has been decorative and functional. But what if you need lights that blend into their surroundings, but still provide a powerful shine at night? Keep an eye out for small post lamps that can be embedded directly in deck posts. DEKOR®’s Outdoor Petite Post Lamps are particularly versatile. Not only are they easy to install, but they also have a full 360-degree rotation and convenient 35-degree light angle. Keep in mind installation when you’re planning your deck lighting. Deck posts may be made out of a wide variety of materials (wood, composites, concrete, brick, etc.), so you’ll want to make sure to purchase lights that can be installed where you need them to be. Luckily, DEKOR® has designed lights that are perfect for easy-to-install DIY applications, and many of our deck post lights are bracket mounted, so they can be installed on a variety of surfaces. We hope your deck lighting scheme comes together with some inspiration from these deck post lighting ideas. For more deck lighting ideas, check out our list of the 15 best deck lighting ideas, with plenty of options to customize your deck lighting plan, from the railing to the stairs to the features around your deck.
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7 Top Deck Rail Lighting Ideas | Brighten Your Deck Railing
No deck is complete without lighting. A good lighting plan with clear visibility and a warm ambiance makes an outdoor living space more than just a living space; your deck becomes a social destination at night with the right lighting scheme. Lighting your deck railing is one of the best ways to bring a fresh appearance to your deck. Deck rail lighting in particular lights not only your deck but also the space around it, including your deck stairs and possibly nearby walkways or areas of your yard. At DEKOR, we specialize in deck lighting options that are easy to install and last in a variety of weather conditions. If you’re searching for deck lights, look no further: here are 7 deck railing lighting ideas that will make your deck shine, perfect for DIY installation. 1. Strip Lights One of the most convenient, most popular deck rail lighting ideas is to install strip lights under the railing of your deck. Many homeowners opt for this option because strip lights provide consistent lighting across the length of your railing, the fixtures themselves are subtle (especially during the day when they are off), and they are surprisingly powerful. Strip lights can often be customized to specific lengths or strung together in a series, so you can run them along the whole deck railing or just one part of it. For example, you may want strip lights selectively installed on your deck stair railing for increased safety. DEKOR offers two different options for deck strip lighting. Our NOSEEEM LED Strip Lights are the perfect versatile offering, with three different size options, custom lengths, and pigtail connectors so you can string the individual light fixtures together. The Infinite LED Strip Lights are another great option, designed to stay subtle and be strung together. 2. String Lights for Deck Rails You have likely seen inspiration pictures of string lights brightening decks and patios. They’re especially attractive along railings, pergolas, or overhangs, and can add a cozy sense of style to your backyard. Keep in mind that string lights may not be enough to fully light your outdoor area. They are usually designed to add a dim, warm light mostly intended for ambiance and will not provide enough illumination in areas that are a safety concern, like steps. That being said, you can combine string lights with some of the other ideas on this list to create a standout deck rail lighting plan. 3. Decorative Post Lamps Post lamps or lanterns are a great way to light the path leading up to your deck, deck stairs, and the area surrounding any deck posts. If you have consistent posts around the perimeter of your deck, these lamps can function as decorative elements as well as lighting fixtures. Post lights like these are also usually some of the easiest deck lights to install since they are simply attached to deck posts with mounting brackets. DEKOR offers a number of post lamps ranging from functional to decorative. Some of our favorite decorative post lamps include the Tear Drop Style Post Lamp and the Holly Post Lamp, both made from heavy-duty cast aluminum. 4. Directional Lighting Decorative post lamps do have their downsides. While they look great on posts along your deck railing, they can only cast light downward from a single LED bulb per lamp. Directional post lamps and rail lighting give you more flexibility so you can choose exactly where you want light to shine. You can even find bidirectional or multidirectional light fixtures, which cast light in multiple directions at once. 5. Accent Deck Rail Lights Accent lights are the happy medium between decorative and functional deck lighting ideas. Use accent lights as a supplement to other deck rail lighting or on their own for a streamlined look. They can be particularly effective in combination with post cap lights or stair lights. Accent lights often come in a variety of shapes and styles, so you can choose the one that best matches your outdoor space. There are a few accent lights designed by DEKOR that are perfect for deck railings and posts, including the Sapphire Accent Rail Light and the Bar Post Medallion Accent Light. Because these accent lights are so easy to install and arrange, they can be placed in creative ways to create different designs around your deck railing if desired. 6. Deck Rail Lighting Kits If you plan on lighting your whole deck railing (or even a large portion of it), you’ll want to purchase deck lights in a kit, rather than individually. By buying a kit, you’ll ensure you have everything you need to start your project. 8 to 10 lights (depending on the kit), cables, transformers, etc. are often included in kits. Sometimes, lighting kits like the Infinite LED Strip Light Kit even include controllers, timers, or dimmers. 7. Creative Railing Lighting: Recessed Lights Let’s get creative! Most people use recessed lights as deck floor lighting or stair lighting. But, did you know they can also shine with great effect when installed under deck railings as well? Recessed lights install flush with a wood or composite surface, so they will have an effect similar to strip lighting when they are installed underneath a railing: subtle during the day, bright at night. DEKOR’s classic Outdoor Recessed Up/Down Lights are perfect for this purpose. Easily install them along your railing for a brighter, safer deck. For more deck lighting ideas, check out our list of the 15 best deck lighting ideas, with plenty of options to customize your deck lighting plan, from the railing to the stairs to the features around your deck.
