How Can Patio Umbrella Lights Improve My Outdoor Space?
Having proper outdoor lighting can mean the difference between enjoying your outdoor space and letting it go to waste. If you have one or more patio umbrellas, you can spruce up your backyard with patio umbrella lights. Installation is easy – and they come in a variety of colors and types to make your backyard a center point for fun and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to let your creativity run wild, or simply want a quick way to spruce up your living space, the large selection of colors and styles allows for people of all tastes to enjoy a perfectly lighted backyard. These lights offer a decorative and inexpensive way to extend your outdoor entertainment long after to sun goes down.
Types Of Mounts
Vein Mounted
The typical patio umbrella light features a lighted module that slides onto the umbrella shaft. Other types are designed to be attached on the umbrella arms. Most light systems never need to be removed from the umbrella, and allow you to open/close the umbrella as usual. The pole mounted lights will require you to remove the umbrella from the mount. The light pod slides up the pole and rests just under the umbrella’s veins. Umbrella string lights work a little differently. They are a series of lighted strings which each attach to an umbrella vein (The collapsible frame that holds the umbrella up). Each light string connects to a central plug center to power them. Choosing a light type depends on personal preference. Pole mounted lights are good for situations where a no-nonsense light source is needed, say for reading and eating under. Vein mounted outdoor umbrella lights also provide excellent lighting but end up providing a more surreal, decorative effect.
Energy Efficiency And Lighting Effects
Pole Mounted
Most patio umbrella light systems are quite energy efficient, making them an economical solution to your outdoor needs. Many multi-light systems include a built-in function that keeps the lights on if one bulb happens to burn out. This is a handy feature to look for when buying a set, as it can be a pain to have your lights go out unexpectedly during the night. For people who have concerns with the lights drawing bugs (especially mosquitoes), look for outdoor umbrella lights that feature “diffused lighting ambiance”. They produce a specific type of light that does not draw as many bugs & critters.
Whether you’re looking for the appealing subtle glow of soft light or bold colors, there is a patio umbrella light system for you. For basic lighting needs like entertainment, reading, cooking and conversing, a standard color like white or yellow is generally the best way to go. For special events such as birthdays, get-togethers and pool parties, the color possibilities are endless. Systems that use LED type lights can produce any color you desire. LED lights are also far more energy efficient and longer-lasting that their incandescent counterparts. The internet is a great place to find patio umbrella lights, so look around a bit to find the best umbrella light for you!
Solar Technology
Solar technology has made its way into the patio umbrella light field, providing practically free lighting for patio umbrellas. Solar umbrella lights are available that gather energy from the sun during the day to power the lights at night. This system works well in areas that get full sunlight during the day. The solar light kit will have a panel which can be placed wither on top of the umbrella or anywhere else that receives sunlight. Some manufacturers are making umbrellas that come with the lights and solar technology built right in. Solar technology is often incorporated into the form of umbrella string lights which are powered from a single solar panel.
Additional Thoughts
Make sure that the umbrella lighting kit will fit the umbrella that you own. This is especially important for the vein mounted lights. Pole mounted lights will fit most umbrellas because they usually come with a series of adapters to ensure a snug fit to your umbrella’s pole diameter.
