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Sapphire Accent Rail Light | Product Spotlight | Deck Rail Lighting & Design
Adding a little flair to your backyard decor is a cinch with the all-new Sapphire Accent Rail Light by DEKOR®. It’s a gem-like light that’s bound to inject any outdoor space with a charming ambience that inspires outdoor relaxation. Despite its small size, the Sapphire Rail Light packs a strong illuminating punch and lasts for up to a decade. It’s also well-made, customizable, and easy to install. Keep reading to learn more! A Simply Stunning Accent Rail Light It goes without saying that our Sapphire Accent Rail Light is a joy to look at. It’s got a clean, sleek, angular design with some real visual interest. As a whole, it’s a 2″ square light with a gem-like pyramid tip in the middle, and it comes in a variety of colors. The result is a deck rail light that looks great day or night! Quality Light Source The Sapphire Accent Rail Light isn’t just about good looks. It’s also quite powerful when it comes to illumination. In fact, each gem emits 15 lumens of light at a temperature of 3200k. That’s a lot of light for such a small accent! And because the Sapphire Accent Rail Light features top quality LEDs, it will last for years and years. In fact, each deck rail light comes with a 10-year warranty (when you use it with a DEKOR® brand transformer). 7 Color Choices and 2 Mounting Options The Sapphire Accent Rail Light is available in 8 color options, including: Antique Metal Black – A true black with subtle texture that gives off an ornate feel. Bronze – A classic bronze hue with a deep, rich finish. Dark Copper Vein – A true-to-life copper tone with a unique mottled appearance. Hammered White – A clean white with a subtle pebbled finish. Premium Sultry Cove – A grayish tan with an understated grainy texture. Premium Majestic Stone – A dark stone gray with a visibly grainy texture. Premium Pearl Shore – A beautiful light tan reminiscent of pearls. In addition to the color choices, your lights can be mounted onto the railing in two different ways so you can choose the look that best suits your deck. Here are your mounting options: Square mount: Straight edge flush with the top of the rail. Diamond mount: Straight edge turned 45 degrees upward or downward. You can even alternate mounting options for a completely different look! Fully Customizable The great thing about the Sapphire Accent Rail Light is that it’s fully customizable. You can use it as a deck rail light, step light, or all-purpose accent light both indoors and outdoors. What’s more is that you choose how many lights you want to use on each rail. Feel free to stack lights for some real personality and playful flair. And if you’re feeling bold, pair them with our elegant post cap lights, rope lights, or medallion lights. The only limit is your imagination! Easy Installation Last but not least, the Sapphire Accent Rail Light is a breeze to install. In fact, it can be done in just minutes with no complicated electrical work. All you need is an adhesive (included) and a 7/8″ hole for mounting! As you may have gathered, the Sapphire Accent Rail Light is a winner all around. It’s got personality, durability, and functionality all rolled into one. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of pizzazz to your deck this summer, look no further than the Sapphire Accent Rail Light!
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How to Design Landscape Lighting: A Helpful Guide
Have you ever had the nagging feeling that your landscape isn’t all it could be? If so, perhaps you haven’t utilized landscape lighting to its fullest extent. It’s 100% normal to need some assistance with landscape design. After all, designing a practical, eye-catching landscape can be quite the undertaking. Luckily, by following the steps in this article, you can create an attractive and functional outdoor lighting scheme that will make your home the envy of the neighborhood. 1. Decide what you want to light. The first step in designing landscape lighting is to decide what features you want to highlight. Do you want to focus on your home’s facade, illuminate a walkway or garden path, or highlight a water feature, etc.? Take some time to explore your desires for your outdoor space. It’s all up to you! 2. Consider the function of your landscape lighting. In addition to aesthetic considerations, you’ll also want to think about the function of your landscape lighting. Do you need it for security purposes? Do you want to improve visibility for nighttime entertaining? Or do you simply want to add a bit of ambiance to your outdoor space? Your answers to these questions will help you determine the types of fixtures and placements that will work best for your needs. 