Outdoor String Lights: Patios, Lanterns, LED And Dragonfly String Lights

One of the biggest home trends right now is creating an outdoor room. For decades, people have been decorating their porches, decks and patios with generic (and usually uncomfortable) chairs, tables and umbrellas. Occasionally, patio lights would be added to provide some much-needed illumination for nighttime entertaining. Now, it is all about creating an outdoor space that is fun, useful and reflects the homeowner's style. Expensive furniture, portable fireplaces and colorful throw pillows are just a few accessories people are purchasing to create the look. One cheaper, but bold way is by using outdoor string lights.
Outdoor string lights are a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck. They are both practical and beautiful by providing light and ambiance to nighttime parties and gatherings. Outdoor string lights are extremely versatile. They can be wound around tree trunks and branches or laced around a gazebo. Outdoor string lights climbing up a lattice trellis alongside ivy combines lighting and nature. Homemade canopies are made all the more romantic and dramatic with outdoor string lights winding up the posts or lining the edges. For a diverse effect, people can mix outdoor string lights in with other lighting elements such as patio lights, candles or paper lanterns.
People have a wide variety of choices when it comes to picking outdoor string lights. LED string lights are certainly becoming an environmentally-conscious choice. LED stands for light emitting diode. LED string lights are much more energy efficient than traditional string lights. In fact, they consume up to 90% less power. Also, they may be cheaper in the long run because they have a longer life than regular light bulbs, are very durable and safe.
Another option when choosing outdoor string lights is to set the mood of the occasion by picking a fun light bulb. Lantern string lights are a classy choice and can be used year round. Mini lantern string lights come in different metal finishes such as gold, silver or black. A dragonfly light bulb exudes summertime and is fun for barbecues or pool parties. Heart-shaped bulbs are cute and romantic—sweet for a casual, backyard wedding reception. Although outdoor string lights do come in many colors, white continues to dominate as the number one choice. It is no surprise. After all, twinkly white lights are classy and unlimited when it comes to occasion or style. However investing in a set of dragonfly  outdoor string lights is one way to set yourself apart from the rest of the neighbors.
Without a doubt, outdoor string lights are one of the summer's best accessories (for your backyard, that is). They are striking, gorgeous and magical. They can help make any outdoor space an outdoor room. Outdoor string lights help define the area and mood. Best of all, they can be found at a variety of home improvement and decorating stores.


Sources:
Tabi, Yasmin. "16 Outdoor Decorating Ideas for under $50." iVillage. 1995-2007. 15 July 2007. http://home.ivillage.com/decorating/budget/0,,jbzs -2,00.html.
"10 Tips for Outdoor Decorating with Lights." Learn About Outdoor Lighting. 2004. 15 July 2007. http://www.outdoorlighting.learnabout.info/article s/110-outdoor-decorating-lights.htm.
"The Future of Lighting." LED Rope Lights and More. 2006-2007. 15 July 2007. http://www.ledropelightsandmore.com/ledinfo.html.