Mark Hamade

Solar outdoor lighting doesn’t have to be merely practical. It can be attractive as well. Here are some ideas for decorative solar lighting to spruce up your outdoor living areas.

1. Solar Post Lights

For driveways, patios, front and back yards, and other large areas that need to illuminated but don’t need the brightness that flood lights provide, post lights are a good choice. Since they are available in a wide variety of decorative styles, it’s easy to find one that will fit well with the design of your house. Whether it’s vintage, traditional or modern style, solar post lights can add a stylish accent to your environment.

2. Solar Deck Lights

If you use your deck regularly for barbecues and other outdoor activities that extend into the evening hours after dark, you’ll need deck lighting for your enjoyment and for your safety. Since decks are usually elevated a few feet from the ground, and on sloped lots it can sometimes be a story or more, lighting the edge of the deck is a good idea. Adding lights to the stair treads is helpful, and a great way to add ambient lighting to the area.

3. Solar porch lights

A well designed porch light not only provides light for times when friends come to visit, but it can add a distinctive decorative touch to your home. A custom porch light can be an inexpensive way to customize the entry of a tract home. And don’t forget the safety benefits. When people that you aren’t expecting ring your doorbell at night when it’s dark outside, flipping on the porch light not only lets you easily see who is there, but acts as a deterrent to pranksters and anyone who might just be hoping that no one will respond.

4. Solar Fairy Lights

These tiny little lights are great choices for temporary lighting, parties, apartment dwellers and renters. Solar fairly lights don’t require permanent installation and add a charming touch to your patio or deck. You can find them in all sorts of colors – red, pink, blue or assorted — as well as clear.