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6 Brilliant Boat Dock Lighting Ideas
If you have a dock on your property, you know how important it is to light the area properly. Even if you’re not planning to take a boat out in the evening, docks can become central social areas. Adults and children alike may fall into the water if the area on and around your boat dock is not appropriately lit. We’re here to break down the best dock lighting options, both with safety and appearance in mind. We want you to find lights that not only illuminate the way at night but also stay subtle during the day. Before you get started, ask yourself key questions about your lighting project. For example, do you want solar lights or lights with electrical wiring? Solar dock lights don’t require a transformer and can be easier to install and maintain. But, if you use only solar lights, you may run into problems on days that aren’t sunny: you’ll still need a transformer and wires to charge your solar lights on those days. Electrical wiring can be more difficult to install and maintain, but you don’t have to worry about how much battery power your lights have left. Let’s walk through the best ideas for how to light up your dock. We hope you find inspiration for your own lighting projects here. 1. Recessed Dock Lighting There are some basic necessities when it comes to dock lighting. First, it needs to be waterproof and weatherproof. Second, it should ideally outline the edges of your dock so no one is in danger of falling off the side. Recessed lighting is perfect for this purpose: the lights can be installed flush with the surface of your dock. Put these lights along its edges, on stairs, or in a creative pattern. To achieve this look, we recommend DEKOR’s recessed LED Dock Dots, available in a 4-pack or a kit. These low-voltage lights are designed specifically for use on docks, so they are durable and easy to install. 2. Dock Stair Lighting If there are stairs on or around your dock, you’ll want to make sure they are properly lit. One step in the wrong direction could mean a swim in the lake, so stair lighting (and lighting around any other obstacles on the dock) is especially important. Stair lights like these ones rotate to a 30-degree angle within their housings, so they properly illuminate each step. 3. Lights for Posts or Pilings If your dock has posts or pilings, make use of them! While you may still want some recessed lighting along the dock, post-mounted lights or post caps can illuminate the walkway leading to your dock as well as the dock itself. Install simple directional post lamps in pilings along your dock to make it easier to find if you’re boating in the dark or low-visibility conditions. Or, if you want to go the solar route, consider solar post cap lights for any posts along your dock. 4. Port and Starboard Lights This is one of the most functional dock lighting ideas: add colored lights to indicate port and starboard (AKA left and right) on your boat dock. DEKOR sells this as a special 2-pack – with one green light and one red light – so you can navigate back to your dock and know which side is which without issue. 5. Colored LED Dock Lights Dock lights don’t have to be boring. Of course, you have the option for red and green port/starboard lights, but why stop there? There’s a range of colors you can use to add mood lighting to your dock area and create patterns to draw people in. DEKOR offers our standard Dock Dots and our stair Dock Dots in red, amber, green, and blue for a variety of looks and color combinations. Add personality to your dock with these colored LEDs. 6. Dimmable Dock Lights When you’re out on the water at dusk or at night, you may want your dock lights to be extra bright, so you can find a way home. But if you’re socializing on or near your dock, it’s possible you may want dimmer lights, both to conserve energy and so that your guests don’t have lights shining directly in their eyes. Find a variety of options for dimmers, timers, and motion controllers – so your dock lights only turn on when people approach your dock – here. We hope these ideas help you design a new lighting plan for your dock. All of DEKOR’s lights recommended here are easily installable, eco-friendly, and compatible with our Plug N Play technology. Get started on your next lighting project today!
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8 Lighting Ideas to Bring Style and Safety to Your Deck Stairs
If you’re not lighting the stairs on your deck, you’re missing a vital opportunity to include a stellar outdoor lighting design that brings visibility to each outdoor step along your path. Outdoor stairs can be a tripping hazard for guests at night, especially if they’re not properly lit. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of the best deck stair lighting ideas to help you design the right plan for your outdoor space. There are countless options to make your deck stair lighting your own. First, think about the other lighting you plan to install on your deck or in other outdoor areas. Do you want your deck stair lights to match? Or should the design add some contrast or interest? Also, consider the materials your deck steps are made of (wood, composite materials, concrete, etc.) and the terrain that surrounds them; this will determine what kind of lights you can install. While we’re talking specifically about deck stairs in this article, many of these suggestions will work for any type of outdoor stairs, whether they’re stairs leading to a pool area, porch or patio stairs, or pathway stairs. Let’s dive into the top deck stair lighting ideas. 1. Strip Lights for Stairs A simple, classy way to light each step equally is to use strip lights below the lip of every stair. The strip lights add a glow to your staircase, so you see the light, but not the fixture. If you’re looking for something that’s subtle during the day and doesn’t take up space on the stairs, this may be your go-to option. Strip lights are also great for outdoor steps because they distribute light equally across the width of the step. Plus, they can often be cut to custom lengths, so they are easy to fit to the specific size of each step, even if your steps are not all the same width. If you plan to install strip lights, take a look at the NOSEEEM Strip Light Kit from DEKOR®. These lights are built for outdoor use. At only 5/16″ in height, they are designed to illuminate but not be seen. 2. Recessed Lighting Along Stair Risers Recessed lighting is one of the most common ways to add lighting to deck steps. Each light fixture is installed flush with the surface of the stairs. These are most commonly installed in wood and composite materials (although we’ll discuss similar options for concrete, pavers, and stone later in this article). Recessed lights can be arranged in a variety of different ways to create a design and distribute light across the width of your steps. If you have narrow stairs, one light installed in the middle of the riser of each stair is an option with clean, stylish appearance. If your stairs are wider, you may want to install lights along the outer edges of each stair or create an alternating pattern. DEKOR® has many different options for recessed lighting, but you can’t go wrong with our Dek Dots designed specifically for stairs. These lights shine down at a 30-degree angle, so the light hits each step in precisely the right place. 3. Subtle Deck Stair Lights Sometimes the best stair lighting comes in the smallest package. If you’re trying to achieve that recessed, flush-mounted look on your stairs but want a barely-there fixture that still provides strong visibility, then keep an eye out for mini recessed lights, like DEKOR®’s Mini Recessed Stair Lights. There’s no chance of stairway obstruction when these are installed. These mini lights are also perfect if you want to install multiple lights per step, creating lines of light along the right and left edges of the stairway, for example. 