The sun has set, the last warm rays have faded into twilight night cloaked deck. But that doesn’t mean you have to head inside – your deck can become an inviting nighttime oasis. With some strategic lighting, furnishings, and decor, you can create a cozy space for enjoying the evening. By day, your deck functions as an extension of your home, a place to soak in the sun and enjoy being outside.
But at night, with a few simple additions, it transforms into a magical escape under a sea of stars. The key is using what you already have in unexpected ways. That patio table you usually eat lunch at? It now becomes a surface for setting mood lighting. The plants that border your deck can be uplighted to cast dramatic shadows. And don’t forget seating – a few comfy chairs or outdoor sofas invite you and guests to sit back, relax and enjoy the nighttime ambiance of your newly cloaked deck. With these tips, you’ll be spending more time on your deck after the sun goes down. The night awaits!
Setting the Mood: Lighting Ideas for Your Night Cloaked Deck
When designing your night cloaked deck, ambient lighting is crucial for setting the perfect mood.
Mason Jar Lanterns with Fairy Lights
String some outdoor-rated fairy lights through mason jars to give your space a warm, rustic glow. Place them along railings, stairs, and edges of the deck. The soft, flickering light will make your deck feel cozy and inviting after dark.
Pathway Luminarias
Line walkways with luminarias – small bags with candles or LED lights inside. Not only will they gently light the way for guests, but they also create a lovely ambiance. For safety, use LED tealights instead of open flames.
Table and Floor Lamps
Don’t forget lighting at different levels. Place table and floor lamps around seating areas so people can see without harsh overhead lighting. Look for outdoor lamps with shades to diffuse the light.
Spotlights
Use spotlights to highlight architectural details or landscaping features. Aim them at items like trellises, arbors, staircases or garden sculptures. Spotlights allow certain focal points to take center stage once the sun goes down.
A thoughtful combination of these lighting ideas can turn your deck into an alluring nighttime escape. With the right ambient glow, your space will go from drab to dramatic as darkness falls, allowing you to enjoy summer evenings outside long after the sun has set. By adding lighting at different heights and using a mix of soft, natural light along with subtle spotlights, you’ll create layers of illumination for the perfect captivating atmosphere on your night cloaked deck.
Furniture That Pops: Choosing Pieces That Stand Out After Dark
When night falls, a deck can transform into an inviting outdoor oasis. Choosing furniture and accents that pop after dark is key.
Comfortable Seating
Opt for light-colored, weather-resistant chairs, loveseats, and small tables in materials like aluminum, teak, or all-weather wicker. These provide comfortable seating for enjoying evening conversations and nightcaps under the stars while reflecting available light to make the space feel more open.
Subtle Lighting
Strategically placed lanterns, string lights, and lamps provide soft illumination without harsh glare. LEDs give off a gentle glow and last longer. Place a few larger fixtures around the perimeter of the deck for overall lighting, then add smaller accent lights on tables, stairs, and railings. Dimmer switches allow you to control the brightness.
Accent Pieces
Include decorative accents that come alive at night like outdoor rugs, pillows, planters, sculptures or a fire pit. Pieces in lighter hues, metallic finishes or that incorporate reflective materials like glass help bounce and spread light around the deck. An outdoor mirror also helps open up and illuminate the space.
By choosing the right mix of comfortable furniture, subtle lighting and eye-catching accents, you can craft an alluring nighttime oasis perfect for unwinding under a sea of stars. Your deck will become a favorite hangout spot well after the sun goes down.
Entertaining Under the Stars: Planning Nighttime Gatherings Outside
Entertaining under the stars is a magical experience. Planning nighttime gatherings outside, whether for a movie night, birthday celebration or casual get-together with friends, allows you to transform your deck or backyard into an enchanting space after dark.
Create an Ambiance
Use string lights, lanterns or candles to illuminate paths and seating areas with a soft glow. Add extras like a fire pit to keep guests cozy on cooler nights. Play calming music to set the mood.
Choose a Theme
Having a theme for your nighttime soiree helps bring it all together. Some fun ideas include:
- Stargazing party: Set up telescopes for guests to view constellations and planets. Serve space or galaxy themed snacks.
- Campout: Pitch tents, roast marshmallows over a campfire and tell spooky stories.
- Movie night: Project an outdoor movie onto a large wall or screen. Provide movie theater snacks, blankets and lawn chairs or cushions for seating.
