Rainbow-colored Solar Path Lights
Friday, April 13th, 2007
Pathway lighting is a must if you’re going to do any entertaining in your yard after dark, or even just for safety when people are coming home at night. You want the way to the front door well lit to prevent accidents.
Now I’ve seen all sorts of solar-powered path lights (the big perk with solar is that you don’t have to run any wires; just hook up the solar panels and let the sun power your lights), but I haven’t seen too many that can turn different colors.
These colorful solar lights change through all the hues of the rainbow. They automatically turn on at dusk and provide up to 8 hours of their soft colorful light show.
They’re available from Eco Lights and start around $115.
It’s not uncommon to see candles in people’s homes, but they can add a lot of atmosphere to the back patio or deck, too, especially if you do a lot of outdoor entertaining. Of course, you have to worry about wind blowing the candles out if you’re enjoying them in the backyard. Fortunately, these Catalan Wall Sconces are specifically designed with candles in mind; they come with glass shells that protect the flame from passing breezes. 
Smudge pots were first used in the 1920s as warnings that road construction was ahead. Today they’re making an appearance in decks and patios across the country. They provide outdoor lighting (well, flame actually) and burning the oil keeps mosquitoes and other pesky insects away naturally. One of the perks of smudge pots is that you can use them even on windy days: the all-metal, powder-coated torches right themselves if they are tipped over by the wind (or rambunctious kids bumping them). Also, the flame is designed to be nearly windproof.
Looking for some classy residential lighting to brighten up your front walkway or backyard entertaining area in the evenings? This pedestal lamp from Dahlhaus Lighting is one of several outdoor lamps they offer, specifically designed to be mounted on a wall or pedestal. At nearly 24 inches high, the handsome fixtures are made not only to provide outdoor lighting but to act as focal points along your walkway or deck/porch. The lamps can add a lot of elegance to an otherwise plain brick pedestal or post. If you don’t see anything you’re in love with in their online catalogue, the company also offers custom gas and electric light fixtures.