Consider the Purpose of Your Outdoor Lighting
Safety and Security
If safety and security are your primary concerns, it’s essential to choose bright outdoor lighting that illuminates the exterior of your home. Motion-sensor lights are a popular choice as they turn on when someone enters the vicinity and help deter intruders. Floodlights are also an excellent option, especially for illuminating larger areas such as driveways and backyards.
Highlighting Landscaping
Outdoor lighting is an excellent way to accentuate your landscaping. If you have trees or plants you want to showcase, consider using uplighting to highlight their beauty from below. Path lights are perfect for illuminating walkways and creating a welcoming entrance to your home. Highlight your favorite features with spotlights, such as a statue or focal point in your yard.
Creating Ambiance
To create a cozy atmosphere for entertaining, consider using soft and subtle outdoor lighting. String lights are a popular choice, as they create a magical ambiance and can be strung above a patio or around a tree. Lanterns and candles are perfect for adding a warm glow to your evening gatherings. Wall sconces can also provide a soft ambiance while adding an elegant touch to your home’s exterior.
Choose the Right Type of Outdoor Lighting
Wall-Mounted Lights
Wall-mounted lights are a popular option for outdoor lighting, as they are easy to install and provide a bright and direct source of light. They can be installed above doorways or on the sides of your home, and many styles are available to match your home’s exterior décor.
Solar Lights
Solar lights are an excellent eco-friendly option for outdoor lighting. They run on solar energy, meaning they don’t require electricity, and have no ongoing costs. They are available in a range of styles, from path lights to string lights, and are easy to install.
String Lights
String lights are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in your backyard. They are easy to install and come in a range of styles and colors, making them a versatile option for outdoor lighting. They can be strung above a patio or around trees to create a magical ambiance.
Post Lights
Post lights are an excellent option for illuminating large areas such as driveways or gardens. They come in a range of sizes and styles to match your home’s exterior. They are easy to install and provide a bright and direct source of light.
Consider Your Home’s Style and Décor
Contemporary
Contemporary outdoor lighting adds a modern and sleek look to your home’s exterior. Choose clean lines and metallic finishes to create a contemporary style. Wall-mounted lights and sconces are popular choices for contemporary homes.
Traditional
If your home has a more traditional style, choose outdoor lighting that reflects its classic charm. Lantern-style lights and post lights with a bronze or black finish are popular choices for traditional homes. Wall-mounted lights with frosted glass add elegance while maintaining a classic look.
Consider the Bulb Type
LED
LED bulbs are a popular choice for outdoor lighting as they are energy-efficient and have a long lifespan. They are available in a range of colors and brightness levels, so you can find the right option for your needs.
Incandescent
Incandescent bulbs are inexpensive but use a lot of energy and have a short lifespan. They are available in a range of brightness levels but are less energy-efficient than LED bulbs.
Halogen
Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs but are slightly more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan. They are available in a range of brightness levels and are a popular choice for outdoor lighting.
Plan Your Outdoor Lighting Placement
Balance
When placing outdoor lighting, it’s important to ensure that it is balanced. Avoid creating areas of high brightness next to complete darkness, as this can create an unappealing contrast. Instead, place outdoor lights at equal intervals to create a uniform level of brightness.
Highlighting
Placing lights at various heights creates visual interest and adds depth to your outdoor space. Consider placing path lights at ground level and fixing spotlights higher up to highlight trees or other features.