4. Deck Lights with Faceplates Faceplates are an effective way to take your deck lighting ideas to the next level. They often come in a variety of finishes to match the aesthetic of your deck. They also come with different style options which allow you to control how and in which direction your light will shine. This is ideal for stair lighting because you can turn a standard recessed light into a bidirectional one or create a stylish lighting effect with a louvered faceplate. DEKOR®‘s Outdoor LED Recessed Stair Lights come with faceplates. Choose between eight different faceplate styles to find the right lighting design for your needs. 5. Light up Your Deck Railing Adding lights to your railings is another way to brighten a deck stairway. There are many ways to approach deck rail lighting. You could choose to do something more decorative like string lights, but keep in mind that purely decorative lights may not be powerful enough to clearly light each step on their own. More effective rail lighting solutions include strip lighting, post lamps, and recessed lights installed underneath the railing. Read our blog post about the best deck rail lighting ideas to learn more. 6. Make Your Lighting Colorful Your outdoor lighting scheme doesn’t have to be all white light. If colors are a better fit for your personality and design sensibilities, then use light fixtures with colored LEDs to illuminate the path down your outdoor stairs. DEKOR® offers two different options in this category, including our Colored LED Recessed Stair Lights and our Colored Dek Dots designed specifically for stairs. 7. Paver or Concrete Stair Lights Most of the suggestions in this blog post so far are best suited for installation in wood or composite materials. But that doesn’t mean you can’t install lights in concrete steps or stone stairways. Paver lights like DEKOR®‘s Step and Stair Paver Dots are specifically designed for use in hardscape materials like pavers, concrete, and stone. Like traditional recessed stair lights, they can be installed in the riser of each stair so they shine a light on the stair treads, illuminating the way down deck stairs or patio steps at night. 8. Landscape Lighting to Illuminate Stairs If your stairs are built directly into your landscape on a hill, you have the option of using landscape pathway lighting along the sides of the stairway. Path lighting is frequently installed directly into grass, dirt, or gravel for an easy DIY lighting project. Check out our favorite pathway lighting options here. As long as you keep safety and style in mind, finding the right outdoor stair lighting will be a breeze. And installation should be just as easy. DEKOR®’s products are designed with the DIY lighting enthusiast in mind. In no time, your outdoor living space will be elevated with new lights from DEKOR®.
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8 Soffit Lighting Ideas for Exterior Lighting Perfection
Soffit lighting is one of the most popular ways to light the outside of a house. These lights can be installed into soffits (i.e. any space below an overhang), roofs, eaves, and porch overhangs to create a downlighting effect. Soffit lighting can also be installed inside your home and makes for useful indoor accent lights or under-cabinet lighting. But, in this article, we are going to focus on how soffit lighting fixtures can brighten the exterior of your home, as well as landscaping and other outdoor features. We put together several outdoor soffit lighting ideas to give you inspiration for your next landscape lighting redesign. You will not need to hire contractors to install any of these lights from DEKORⓇ: they all can be easily installed without professional help. Flood Lights Soffit flood lights are a fantastic option if you want to add security and visibility to your outdoor lighting scheme. They include a 120 degree beam angle, so they light a wide section of your house or yard. These lights are perfect for brightening the front exterior of the house, so visitors can see your house from the street, and so you can keep an eye on the parts of the driveway and yard closest to your house. Soffit flood lights also add ambiance to your yard at night. Spotlights Soffit spot lights are the sister solution to soffit flood lights. They are similar in size, look, and technology, but spot lights have a much tighter beam angle than flood lights: 20-30 degrees. This means there is a narrow band of light illuminating your landscape, house exterior, etc. It also means these exterior soffit lights are powerful white lights that can brighten dark corners or create a clear focal point around the outside of your house. Use them too to bring security to your driveway or the area just outside of your garage. DEKORⓇ sells spot lights in 4 packs or kits with all of the supplies you need to install. Recessed Soffit Lights Recessed lights are one of the most popular types of soffit lighting, both for indoor and outdoor use. These lights are perfect for under porch ceilings, deck lighting (if your deck has an overhang), under railings, and more. While still powerful, these ceiling lights are not as direct as the spot light, so they add warm white indirect lighting, perfect for outdoor spaces where you expect people to gather socially at night. DEKORⓇ’s recessed soffit lights can be used inside or outside and are some of our best-selling lights. Colored Soffit Lights Soffit lights don’t just come in classic white. DEKORⓇ offers recessed soffit lights in four additional colors: red, amber, green, and blue. If you’re adding new lights to your home, why not spring for colors to create a pattern or draw the eye with visual interest? These colored LEDs have the same capacity to light the exterior of your home as our other soffit lights, but also add some personality to your outdoor light design. Soffit Lights for Decks Does your deck have an overhang or ceiling of any kind? Do you have a pergola in your yard? These are both picture perfect options for soffit lighting, especially outdoor recessed lighting. Maybe you have a deck on your second floor and a seating area below. Attach soffit lights to the ceiling and you have subtle, built-in lighting for your seating area. DEKORⓇ uses LED light bulbs that are long-lasting, so once you install your deck lighting, you won’t need to worry about replacing it for a long time. For more deck lighting ideas, see our guide to deck lighting here. Spotlighting Landscape Features Exterior soffit lighting can be used to spotlight different features in your yard. Although some features may be better lit by uplighting – like trees – downlighting can bring attention to features that are close to the ground, like flower beds, or features attached to your house’s exterior. Lighting Dark Corners One of the great benefits of installing small light fixtures and lamps with a powerful shine is that you can use them to light up corners of your house that get very dark. Using soffit light fixtures, install lights under the eaves around the whole exterior of your house. With another type of lighting – let’s say a larger light fixture or an uplight with limited reach – it is hard to illuminate every area of your house’s exterior, especially tight corners. We recommend using a spotlight kit to add light to every inch of your house’s exterior: bright, direct light will illuminate the hard-to-reach corners. Creating Focal Points It may be important to create focal points around the exterior of your house and in your yard. Other types of lights can help with this too, but you can plan your soffit lighting so that certain aspects of your exterior are highlighted. Perhaps you want to draw attention to your driveway and garage. Maybe you have a hot tub under an overhang or a fire pit on the patio. Or, you may want to emphasize your front door and porch so it is clear where visitors should go when they arrive at your house. All of these are possible with soffit lighting – spot lights will do the trick, but you can also achieve this effect with the strategic placement of flood lights or recessed lights. Colored recessed lights too will draw the eye because they add visual interest. Spruce Up Your Exterior With Soffit Lights From DEKORⓇ We hope this article helped you find inspiration for your next outdoor lighting project. DEKORⓇ has a wide selection of soffit lighting available – as well as many other exterior and interior lighting options. Our LED lights and accessories are top-quality, long-lasting, and easy to install. Browse our soffit lighting offerings here.
