How to Select the Best Outdoor Lighting Fixtures For Your Home
Outdoor lighting can highlight your home’s architecture and landscape, and it also provides safety by deterring intruders and making paths navigable at night. Below will inform you of the most common types of outdoor lighting, so that you can enhance your outdoor space.
Wall lanterns and sconces enhance a homes curb appeal and landscaping by providing a source of indirect uplighting and downlighting. Try using dimmable LED-powered wall sconces in pairs over an outdoor seating area, on either side of the garage door, patio door or exterior windows. Also consider installing a single wall lantern on the front of the house to illuminate the street address.
Landscape lighting showcases plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers. Small spotlights and well lights (which require digging a hole so that the light will sit flush with the ground) are common for landscape lighting as they do not compete with plants for attention. Landscape lights can also be used to highlight architectural features like columns. Most landscape lights can be used in both capacities.
Pendants or hanging lanterns are usually used to illuminate the front door and enhance curb appeal or a porch. Pendant lights add an interesting design element and provide task lighting as well. They are available in a wide variety of materials, colors, and styles to add a dose of charm to an outdoor living space or front entry.
To make a dramatic statement, place post lights close to the street or at the end of a driveway to enhance street-side visibility. Post lights are also commonly found around pools, patios, and in backyards that are used for entertaining.
Ceiling lights also known as outdoor flush mount fixtures work well in an entryway, porch, patio or overhang. Usually hung above a door or patio dining table, ceiling lights come in the form of pendants, which offer a dramatic look, and flush-mounts, which are best for low ceilings.
Deck or step lights illuminate walkways, sidewalks, driveways, and pool edges. Installed low to the ground, path lights literally light the way for safety and security. Ideally you should choose a path light that is covered on the top so that the light will spread evenly along the ground, rather than create a glare.
Offering maximum safety and security, flood lights cast light across a wide area, discouraging intruders and making the yard well-lit for nighttime outdoor fun. Place flood lights about 9 feet high so that they cannot be easily accessed. Mounting flood lights up high also assures a wide field of light.
These festive outdoor lighting elements can add a wow element to your yard. Consider an open flame torch for a romantic vibe or go with a flameless LED variety for a safe family-friendly option.