3. Select the right lights. It’s time for the fun part – choosing your lights! When selecting light fixtures, it’s essential to consider the type of light they emit. LED lights are a favorite among modern homeowners – they’re efficient, versatile, and long-lasting. And it always helps that they are available in various styles and colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect light for your landscape lighting scheme. Read the below list and check out the links to learn about some of the best landscape lighting options and their uses. LED Soffit Floodlights. Flood lights are a type of fixture that emits a wide, diffused beam of light. They are often used to illuminate large areas such as driveways and backyards. Mushroom Path Lights. As their name suggests, these are lights you can place along a path or walkway. They can create a sense of direction and help guide visitors through your outdoor space. They work really well for lighting linear features such as garden paths and driveway edges. Telescoping Landscape Spotlights. These are perfect for highlighting specific features such as water features, sculptures, or architectural details. You can use them to create a dramatic effect or simply add a bit of accent lighting to your landscape. LED Recessed Stair lights. As you might expect, these are lights that are placed on steps or staircases. They provide both safety and aesthetic appeal, helping to light the way while adding a bit of style to your outdoor space. LED Hanging lights. Hanging lights, also known as pendant lights, are a type of fixture that you suspend from the ceiling or an overhead structure. They instantly add interest to literally any area. Well Landscape Uplights. These are a type of recessed light that is placed in the ground and points upward. You may use them to highlight trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features. LED Rope lights. Rope lights are a type of fixture that emits a continuous, diffused light. Add them to your walkways, stairs, and deck edges to create a safe and well-lit outdoor space. Colored LED Puck Lights. These are small, round lights that are often used to accent specific features or add a bit of ambient lighting. Go for red, amber, blue, or green to add a touch of personality to your landscape lighting scheme. 4. Consider the placement of your lights. Where do you put your lights? The answer will depend on their expected function and how you want your space to look. For walkways and other areas where safety is a concern, place fixtures far enough apart, so there is no risk of tripping. For landscaping features such as water features or gardens, you should put the lights close enough to the feature so that it is adequately lit without being overwhelming. And for home facades, you’ll want to consider both the size and shape of your home when placing fixtures. Generally, it’s best to place fixtures symmetrically on either side of your home’s front door. Dos and Don’ts of Designing Landscape Lighting Now that you know the basics of landscape lighting design, here are a few dos and don’ts to remember. They’ll save you some time and frustration. Do: Create a plan. Before you start buying lights, grab a pencil and some paper, and draft a plan for your landscape lighting project. This will help you determine the number and type of lights you’ll need, as well as their placement. Think about function. When designing your landscape lighting, consider both function and aesthetics. Walkways, stairs, and other areas where safety is a concern should be well-lit, while landscaping features such as gardens and water features can be accentuated with more creative lighting schemes. Choose the right lights. As you may have gathered, not all lights are created equal. Before you choose, be sure to consider the type of light they emit, their durability, and their energy efficiency. Don’t: Forget about safety. When placing your lights, be sure to consider the risk of tripping. You don’t want your guests stumbling in the dark. Ignore your home’s architecture. The lights you choose should complement the style of your home. Traditional homes tend to look best with classic fixtures, while more contemporary homes pair well with more modern designs. By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to designing the perfect landscape lighting scheme for your home. We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you’ll be able to use it to create a beautiful, well-lit outdoor space. We encourage you to explore DEKOR®’s wide selection of top-quality lighting solutions for all your home décor needs.