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DEKOR’s Dek Dots Awarded Bronze in Most Valuable Product Award 2021
DEKOR is pleased to announce that we received a Bronze distinction in Residential Products Online’s 2021 MVP Award. The contest was judged by seven industry-leading professionals holding a wealth of knowledge between them, with awards given based on the innovation of each submitted product. We were blown away by the positive feedback and support of our customers – just check out some of the reviews below for our Dek Dots products! We’re committed to continuing our path of innovation, providing our customers & their homes with the latest and greatest tech we have to offer. From everyone at the DEKOR team, thank you to the judges, other contest participants, & our passionate customers for making this possible.
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15 Deck Lighting Ideas to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space
15 Deck Lighting Ideas to Upgrade Your Space Your deck provides an amazing opportunity to make the most of the great outdoors — but how often do you actually take advantage of it? If you avoid your deck at night due to poor lighting, you’re missing out on the best your outdoor living space has to offer. Proper illumination will make your deck easier and safer to navigate, while also creating ambiance. There are many options for lighting your deck. From subtle recessed solutions to statement fixtures that instantly draw the eye, a variety of approaches allow you to personalize your space as you see fit. Many of the best decking light options are DIY and can be completed at a minimal cost. Find all of the supplies and light fixtures you need at DEKOR lighting, and see our suggestions for which products will help you achieve each look below. Recessed Lights Throughout the Floors With floor-based solutions, lights go beyond aesthetic considerations to also serve a functional purpose. Carefully integrated recessed fixtures throughout the floor bring visibility to your deck without compromising the ambiance. These lights work wonderfully for floating decks, where options for lighting may otherwise be limited. DEKOR’s Dek Dots are the perfect recessed lighting option for the floor of your deck. These small but powerful lights are made to be walked on and are ideal for outdoor use. Stair Lighting for Each Step Stair lights are also highly practical for making decks accessible after dark. Recessed options can be embedded within wood, concrete, and other types of deck stairs to light the way as people ascend or descend. These can be added beneath handrails for a unique look, or placed to your liking. DEKOR makes a version of the Dek Dot specifically for stairs. This light sits at precisely the right angle to illuminate each step, so you will never have to worry about tripping on deck stairs in the dark again. Retaining Wall or Privacy Wall Lights If you have a retaining wall or privacy wall near your deck, lights can add an appealing sense of dimension. While hardscape lights are far easier to install during the initial construction process, they can sometimes be added after the fact. But hardscape lights are not the only solution for outdoor wall lighting. Here are several options for both hardscape and softscape lights to add depth to the walls around your deck: Radiance Multi-Function Lights (RADML). Mounted on a variety of vertical surfaces, these outdoor lights are great for brick and other materials that might otherwise lend themselves poorly to post-construction lighting adjustments. Installation is easy, but robust construction ensures that RADML products are just as durable as the walls on which they’re mounted. Puck lights. These uplights can be placed at the bottom of privacy walls where they blend in effortlessly with help from die-cast aluminum housing. They are available in warm white or in a variety of vibrant colors. These LEDs use less energy than many products, making them a great option if you prioritize energy-efficient solutions. Well lights. Well designs provide an excellent opportunity for uplighting near privacy walls. Removable spikes help to keep these in place, while a discreet design locks attention on the wall and its warm glow, rather than the fixture that provides this illumination. This subtle approach has long made these fixtures a top option for landscape lights. Lined Deck Perimeter If you prefer a simple and straightforward approach to deck lighting, you can line the entire perimeter of your deck with Dek Dots. This will lend a lovely glow to the entire space, as well as plenty of definition. Colored LEDs — available in red, amber, green, and blue — can be excellent for this purpose. If you prefer something a bit simpler and more uniform, try warm white lights, which can be dimmed to create the perfect ambiance. Strip Lighting for the Bar Perhaps your deck includes a bar or outdoor counter space, where you and your loved ones can gather for a nightcap. Level up the ambiance with strip lighting, which can be added below the bar to create a unique sense of atmosphere. This lighting can be especially useful if you want the bar to be a focal point of your deck: strip lights draw attention to the bar without blinding the people sitting nearby. Lighted Post Caps Add a little twinkle to your deck with LED post cap lighting. These weather-proof, durable caps provide the protection you need, along with a low-key source of shine. They are also surprisingly versatile, bringing a great opportunity for adding personality to your deck. DEKOR offers several different types of illuminated post caps, including a solar-powered one. Our post caps come in several different powder coat colors, so you can match the look and feel of the rest of your deck. Different Colors for LED Lighting Add a festive feel to your deck by swapping your standard white bulbs for colorful LED lights. These are great for outdoor parties but can also make quiet evenings outside more enjoyable. Recessed and paver options are especially well-suited to color variations. Recessed Soffit Downlighting Is your primary deck space elevated? Then the space underneath your deck warrants consideration — especially if it includes a second seating area. Enter recessed soffit downlighting, which causes the lamp to cast light directly down. This option could also be considered if your deck features overhead protection. Soffit Flood Light One of the most commonly utilized forms of outdoor illumination, flood lights provide enhanced security for outdoor areas. This type can also promote safe footing as loved ones and guests approach your deck. While you likely won’t want to use flood lights to illuminate the deck itself, their 120° beam angle casts plenty of shine where it’s needed. Soffit spotlights can also be added to deliver visibility to hidden corners. Colored Dek Dots in a Pattern If you have a large deck and are struggling to come up with creative ways to organize the space, try using Dek Dots to deliver a much-needed sense of structure. Colored Dek Dots, in particular, work well for this purpose, as they add instant visual interest. These light fixtures can be placed in a pattern near the center of your deck to break up the space and illuminate areas with flexible furniture or decor arrangements. These can be installed flush with the surface