The Unexpected Lighting Feature That Gives Your Patio A Touch Of Elegance

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Of all the gorgeous DIY patio ideas to turn your backyard into an oasis, how you light the area is one of the most essential elements in setting the mood. Lighting sets the scene for partying all night, snuggling up with hot cocoa and deep conversations, or winning the board game battle of the year. If you're aiming to create a space that gleams with effortless elegance, rechargeable table lamps may be the best type of patio lighting to consider. 

Think of it this way: you won't have to worry about hiding wires, many are dimmable to suit every occasion, and you don't have to choose once and live with your choice forever more. Swap the lamps out to suit your decor, elevate the theme of the event you're hosting, or simply match the mood you're in! Many modern cordless table lamps can be charged via a USB cable or run on solar power. Battery-operated lamps are another option, but factor in the ongoing cost of batteries or rechargeable batteries before going this route. 

When elegance is your goal, choose muted, reflective metallic surfaces and warm light bulbs — the Kipliko gold modern acrylic LED table lamp is a perfect example. Or lean into the sparkly side with touches of crystal beads to catch and reflect the light in subtle rainbow hues. Glass is always an elegant choice as it allows light through while reflecting light from other sources. Up the sophistication with smoky or milky glass for an understated glow that is both warm and mysterious. With so many options, you can find a portable table lamp that fits your patio style and provides the kind of illumination you want.

There are many cheap and clever ways to perk up your patio, but lighting is particularly important for the atmosphere once the sun goes down. The lighting you add makes everything else come alive, and it makes your patio area more functional in the evening and into the night. The great part of using rechargeable lights is that you can play around with the positioning until you get the exact arrangement you like, without dealing with wires or needing the services of an electrician. 

As you build your elegant lightscape, create layers of light to make the space not only practical but also breathtakingly beautiful. Layering patio light includes incorporating task lighting for areas where people need to do things, such as dishing up food or reading a book. Build in ambient lighting to lift visibility and make sure the area is safe to move around in. Add accent lighting to focus the attention on areas of interest, like a nearby fence or landscaped area. 

Get creative as you build your lighting story. For example, if you're creating a table centerpiece, add height variations by using an upside down glass salad bowl or two. Lights at different levels create interest, and using glass for the stand won't obstruct vision across the table. Show the fun side of sophistication with your lighting by choosing an elegant yet playful lamp such as the Amwgimi sunflowers rechargeable table lamp. The charm of combining a sparkly base with an interesting top allows the light to shine through in different ways, adding interest to how the area glows.

While there are many benefits to using rechargeable lamps, there are some limitations to work around. The charge doesn't last forever, so you may find yourself in dimly lit situations if you don't plan ahead. Let's say you're setting up your home for a memorable dinner party on the patio, and you're relying on rechargeable lamps to illuminate the meal. Make sure you charge the lights fully before party time to avoid a very dimly lit meal. Otherwise, invest in a backup set of lights to keep charged that can be swapped out if the batteries weaken through the evening. 

As with any outdoor space, your patio requires practical outdoor lights that are ready to take on the elements, especially if your patio isn't covered to protect from rain or the area is wind-prone. Choose lights with a solid base that will keep them grounded, and avoid any that are top heavy as they'll topple at the first breeze. Outdoor lamps are usually designed to be waterproof to some extent. If you fall in love with a light that isn't an outdoor lamp but will add the exact touch you want, like the gorgeous Artsolute handcrafted calcite table lamp, you can simply bring it in at the end of the evening.

It's also a good idea to test your lights at night to make sure they provide enough light. If they're too dim, add extra ambient lighting to give the space enough brightness. Cluster some smaller rechargeable lamps on the ground, or hang them if they have a handle to add a soft, warm glow.