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Best LED Rope Lights for the Outdoors
Is your outdoor space begging for a makeover? Give it the facelift it deserves with LED rope lights. They’re a versatile and easy-to-use lighting solution that can add a special touch to any outdoor space. They look great on their own, but when they’re styled right, they take your space over the top! For those who don’t know what they are, LED rope lights are a type of string light that uses Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. They’re energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in various colors and styles to complement your outdoor areas. Whether you’re looking for LED rope lights for the outdoors or ideas to style them, we’ve got you covered. Just keep reading! Outdoor Lighting Ideas for LED Rope Lights There are a myriad of ways to style LED rope lights outdoors. Below are some ideas that’ll give you some inspiration: Get to Wrapping You can wrap your LED rope lights around trees, fences, or porch railings to add a touch of light and warmth to your outdoor space. This is an easy way to add character without going over the top. LED rope lights are also great for wrapping around patio umbrellas to create a soft, ambient glow. Create a Focal Point LED rope lights can also be used to create a focal point in your outdoor space. Consider using them to highlight architectural features like an arbor, trellis, or pergola. You can also use LED rope lights to accentuate your favorite outdoor art pieces! Poolside Paradise LED rope lights are the perfect addition to any poolscape. Use them to line the perimeter of your pool or spa for a touch of luxuriousness. You can also use LED rope lights to create a dramatic waterfall effect. Create a Path Light the way by creating a defined path through your outdoor space with your LED rope lights. This is especially helpful if you have steps or an uneven surface in your front or backyard. Utilizing your rope lights in this way can also add a layer of safety and security to your outdoor space. Dress Up Your Home’s Perimeter String LED rope lights along the perimeter of your outdoor space for subtle yet effective accent lighting. It adds curb appeal and makes your home more visible at night. Set Your Furniture Off Wrap LED rope lights around outdoor furniture to create a cozy, inviting space. When you invite family or friends over for a night of outdoor fun, they’ll be able to easily see your furniture and know where to sit. And on romantic evenings, LED rope lights can easily be used to set the mood. The Best LED Rope Lights for the Outdoors Now that you’ve been inspired by all the ways you can style LED rope lights outdoors, it’s time to choose the right lights for your space. There are a lot of LED rope lights on the market, but not all of them are created equal. You deserve the best in outdoor LED rope lighting, and you’ll get it with DEKOR®’s Flex Deck LED Rope Lights. Keep reading to learn why these LED rope lights stand out from the rest. LED Core The LED core on DEKOR®’s LED rope lights is one of the main things that sets them apart from the competition. With 60 lumens per foot, they illuminate your space in the best way – neither too much nor too little light in the daytime or at night. Widespread Applications Functionality is key when it comes to LED rope lights, and that’s where DEKOR® brand rope lights shine. You can mold these lights however you see fit to create various looks. They are called “Deck” LED rope lights, but you can use them for much more than decks. Use them to line your pool, accent your landscaping, or illuminate paths – if you can imagine it, you can bring it to fruition and create your own backyard oasis. Color Temperature The temperature of your LED lights can make or break your outdoor design. Our Flex Deck LED Rope Lights have a color temperature of 3500K, which is ideal for the outdoors. It’s a neutral color that will create a cozy atmosphere without being too overbearing. Durability Even the most beautiful LED rope lights are useless if they can’t handle the outdoor elements. DEKOR® LED rope lights come with an ultra high-strength adhesive from mega-brand 3M for no-fuss mounting. You won’t have to worry about them falling, even in high winds. Consistent Lighting Rope lighting should be consistent from start to finish, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with DEKOR®® LED rope lights. They were expertly constructed to be free of light output gaps or breaks. So, you’ll enjoy smooth, consistent light output with no hot spots. Easy Installation Installing your DEKOR® LED rope lights couldn’t be easier. They have a high-strength adhesive that requires you to do little more than peel and stick. And with Plug-N-Play™ connections, powering up your LED rope lights is a cinch. You can also cut them to length without damaging their LED core. Customized Selection Our LED rope lights are available in several options: single or full kit. So, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the perfect size for your space. Purchase a single pack to see how you like them, then buy more as needed. You can’t go wrong with DEKOR®’s Flex Deck LED Rope Lights. They really are the best of the best! LED rope lights are a fantastic way to level up your outdoor space. And with so many ways to style them, the possibilities are endless! Happy DEKOR®ating!