so that they can be walked upon. Plus, they come in four different colors – red, amber, green, and blue – so you can use the color(s) that you prefer. Highlight Nearby Landscaping Are you proud of your garden or the general landscaping in your backyard? Trees, shrubs, and flowers are easy to show off during the day, but this becomes more complicated after dark. Light fixtures can be incorporated near the base of your deck to highlight nearby landscaping features. LED puck lights and landscape spotlights can both be highly effective for this purpose. These can be integrated into a small backyard or used to draw attention to vast expanses of lawn. Additionally, lights located near plants situated further away will provide a lovely view from afar. Many products are specifically designed for landscape, so you should have no trouble finding something that shows off your space. Balusters with Built-in Lights While the primary function of balusters involves safety and support, they also make for a great lighting opportunity. For a stunning source of light, choose balusters with built-in baskets, where LEDs can easily be installed. Single and double-basket configurations are available for extra versatility. Balusters can also be combined with aluminum railing panels to instantly bring a refined look to your deck. They’re even more impressive when LEDs are incorporated. Etched Glass Railing Panels Add an element of artistry to your deck with etched glass railing panels, which can incorporate a personalized monogram or other design. These panels offer unobstructed views during the day and a lovely source of lighting at night. Surprisingly simple to install, these panels require only two wood screws per end cap. Following a quick and easy installation process, your deck will instantly take on the upscale appearance you crave. Accent a Centerpiece Does your deck feature any noteworthy elements such as sculptures or plants? What about a fire pit? Why not show them off? Accent lighting helps direct the eye towards centerpieces and creates focal points, which makes them stand out while also bringing a cohesive feel to the entire deck. Showcase the Pool or Hot Tub What centerpiece could be more impressive or inviting than your pool? If your deck was primarily installed as a means of enjoying the pool, there’s no need to limit the fun or the beauty to the daytime. Lights bring much-needed visibility to features such as steps, ladders, safety equipment, and more. In addition to improving safety, pool deck lights serve an important aesthetic function. Depending on how they’re directed at the water, light beams can bring alluring visual effects to your outdoor space. For a hot tub, safety is still key, but lighting must be carefully implemented to preserve privacy. A hot tub can be a romantic, peaceful place, but not if it’s surrounded by harsh lighting. Create Your Own Space We hope these deck lighting ideas have given you the inspiration needed to brighten your own outdoor space the way you like best. This is your opportunity to accent the areas you love most, while also making your deck as safe and secure as possible. We’re pleased to provide a variety of low voltage LED deck lighting options at DEKOR. Contact us today to learn how our solutions can level up your next outdoor project.
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The 7 Best Garden Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Outdoor Space
No garden is complete without outdoor lighting. Garden lights can be used both for safety purposes – to illuminate walkways through your garden at night – and to highlight your favorite flower beds, water features, and trees. Plus, garden lighting creates an ambiance that brings personality to your yard. You likely spend time and money making sure your garden is well-kept and cared for: why not do the same for your garden lighting? We’ve put together some of our favorite garden lighting ideas, along with recommendations for DEKOR’s own garden lights. We hope these suggestions inspire a new look for your outdoor space. Landscape Spotlights If you’re looking for a way to highlight specific features or bring bright lights to your garden, spotlights are the best place to start. While some spotlights look small, they are not like dainty fairy lights or string lights. No, they instead function as a focal point for your garden, lighting a specific feature. They can even work as discreet security lights or floodlights if you want to add more visibility to your yard. Spotlights are utilitarian, but DEKOR’s offerings are subtle and sleek. We offer several different types of spotlights, so you can choose which one works best for you: the Telescoping LED Landscape Spotlight or the High Output LED Landscape Spotlight. Uplights Uplighting simply means lights that are directed upward to highlight a specific feature, like a tree or even the exterior of your house. Uplights can be bright lights, meant to draw attention to a specific part of your yard, but they can also be softer lights to add ambiance. If you want, you can even add festive colored uplighting to your garden, perfect for the holidays (or year-round, if you’re so inclined). Many of DEKOR’s garden lights are uplights. Some of our most popular include our Well Uplights and our Puck Uplights, both small lights that can be positioned on any yard surface to provide a minimalist lighting feature for your garden. Multipurpose Garden Lights Some lights do it all: give your garden dimension and depth and swivel so you can change the light’s focus. When you’re putting together outdoor lighting ideas, it’s always useful to build in options that you can use in different ways, depending on how your garden looks from season to season (or year to year). DEKOR’s multipurpose garden lights are the perfect illumination solution. The Radiance Directional Landscape Light and the Ginny Landscape Light both swivel 180 degrees and allow for their own unique positioning options to bring light exactly where you want it in your garden space. Garden Path Lights Path lighting is a critical safety feature in your garden if you have a sidewalk or path running through your backyard: it angles downward so the path is visible to people walking on it at night. But, you don’t have to choose these lights with only safety in mind. Path lights come in a variety of styles, so they are a great way to dress up the design of your outdoor lighting. DEKOR offers several different path lighting options, but one of our favorites for gardens is the Sidewalk Pathway Light. The color temperature for this light is the perfect balance between warm and cool, illuminating your path with an inviting glow. If you want to learn more about pathway and driveway lighting, check out our blog post about the best path lighting ideas. Outdoor Recessed Lighting You probably usually think of recessed lighting as an indoor feature, but there are outdoor options for recessed lighting as well that can look quite attractive as part of your landscaping. Some outdoor recessed lights will need to be mounted as wall lights or hardscape lighting, but it’s possible to nestle small puck lights in pebbles or stones for a recessed or flush-mounted look. DEKOR’s Puck LED lights easily create the appearance of recessed lighting and highlight key features in your garden. Colorful LEDs Are you bored with