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Thoughtful illumination turns good design into great design
Today, outdoor living continues to evolve beyond the basics. It’s not just about having a deck or patio, it’s about creating a cohesive outdoor experience. This means updating patios and decks with new furniture and accessories, or –perhaps – a grill or outdoor kitchen. One of the most impactful (and often overlooked) elements of that experience is lighting. The right lighting enhances safety, extends usability, and adds mood and ambiance that makes a space feel curated and complete.
Light for Ambiance. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet evening on the deck, soft lighting goes a long way. Recessed step lights, under-rail illumination, and subtle landscape fixtures can create a glow that feels both high-end and homey.
Adding post lighting to deck railings provides an additional, directional light source while enhancing the ambience of outdoor spaces. DesignRail® aluminum railings are available with optional LED Post Accent Lights, which feature decorative aluminum sconces that attach easily to the post face. Warm white LED bulbs produce an illuminating downward-facing light that highlights areas on the deck along with nearby landscape elements. A polycarbonate lens diffuses light more evenly and provides protection from the elements.
Light for Safety. Safety is non-negotiable, especially around stairs, transitions, and deck perimeters. But that doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. While incorporating lighting in outdoor areas improves the look of decks and patios, it also helps to ensure safety. These high-traffic areas often lead to stairs and walkways, and should be well-lit to avoid slips and falls and make outdoor entertaining more worry-free. Incorporating rail lighting is an excellent way to illuminate an outdoor space while keeping safety in mind. LED Rail Lighting for DesignRail® can be added underneath the top rail to brighten a deck or patio or installed below the bottom rail to add much needed light to dark pathways.
TIP: When adding lighting elements to outdoor spaces, it’s recommended to use wet-rated products in areas that receive a significant amount of moisture or require protection from the rain and snow, such as under a porch overhang. Wet-rated lights are ideally-suited for areas exposed to the elements like deck railings. Additionally, these lights are made to withstand harsh or marine conditions encountered in coastal areas and are less likely to corrode from saltwater.
Light to Highlight. Homeowners can take exterior lighting a step further by installing a compatible dimmer that can be adjusted to fit the mood. Brighter settings can be when entertaining and then dialed down for everyday enjoyment. Another feature that may be useful is a timer that cues lights to turn on automatically at dusk and then off again late in the evening. This takes the guesswork out of operating outdoor lights, whether home or away.
Light That Lasts. Although there are several options for lighting outdoor spaces, the most energy-efficient choice is LED lighting, which has become increasingly popular due to its long lifespan. The ambient white light produced by LEDs will illuminate even the darkest areas, making this lighting type an excellent option for most situations. Feeney’s rail lighting options feature a high CRI (color rendering index) for a truer color presentation and utilize 24V LED lights rated for up to 50,000 hours for long-lasting performance.
From added safety to elevated ambiance, lighting plays a key role in how people use and enjoy their outdoor spaces. With Feeney’s easy-to-integrate LED solutions, it’s never been easier to enhance your deck or patio with style and confidence.
Ready to brighten your next project?
Explore Feeney lighting options or contact our team for expert guidance.
