As September comes to an end and fall officially begins, Las Vegas cools off and residents enjoy some of the region's most fantastic weather. These more temperate nights beckon for us to enjoy our backyard and outdoor patio areas and to share the gardens we love with others. But to do so requires some artful illumination. Consider the following five tips for adding enchanting lighting that will enhance your favorite outdoor areas and allow you to enjoy those spaces long into the night:

1. Starlight’s for Open Structures

Open air arbors and pergola-like structures are ideal for hanging up fairy lights or similar string lights. These lights can be easily weaved throughout the beams of outdoor structures and provide a soft glow reminiscent of stars or fireflies for a very cozy feel.

2. Submerged Lighting 

If you have a water feature in your backyard, whether it's a koi pond, pool, or waterfall, use submerged lighting to keep it visible long through the night. Lights underneath water simulate movement and have a magical appearance. Just be sure to contact a professional as electricity and water make for a dangerous install.

3. Candles and Lanterns

Candles and lanterns are simple to install and can easily be moved and repositioned. Candles are an ideal solution for situations where you want to light up a table for outdoor entertaining or to test out how things reflect for later, more permanent lighting installations.

4. Get Creative with Electric Lanterns 

Electric lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, with many outdoor varieties touting solar charging capabilities. Mix and match different styles and hanging them throughout your trees and other free-standing outdoor structures. The appropriate mixture will create unique focal points and light up your most trafficked locations. 

5. Outdoor Chandelier

Really want your outdoor areas to make an impact? Add a chandelier over an outdoor dining table or formal sitting area and enjoy a romantic glow for all your evening activities. A good tip for outdoor chandeliers is to add a dimmer switch to control the ambiance.

Install ZipRite Shades in Your Backyard

If you're still getting started on creating a desirable and usable backyard, consider the advantages of ZipRite shades when creating an indoor/outdoor patio space. ZipRite shades can be easily drawn during the day so you can enjoy a patio area that is cool and comfortable without the harsh Vegas sun. Then at night, simply press a button to raise the ZipRite shades up and you can enjoy that magical evening air. For this type of set-up, an outdoor chandelier or mixture of electric lanterns are ideal.

To learn more about ZipRite shades, contact our friendly team at Polar Shades today by calling 702-260-6110 for a free in-home window shade consultation.