traditional outdoor lighting? Do you want a more festive lighting scheme for holidays (or year-round)? Then add some color to your garden lighting features! These are not your traditional holiday string lights: these are fixtures in your yard that are easy to install – so you can put them in place or move them without fuss – but can be permanent if so desired. DEKOR offers Puck Landscape Lights and Well Landscape Lights with colored LEDs in red, amber, blue, and green. Use them to bring your favorite colors to your garden, and cast light on trees, flower arrangements, your house, or any of the other features you would normally highlight with outdoor lighting. Tree Lighting Tree lighting is the pinnacle of garden lighting. If tall trees are a central part of your garden, surely you’ll want to illuminate them in the dark. Spotlights and uplights can do this just fine, as we’ve already discussed, but sometimes you have multiple trees or features in one area that require a powerful, multi-directional fixture to properly light up. Gang lights are perfect for this: they have multiple independent spotlight fixtures, so lighting two, there, or even more trees in one area becomes easy. DEKOR has several tree gang lighting offerings, including our Spot Gang 2 LED Landscape Spotlight Fixture, the Spot Gang 3 Fixture Landscape Spotlight, the Tree Gang 2 Fixture Landscape Spotlight, and the Tree Gang 3 Fixture Landscape Spotlight. Install Your Own Garden Lights All of the garden lighting ideas in this article do not require professional assistance to install: just follow the instructions included, and your garden will be beautifully lit in no time. For some installation tips, read our post about installing garden lights. We hope you find inspiration for your landscape lighting and garden among these suggestions.
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How to Install Pathway Lights: A Complete Guide
So, you’re on a journey to brighten up your landscaping. If you’ve already chosen which fixtures you’d like to add to your landscape lighting plan, it’s time to start thinking about installation. DIY installation may seem overwhelming at first glance, but we have put together a guide with simple steps to install some of DEKOR’s most popular path lights. Note that there are some basic materials you will need for any lighting installation job, including a low-voltage transformer, cables, connectors, and the lights themselves. DEKOR’s lighting kits come with all of the materials required to get the job done. You may also need tools to ensure your lights are securely installed and your wires are sufficiently buried, like a mallet, a drill, or a shovel. We break down exactly what is needed for each type of light below. Finally, before you get started, identify where the power sources and outlets are located in your yard and where you wish to place your lights. You’ll need to make sure that your wires are the correct length, so you can make the appropriate electrical connections to set up your lights. Installing EZ Yard Dot LED Path Lights Yard Dots add ground effect lighting in three easy steps: push it in, plug it in and turn it on. This may be a slight oversimplification, but these really are some of the easiest-install offerings from DEKOR. Yard Dots are available in several different styles and packages, including kits and colored dot lights, and these installation instructions will work for any of them. It may be a good idea to purchase these lights in a kit, especially if you have not installed outdoor lights before, because they come with cables and a transformer. DEKOR’s team has produced a video installation tutorial for Yard Dots: Follow these steps to install your EZ Yard Dot LED Path Lights: Assemble all of the items you need for installation (included in our light kits): your Yard Dots, HD cables, an EZ Max Transformer, and a rubber mallet. Decide where you want your lights to go, and place each Dot in your desired pattern. Tap the dots halfway down into the surface – whether it’s your lawn or ground cover – so they are covered up to the wire connections. The light fixture will tolerate gentle taps from a rubber mallet if needed. Attach cables to the remaining connections to get power to the next light. When connections are completed, cover with mulch, gravel, grass, etc. There is no required bury depth. Tap lights into desired depth. And there you go! It really is that easy to bring your outdoor lighting to the next level. Now your driveway or path will be beautifully and safely lit. You will be amazed at the huge difference these small lighting Dots make. How to Install Mushroom or Empress Path Lighting DEKOR offers several other path lighting options, including the Mushroom Pathway Light, the Stepped Mushroom Pathway Light, and the Empress Path Light, all available individually or as kits. While each of these light fixtures is unique, they all have the same installation instructions. You may even want to mix and match combinations of these landscape lights to make the lighting for each walkway its own. For this installation, you may need some tools if you plan to bury wire or place lights in a hardscape surface, including a drill with a 3/4-inch auger bit and a shovel. You will also need HD wire, Plug-N-Play connectors and/or splitters, and a transformer, all included if you purchase a light kit. Here are the steps to install these three low-voltage landscape lighting options: Locate the desired placement of lights and wiring. If you choose to bury the wire, under concrete or other permanent structures, plan accordingly. Place all lights in your preferred location. If necessary, use a 3/4″ (1.9 cm) auger within a drill to ensure the fixture is firmly in place. Run all wires from the power source locations to the lights on top of the soil, leaving them slack. If using separate circuits with independent dimmers, we recommend grouping the lights by light type. Connect all lights. Make sure connections, fixtures, and power sources (including splitters) are all working. Connect the opposite end of the male connector wire to a port on the multi-port splitter that is connected to the transformer or dimmer. You can mix and combine all lights on the same circuit but make sure you do not exceed the maximum number of lights per transformer. If running separate circuits with dimmers on each circuit, using a separate transformer for each circuit can simplify installation. However, the use of a 5-way splitter will allow for separate circuits on the same transformer. Preview light placement in the dark to make sure the effect you want is achieved. Test the lights to ensure power supply, connections, and light fixtures all work properly and placement is appropriate. Once the light, wire, and splitter placement is finalized, work from the light fixtures toward the power source to bury the wire to the desired depth. Ensure that lights are all working with all wiring attached prior to burying any wire. No more than 1 “-3” (2.5 cm – 7.6 cm) is required. These installation instructions apply to a wide variety of DEKOR lights. For example, our Telescoping LED Spotlight, the Well Uplight, and the Radiance Directional Landscape Light all use the same installation steps. So, if you plan on lighting up other parts of your yard, like a garden, you’ll become an installation master in no time.