Read more9 Outdoor Lighting Ideas for the Front of Your House
Want to give the front of your house a facelift? It’s a great idea, given that outdoor lighting can deter thieves, aid in nighttime visibility, and make your home look like a million bucks! Unfortunately, with the myriad of outdoor lighting options available, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why so many go with the obvious option – generic porch lights. But you don’t have to do that! You can get creative with some of the most unique options available anywhere. Here are 9 fantastic lighting ideas that’ll make your house the best-looking one on the block! Go Crazy with Rope Lights Most of us love using our string lights indoors during the holidays. Well, you can recreate that joy with outdoor LED rope lights, which add ambiance and personality to the front of your house. Simply wrap them around trees, railings, posts, or anything else you want to showcase. Or take things up a notch and get creative by spelling out words or phrases with the lights. Just make sure you buy exterior approved rope lights! Illuminate Your Steps with Stair Lighting Looking for something practical and stylish? Porch step lighting is the way to go! LED recessed stair lights illuminate your front steps, making your outdoor living space safer and more attractive at the same time. And if you’re feeling adventurous, decorate in color with some colored LED recessed stair lights. They are available in blue, red, green, and amber! Add Landscape Lighting to Your Pathways If you have any landscaping features that you want to highlight, doing it with landscape lighting is a no-brainer. You can use puck lights to showcase sculptures, fountains, or anything else in your front yard that brings you joy. But that’s not all. Use Step & Stair Paver Dot™ Lights to light up your main pathways or concrete or brick steps. Use Garden Lights to Add Interest to Your Front Garden If you’ve been working hard on your garden, you owe it to yourself to play it up with some garden lighting. This is where well-placed telescoping LED landscape spotlights shine! They’re an understated CREE LED lighting solution that puts your trees, shrubs, and plants on blast! When they’re on, they add some real interest to your space, but when they’re off, you won’t even realize they’re there. Another great option is the Tree Gang 2 Fixture Landscape Spotlight, which features 82 LEDs, a durable aluminum construction, energy efficiency, and two-way flexibility to light whatever object you want! Install Flood Lights to Illuminate Your Home’s Exterior Flood lights are outdoor lighting workhorses. For outdoor security and entertainment, mount them against your home’s exterior or on your favorite outdoor structures. Place them high up and let the light wash down over the branches and trunk for a look that is out-of-this-world gorgeous! DEKOR® ‘s LED Soffit Flood Light Outdoor Kit is a fantastic pick, featuring deceptively tiny high-performance lights that are both weatherproof and extremely durable. They’re sure to impress! Put Up Outdoor Wall Lights Outdoor wall lights are yet another terrific way to add light to the front of your house. They can be used to light up walkways, porches, decks, and patios for a touch of drama. And the DEKOR® brand LED Hardscape & Retaining Wall Light is one of the best! It instantly adds an element of dramatic flair to your textured retaining walls, outdoor stairs, and hardscape projects. It boasts dimmable CREE LEDs, an anti-corrosion housing finish, Plug N’ Play capabilities, and more! And if you’re looking for an all-purpose outdoor wall lighting option, the Radiance Multifunction Light is the answer! Use it to light literally any straight wall, give your steps some character, or elevate your deck. The possibilities are endless! Top off Your Posts with Post Cap Lights If you have a deck or fence at the front of your house, your posts are practically begging for some attention. Give them just that with post cap lights! These are small lights that fit on top of your deck or fence posts. They come in all sorts of styles, but the best ones have some distinct features. DEKOR® Pyramid Post Caps with LED Lights have energy-efficient LEDs, an elegant post cap design, and can be purchased in several lighting configurations – even a solar one! But the best part? They’re made of extremely durable materials that can withstand virtually any weather conditions. Dress Up Your Rails with LED Lights Show your rails a little bit of love with some charming rail lights! These outdoor lights draw the eye to your deck, porch, or balcony for some serious curb appeal. You can’t go wrong with a quality set, like our Diamond Post Medallion LED Accent Lights. They not only appeal to your fancy side with their luxurious diamond design, but they’re super versatile. Use them to accent your stairs, add some oomph to your rails, or spruce up your balusters. Add Some Class to Your Deck with Baluster Lights Baluster lights are the ideal accompaniment to any front deck. When crafted right, they can make your outdoor space look like something out of a magazine. If you want to take your deck to the next level, consider switching out your old balusters for these lighted ones. As you can see, there are plenty of outdoor lighting ideas to choose from for the front of your house. No matter your style, you’re sure to find an option that you’ll love. We encourage you to check out the lights linked throughout this article for a glimpse of outdoor lighting perfection! Good luck with your outdoor lighting project.
