Simple Green: LED Lights for the Patio

It feels like we're always replacing the lights we have strung up outside. Each time summer rolls around there are burnt out bulbs (if not a burnt out string) and we set ourselves up for the task of buying new lights and re-hanging them. So we're pretty excited to invest in some LED string lights that could last us up to 15 years. This means cheaper in the long run and less old strings of lights in a landfill:

We found this inspiration on Danny Seo's Blog and love how he has them criss crossed above his patio seating. We always seem to forget what a big difference these string lights can make for an outdoor soiree. Also it turns out these LED versions draw way less power than regular incandescents but have the same quality of light.

Find LED string lights on Ooga Lighting and on 1000 bulbs.

Curious about what other simple things you can do to be green? Here are all of the Simple Green Posts.

Comments (13)

LED lights add so much to an outdoor, or even indoor setting. I love how they are strung in the outdoor photo above...it really adds a soothing & tranquil vibe to the patio.

Another great place to find LED lights is a company called HolidayLEDS - online at: http://www.holidayleds.com/
My mom purchased some from there last year and twisted them around metal stars she had welded together...she also did some sweet things with wire, making it into a globe, then wrapped the lights around the wire.....pretty crafty. HolidayLEDS even has a program to recycle your old incandescent Christmas lights...send em' to them, and they do the rest, for free; even better, they throw in a coupon for their LED lights.

posted by sanchezperrier on July 30th 2008 at 5:59pm
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Neat!

posted by Vanessa in New York on July 30th 2008 at 7:33pm
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This patio is so simply beautiful! LED lights are great against the dark, exterior walls and floor and I am madly in love with 'that green' colored patio set. Absolutely stunning set up! I am 'green' with envy. Nicely done!

What color green is that?

posted by swanygirl74 on July 30th 2008 at 7:33pm
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Didn't I also read somewhere on AT that LED don't attract bugs as much due to the lack of something? Don't recall WHAT they lacked, but my point being... based on that previous post these puppies won't attract those pests we all love to hate.

Pretty sweet idea!

posted by annaland on July 30th 2008 at 8:18pm
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Great idea. They'll last longer, will not require so much yearly maintenance, use less electricity, have a more gentle light that attracts less insects and make a great conversation piece.

What is there not to like about these?!?

Mafan Green lasers rulz

posted by mafan on July 30th 2008 at 9:07pm
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nice one!!
Light adds magic to patio and provide a finishing touch.
innovative lighting design..
LED lights also make excellent window decorations i think.. =)for display windows with curtains.

nice idea.. =)

posted by apartment finder on July 30th 2008 at 9:20pm
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What a quaint setting. It looks like a rustic eating area in a vacation home in Italy.

posted by farfalla1 on July 30th 2008 at 10:28pm
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i am doing this in my new cottage for cheap outdoor lighting-- they are set on a timer and come on at dusk and go off at dawn. i'll post pictures later when i get it done!

posted by karenwog on July 31st 2008 at 5:46am
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Since we have yet to install outdoor outlets, I'm really wanting to try out the solar led ones here http://www.gardeners.com/Solar-Powered-String-Lights/20694,36-651RS,default,cp.html

The cost is a bit prohibitive though...

posted by pdx-R on July 31st 2008 at 8:17am
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As an environmental planner, I was excited by the possibility of using colored LED lights for safety and decorative lighting until a colleague informed me that they contain a small amount of radioactive material. Sorry to say it, but people should consider this factor when thinking about LED lights, especially as an environmentally-friendly alternative to other lighting options.

posted by catsandrita on July 31st 2008 at 9:24am
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I'm still not sold on LED lights. For some reason, when I look at strands of LED Christmas lights, they seem to "vibrate" or something...my eyes can't process them right. And for some strange reason, LED flashlights are terrible at lighting up an area, although the light is extremely bright to look at. I still haven't figured that one out. Anyway, I'm still in love with the old fashioned type. And if your christmas tree lights have burned out by the whole strand, it may just mean the fuse has blown (located in the plug) and you can replace it simply enough and not relegate it to the landfill.

posted by Michael W. on July 31st 2008 at 11:44am
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I am w/ Michael W. I will be more than happy to switch to LED when the quality of light is comparable to traditional lights.

posted by Seaside on July 31st 2008 at 1:05pm
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It's so romantic,I will definitely buy one.

green lasers

posted by boyankir on October 28th 2008 at 6:44am
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