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8 Ideas for Outdoor Pathway Lighting
Imagine your dream house: path lights line the sidewalks and guide your friends, family members, and visitors safely to your door. No landscape is complete without some guiding light to make walking around your yard in the dark safe. In the summer, you may stay outdoors later into the night as you enjoy warm weather. And, in the winter, as the days get shorter, weather-proof lights will lead you through the snow. But, pathway lights don’t need to just be a safety feature: they can also illuminate every walkway on your property with style! To help you design the perfect landscape lighting features, we’ve put together a list of 10 of our favorite outdoor lighting ideas for pathways. 1. Deck Posts It’s possible to light a path area with deck post lights like this one from DEKOR Lighting, perfect for stairways and outdoor paths near decks. These fixtures are sold individually, so you can buy one per deck post, or even install multiple on each deck post. With 360 degrees rotation, each light is versatile, so you can illuminate your path or yard from multiple angles if desired. 2. Classic, Rounded Mushroom Path Lights Mushroom Pathway Lights create a classic look for your home that fits with any style, modern or rustic. These lights strike the perfect balance of warm and cool: DEKOR’s energy-efficient Cree LEDs have a precise color temperature of 3200 Kelvin. DEKOR’s Mushroom Pathway Lights come in two style varieties, so you can choose the one that suits your taste: the classic Mushroom pathway light or the stepped Mushroom pathway light. 3. Multi-Directional Pathway Lights If a rounded Mushroom Light is not your style, consider a light with a more angular appearance: DEKOR’s Empress Pathway Lights are a brilliant option for gardens and pathways alike. But most importantly, these lights have three different configurations: they can illuminate one side, two sides, or all three sides of the light. This results in the possibility of a full 360-degree spread of light around the focal point of the fixture. Don’t worry – they are also low-voltage and energy-efficient. 4. Dot Lights It’s also possible to light your pathway with a simple light source: no lamps or large fixtures required. Ground lights or dot lights can be placed directly in the ground along your driveway or path. DEKOR Lighting offers a selection of EZ Dot Lights, a weather-resistant, low-maintenance lighting option that can be installed along the edge of any outdoor landscape or hardscape feature. 5. Path Lighting Kits If you plan on lighting a large area of your yard or want to line your driveway with path lights, consider purchasing a lighting kit rather than buying lights individually. A lighting kit typically includes everything you need to DIY install your lights. DEKOR path light kits include 4 lights, a transformer, Plug-N-Play connection cables, and other tools you need for installation. 6. Colored Yard Lights Why stick to only white or yellow color temperatures for your path lights? With colored ground lights or yard dots, your landscape lighting becomes truly custom. DEKOR offers LED yard dots in four different colors: blue, amber, red, and green. DEKOR’s lights use colored LEDs, not a lens or filter, so the color lasts and stays true over time. 7. Low Voltage & Energy Efficient Path Lights We know you want to consider energy-consciousness when you buy new lighting. Choosing the right voltage for your transformer is key, as well as having options for controlling the lights, so you can turn them on and off on a regular schedule. With Plug-N-Play technology, DEKOR has several options for low voltage transformers that work with any of our outdoor path lights. You can also add on timers and wifi-controlled remotes to your DEKOR purchase, so your lights will only turn on when you want them to. Plus, transformer enclosures like DEKOR’s EZ Enclosure put all of your transformers, controllers, and timers in one convenient and secure location. 8. Garden Pathway Lighting If you have pathways that run through your garden, you may want to think about how to light both the path and showcase trees or plants. Directional landscape lights like this one from DEKOR Lighting offer high light output and multiple positioning. Garden and landscape lights can be used on their own to illuminate garden features or pathways. Or they work well in combination with other pathway lights to create a cohesive lighting design across your yard. Install Your Own Path Lights All of the path lighting ideas in this article can be easily installed with the instructions provided, and do not require professional assistance (unless desired). We hope these path lighting ideas inspire you, whether you’re designing a landscaping plan for a new house or you just want to spruce up your yard with new lighting options.
