Choosing a Patio Umbrella with Lights

Your patio is finished and it’s time to put on the finishing touch — patio umbrella lights!  There are many different types available, and your individual needs will point towards which kind of patio umbrella with built-in illumination is best for you.

Lamp-Style Lights

Lamp-style patio umbrella lights are attached to the pole of the umbrella, allowing you to adjust how close the light source is to the table to which your umbrella is secured.  These lights are bright enough to illuminate activities on your porch, so if your plan is to hang out on the deck and play card games or read a book, lamp-style lights are perfect for your needs.  They cost about $120 online for an install-it-yourself package.

String-Style Lights

If you desire a dimmer, more ambient lighting, you may want to go with a string-style patio umbrella.  The lights are built onto the ribs or the outer layer of the umbrella and provide a mood lighting feel that is perfect if you are not trying to light your way or illuminate your whole backyard.  String-style lights start around $40 online for those that are not pre-installed.

Globe-Style Lights

Similar to lamp-style lights in their placement, globe-style lights are attached to the pole or base of the umbrella for easy adjustment.  They are softer than their lamp counterparts, and come in an array of colors or finishes to give you exactly the illumination you’re looking for.  A low-voltage set of globe-style lights costs about $200 online and comes with everything you need to set it up on your existing patio umbrella.

LED Lights vs. Incandescent Lights

Most patio umbrella lights are made with LED lights, as they are less likely to catch fire on the fabric of the umbrella.  Since there is virtually no difference in the quality of light, it is recommended that you choose LED lights.