Innovative Series Lights - Ideal For Screened Porch

Many of us are familiar with festoon lighting - strings lights used around the holidays. These simple tools highlight outside venues, like circuses, and also restaurant patios and gatherings inside tents. They are surely low cost, and practical.

strings lights came to mind as permanent lighting for the screened patio in the house we were constructing. They would be a good fit with this casual, industrial style home. string lights are typically not the same thing as low voltage cable light bulbs, which are not suitable for outdoors, and can be more expensive than ten times as much.

String lights are simple to install: While doing the electrical wiring stage, three outlets were being installed high on the wall at intervals across the room. The outlets were attached to a switch, so the light fittings will be turned on quickly. During the finishing level, ordinary wire was connected to eye screws in the wall space. At one end, the eye screws were beside the outlets, in order that the light string will be plugged in. Three strands of medium gauge wire were attached to the eye screws and drew tight across the room.

We initially tried a package of little smaller lights on one of any wires, but did not like the wrapped green electric line that came with lights. It was too noticeable. So we took those back and got three boxes of mid size bulb Xmas lights. These came with simpler electric wire and larger sized bulbs. They were called C-7's. You can buy C-9's if you want bigger bulbs. There are various bulb styles and sizes out there, all the way up to common sized bulbs.

Each bulb carries a little clip so that it can be hung on the cord. We spaced the lamps out, and then pulled the strand hard. This brand of light strand can be cut down, so there was no excess at the end. When the strand is cut, you will need some black electrician's tape to be able to seal the end.

The moment the light strings are turned on we had a pleasant surprise. The illumination was beautifully diffused all the way through the room. It was so soft and diffused that it looked like moonlight. Strings of little lights have unique ambiance - they remind us of get together and festive moments. It was exciting to re-interpret this familiar lighting preference for everyday use. Click here