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9 Xeriscape Ideas to Improve Your Outdoor Space
You dream of a beautiful backyard but are also passionate about eco-friendly landscaping. Depending on your climate, a traditional lawn might not cut it. Thankfully, an excellent solution exists: xeriscaping. This increasingly popular practice limits the need for irrigation. Its name derives from the Greek word for “dry.” The water department in Denver deserves credit for the term. Although the concept has existed for some time, it has only recently become prominent. Implemented strategically, xeriscaping allows for lower utility bills, eco-friendly living, and a lot less time spent on lawn maintenance. What’s more, xeriscaped yards are often more visually appealing than their conventional counterparts. By forcing homeowners to get creative, these spaces deliver a greater sense of personality, often resulting in downright artistic designs that provide a real visual feast. Xeriscape Design Ideas When you’re accustomed to Kentucky bluegrass or flower gardens with high water needs, the very idea of diverging from these traditions can seem a bit frightening. However, a world of opportunity opens up when you no longer feel limited by the backyard status quo. Short on ideas? The following are just a few of the many xeriscape approaches worth implementing throughout your outdoor space: Plants Limited watering doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice greenery. In fact, many plants are uniquely suited to arid landscapes. For your backyard to qualify as xeriscaped, however, you’ll need to carefully select plants based on which are most likely to thrive based on local soil and climate conditions. When possible, stick with drought-tolerant plants that call for minimal watering. These will differ to an extent depending on how warm or cold your local climate is, although some shrubs or wildflowers thrive in several different environments. Top options include the following: Purple lovegrass Thyme Coneflower Candytuft Fernbush Catmint Yucca Apache plume As you determine which plants are right for your yard, keep potential zones in mind. Xeriscaping often involves hydrazones, with each area receiving a different amount of water. No-water zones are extremely low-maintenance, while low-water may require a drip irrigation system. Moderate-water zones should be limited to small flower beds or other focal points. Mulch If you’d like to keep things simple as you plan your xeriscaped backyard, be sure to take advantage of mulch. Used in many environments to prevent weeds, this form of ground cover is especially effective in dry regions, as it limits evaporation for soil moisture. As a result, less water is needed. Organic mulch is a great option. It can take many forms, such as pine needles, shredded hardwood, or chips of bark. Stone-based inorganic mulch can also be effective as ground cover but should be limited to shady areas. Rock Garden Few xeriscaped features are as visually impressive as detail-oriented rock gardens. These may include a variety of different types of stones or boulders. Many also incorporate plants, such as the xeriscape-friendly options referenced above. You can also add succulents or dainty decor to create a beautiful fairy garden. While rock garden setup takes extensive planning, this upfront work is more than worthwhile for anyone who hopes to minimize long-term maintenance. As with any garden, careful attention will be required for determining drainage and soil needs. This is particularly important for rock gardens that incorporate native plants. Pavers Paver selection and placement can have a huge impact on xeriscaping. Instead of automatically opting for standard concrete or asphalt, consider alternatives such as porous pavement or gravel. These allow runoff to reach your yard and soak into the ground. Permeable pavers can also fulfill this function, as they are set slightly apart to produce gaps. These, in turn, allow the water to reach the soil, providing much-needed moisture. Turf Grass If you love the look of a lush, well-manicured lawn, you might be disappointed by the high cost and ecological damage imparted when you chase this aesthetic in an arid or semi-arid region. Thankfully, several substitutes are available. If you want real grass, stick with drought-resistant options that will continue to grow well in dry weather or during unexpected heat waves. Native grass is generally preferable to exotic, ornamental options. Another potential solution? Synthetic turf. This allows you to skip watering altogether. Many synthetic solutions look surprisingly realistic, so you can enjoy the appearance of a lush lawn while keeping personal effort to a minimum. In general, the principles of xeriscaping call for as little use of turf as possible. When alternatives are available, take advantage of them. In limited supply, however, it’s possible to minimize water use while incorporating turf. Choose turf locations strategically and challenge yourself to shift towards mulch, rocks, or non-turf plant life. Light Up Your Xeriscape Landscaping No matter which xeriscape solutions you select, they deserve to be featured both during the day and after the sun goes down. Hence, the value of outdoor lighting, which draws attention to the most impressive aspects of your xeriscaped backyard. Landscape lighting can also serve a functional purpose, as it improves navigation along walkways and within gardens. This is one of the easiest backyard solutions to implement. Since environmental practices are a top priority among xeriscape enthusiasts, low-energy usage should be a priority with any xeriscape lighting solution. Thankfully, a variety of LED options are available. Efficient and effective, these extend the life of your favorite lights while minimizing energy usage. Top options for lighting up a xeriscaped environment include the following: Pathway Lighting Paths meandering through your xeriscaped space encourage both guests and residents to take in the full visual spectacle. These should be well-lit for the sake of safety, of course, but also so that nearby xeriscaped features can be enjoyed after dark. Mushroom fixtures are perfect for creating focused light, while paver lights can provide a lovely accent along both walkways and driveways. Empress lights are often referred to as the crown jewel of pathway lighting, as their facets resemble diamonds. Garden Lighting You’ve worked hard to create a stunning garden featuring ornamental rocks and native plants. Call attention to these unique features with landscaping lights. High output spotlights attract attention from afar, while radiance lights create instant depth and dimension. Memorable options such as colored puck lights or yard dots can be used creatively throughout your garden, creating a visual statement above and beyond what you could achieve with plants alone. These often include LEDs, which abide by the xeriscaping principles of eco-friendly design. Patio Lighting Xeriscaping often accompanies extended patios, which may be built, in part, with the intention of limiting lawn coverage. Equipped with the right features, such patios create excellent entertaining spaces. They must be properly lit, however, to promote both safety and socialization. From LED strips attached to pergolas to wall-mounted floodlights, a variety of solutions can illuminate your patio with a soft glow while also providing a view of your gorgeous landscaping. Paver lights can also work wonders and, when also integrated with pathways, create a cohesive effect throughout the entire xeriscaped area. Wall Lights Even if your backyard doesn’t include a deck or patio, you can use retaining walls and other sturdy surfaces to draw attention to intricate landscaping. This approach works especially well for smaller backyards, where most xeriscaped spaces may be bordered by walls. A variety of wall-mounted solutions are available. Corner lights, strip lights, and multi-function lights, for example, can all be called on to illuminate preferred spaces. These surprisingly versatile lights can easily blend into a variety of walls, where they improve safety, security, and general aesthetics when the sun goes down. Dekor: Creative Lighting Solutions to Support Your Xeriscaping Efforts From landscaping to pergolas and even your swimming pool, the vast range of lighting solutions from Dekor can up the ante for any outdoor feature you want to show off. Contact us today to learn more about our products or to find additional ideas for improving your outdoor living space.
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