Choosing the correct outdoor lighting can enhance your home and property making it warm and inviting. Peruse the exterior of your home in the nighttime hours and decide which areas need lighting to offer security, safety, beauty, and function. Places that you may consider installing lights are outdoor dining rooms, patios, pergolas, arbors, walkways, and architectural focal points. Depending on what you want to accomplish there are different lighting options from which to choose.
Lighting For Safety
To minimize trip hazards step lights are a great choice. These hardwired light options can create a soft lighting ambiance and illuminate the steps for safety. Usually, these lights are installed in the center of each stair riser casting plenty of light on each step. Step lights can be installed on deck railings and hardscape to offer brightness and safety.
Another option can be to add step lights on each side of the step or garden path giving a diffused glow to the area. Flower beds outlined in lights can showcase your unique garden design. Several options include lanterns and mushroom-style lights enhancing traditional or modern landscapes.
Lighting for Beauty
Perhaps you have several architectural elements or focal points that you want to showcase. Depending on the location, the type of beam spread should be taken into consideration. Are there specific unusual plantings that an up-light might enhance with an interesting silhouette? Would a down-light be preferred to command a viewer’s attention? Maybe you wish to cast a soft light over a gathering space, giving a special ambiance.
Lighting for Security
All homeowners require security for their property. The standard floodlight is a good option for a large area, offering a bright swath of light between 45 and 120 degrees. These can be installed on the corner or peak of a home to illuminate a driveway, dispelling backyard shadows, and basement stairwells, to name a few. Motion sensor floodlights are easy to obtain and will only come on when triggered by movement. Dual lights facing in each direction can offer even more security and visibility.
Lighting for Function
Does your property include a swimming pool and hot tub? Enjoying a nighttime swim would require lighting. Serving refreshments to family and friends poolside would be impossible in the evening hours without lights. The type of lighting you choose is a personal preference, but stringing lights around the perimeter can offer an ambient glow similar to a dimly lit restaurant.