Keep Guests Comfortable
Ensure guests stay cozy by suggesting layered clothing on the invitation. Provide extras like blankets, ponchos, bug spray, citronella candles and hand warmers. Have activities to keep people engaged like board games, a scavenger hunt or lawn games with glow sticks or LEDs.
An evening gathering under a blanket of stars with good company is a simple pleasure not to be missed. With some planning and the right ambiance, you can create an unforgettable night cloaked deck for entertaining friends and bringing people together.
Getting Cozy: Ways to Stay Warm on Your Deck at Night
Staying warm on your deck at night can extend the time you get to spend enjoying this outdoor space. Here are some tips to make your deck cozy after dark:
Fire bowls
Fire bowls are an easy and inexpensive way to add heat to your deck without having to build or design anything permanent. Place a fire bowl in the center of your deck and gather around it for warmth and ambiance. Fire bowls come in a range of styles, from simple metal bowls to more decorative ceramic or stone options. Just be sure to place it on a fireproof surface and away from low-hanging tree branches.
Blankets
Placing blankets, quilts or outdoor-rated throws on chairs can help keep you warm on your deck at night. Offer a basket of blankets for guests to wrap up in. For extra coziness, consider lounging in Adirondack chairs, loveseats or outdoor couches and topping them with thick, wool blankets.
Ceiling heaters
Installing ceiling heaters on your deck can make it cozy during winter nights or for late fall entertaining. Infrared heaters, radiant heaters and patio heaters can warm the deck from above without taking up floor space. Look for weather-resistant, outdoor-rated heaters and have them installed by a professional to ensure proper wiring and mounting. Run them for 10-15 minutes before guests arrive to take the chill out of the air.
- Wear layers like insulated jackets, hats, and gloves. Thermal undergarments can keep you toasty without bulk.
- Serve warm drinks like coffee, tea, cider or cocoa. The warm liquid will heat you from the inside out.
- Light outdoor space heaters, fire pits or chimineas a half hour before going outside. This will allow time for the area to reach a comfortable temperature.
- Consider a retractable awning to block wind, or install wind screens. Reducing drafts will make the space feel warmer.
With a few additions and preparations, you can cozy up your deck for enjoyment long after the sun goes down. Staying warm at night opens up more opportunities to relax outdoors, connect with friends and make memories on your deck.
Safety First: Ensuring Your Deck Is Secure After Sunset
Safety should be a top priority for your nighttime deck. Proper lighting helps prevent accidents after dark and deters unwanted visitors. Here are some tips for securing your deck once the sun goes down:
Install motion-activated lights
Motion-activated spotlights or floodlights that turn on when triggered by movement are ideal for decks. Place them strategically around the perimeter of your deck, especially near entryways. The bright light will startle intruders and the sudden illumination gives you a chance to assess the situation. For the best coverage, use lights with a wide beam spread and sensor range.
Choose LED lighting
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are energy efficient, long-lasting and bright. LED deck lights, path lights and spotlights are excellent for illuminating your deck at night. LED strip lights can also be used to discreetly line steps, handrails and seating areas.
Add wall sconces
Wall sconces with caged protective covers are a stylish way to light up your deck walls and railings. Stagger the sconces around the deck for the most even lighting. For a rustic look, consider lantern-style sconces.
Keep a flashlight handy
Have a heavy-duty flashlight near your deck entrance in case of a power outage. LED flashlights are a good option as the batteries last significantly longer. A flashlight allows you to safely navigate your deck in darkness and may deter unwanted visitors if shone directly at them.
Consider video monitoring
For an added layer of security, install video cameras to monitor your deck. Look for weather-resistant cameras with infrared night vision. Connect the cameras to a DVR or NVR so you can view and record footage. Video monitoring is especially useful if your deck cannot be seen from inside your home.
Taking steps to properly light and secure your deck at night gives you peace of mind and allows you to continue enjoying your outdoor space after the sun goes down. Make safety a priority and your deck will remain a source of enjoyment for evenings to come.
Conclusion
And that’s it – with a few simple additions you’ve got yourself an inviting nighttime oasis. String up those lights, light a few candles, add some ambient music and you’ll be enjoying peaceful evenings on your deck for years to come.
The night hides a multitude of flaws so you don’t need an elaborate or expensive set up to create a dramatic transformation. Keep things uncomplicated and let the darkness do the heavy lifting. Before you know it, you’ll be spending more and more time in your little nighttime escape. Sweet dreams! Now go pour yourself a drink, kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labor under a starry sky. You deserve it.