Read moreHow to Install Dimmers: On a Light Switch or With a Remote Control
Light dimmers are incredibly useful in both indoor and outdoor contexts. Inside, dimmer switches allow you to adjust lighting depending on how bright the natural light is in a room at any given moment. Outside, waterproof dimmers with remote controls are perfect for setting the mood for any outdoor living space. There are two primary types of dimmers we’ll explore in this article: dimmers with remote controls and dimmer switches. Dimmers with remote controls are particularly convenient outside because you can control them from a distance, although they can be used in indoor applications as well. Dimmer switches look like traditional light switches but include dimming functionality, which allows you to adjust your light brightness simply by pressing on the switch. Despite what you might think, it’s not difficult to install dimmers and switches, especially the ones offered by DEKOR®. In the following sections, we’ll walk through exactly how to install the two types of dimmers mentioned above. How to Install Dimmers on a Light Switch If you want dimmable indoor lighting, installing dimmer switches is the best and easiest way to get it. DEKOR®’s EZ Wireless Dimmer Switch is a convenient wireless wall switch, available as a kit with a receiver included or just the switch. And yes, you read that right: this dimmer switch is wireless. No complicated wiring set-ups here: just screw the switch to an existing junction box or nearly any wall surface. You’ll need the receiver to operate the switch; it connects to a transformer with a cable, then plugs into an outlet. The receiver is teachable, so you can control your dimming settings. Install Your Light Switch Follow these steps to install and wall mount the light switch. Link the light switch to the receiver before mounting it on the wall. Make sure the light switch is within 16 feet of the receiver when linking. Press the rocker of the light switch while the receiver is in link mode. Then activate by pressing the rocker again after the receiver has been connected and is no longer in link mode. Choose your installation method: screw surface mount, adhesive surface mount, or switch box mount. Screw surface mount: If necessary, drill pilot holes into the wall. Attach the backplate to the wall with suitable screws (not included). Add the switch to the back plate with included 6 x 3/8″ screws. Then attach the faceplate with included screws. Adhesive surface mount: Add the switch to the back plate with included 6×3/8″ screws. Attach the faceplate with included screws. Apply adhesive tape to the back plate of the switch and affix it to the wall. Switch box mount: You will not need the back plate for this installation. Attach the switch into the screw holes on the switch box using the included 6-32 x 3/4″ screws. Then attach the faceplate with included faceplate screws. Teach the Receiver There are two parts to the installation process for dimmer switches because your dimmer won’t work without a properly installed receiver. The receiver allows you to teach your dimmer switch your preferred settings. Follow these steps to install the receiver. Make sure the receiver is linked to your light switch (see step 1 for “Install Your Light Switch”). Determine how you want to program your receiver. There are 4 different learn modes, which will help determine what kind of movement will turn your lights on and off (press and release vs. press and hold) and will also set the dimming functionality. Find out more about the learn modes in our full installation guide here. Once you determine your desired learn mode, press “LRN” on your receiver with a pen for 0.5 seconds, then release. This will put you in Learn Mode 1. If you wish to enter a different learn mode, press the “LRN” button again and hold for 3 seconds. This should put you in Learn Mode 2. Repeat this step if you wish to enter other learn modes. From here, you can “teach” the transmitter by pressing the switch according to the instructions for your designated learn mode. The light bulb should blink according to the pattern outlined in the installation guide (linked above). To exit configuration mode, simply wait 30 seconds. If you wish to clear your configuration, press the “CLR” button with a pen for several seconds until the light begins to blink. How to Install Remote Control Dimmers (Alt text: DEKOR® EZ Waterproof Low Voltage / LED Dimmer with Teachable Remote) If you’re looking for an easy-to-install dimmer that doesn’t require a light switch, the EZ Waterproof Dimmer with a Teachable Remote is ideal for outdoor use. DEKOR® also offers a dimmer with a remote designed specifically for indoor use. Installing remote control dimmers is often just a matter of connecting the dimmer to your lights and a power supply. Let’s walk through the instructions for installing the EZ Waterproof Dimmer, including how to program the teachable remote. This is assuming you already have your DEKOR® lights selected and ready to plug into the power supply. Attach the male end of the cable to the output of the DEKOR® transformer. Attach the female end to the transconnect cable included with the transformer. Connect the transformer to a 120V AC outlet protected by a GFI circuit. To teach the remote: Unplug the transformer from the wall outlet. Press and hold the up and down arrow buttons on the remote at the same time. Plug the transformer into the wall outlet (you should see the connected lights flash). Release the up and down arrow buttons on the remote. Press the power button on the remote. Test all functions. Find Your Next Dimmer With DEKOR® It’s never been easier to install dimmable and adjustable lighting. All of the dimmers mentioned in this article can be installed in minutes by anyone: no need for a lighting professional to come into your home. For DEKOR®’s full selection of dimmers, switches, timers, and other accessories, see our offerings here. And if you’re looking for a way to control the lights in your house remotely, our DEKORKONNECT™ WiFi Light Controller is the perfect solution. Create zones, set schedules, and dim your lights all from the Bond Home app on your phone.
Read moreSavona 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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