Choosing the right types of outdoor lighting for your home can be daunting. With so many different options and styles, it is crucial to have a plan of action when selecting the right type of lighting for your home. This blog post will discuss tips and techniques for choosing the best type of outdoor lighting for your home.
Different Types of Outdoor Lights
Let’s discuss some of the most common types of outdoor lights and how they can create beautiful effects in your outdoor space.
When choosing outdoor lighting, you should consider both form and function. First, consider the style and feel you want to create in your outdoor space—whether it is a romantic setting or a bright, modern look. Below are the most popular types of exterior lighting to choose from:
Path Lights
Path lights are ideal for lighting up walkways and gardens. They are typically installed around 18 inches from ground level and feature a downward-facing light that spreads outward in an arc. Path lights tend to be low-wattage and provide enough illumination to create a safe environment without being too bright.
Flood Lights
Flood lights are best suited for illuminating large areas such as decks, patios, or driveways. These fixtures should be placed high up—around 8 to 10 feet off the ground—to allow their light output to spread over the desired area without causing glare or excessive brightness.
Accent Light
Accent lights are perfect for drawing attention to elements such as trees or flower beds in your garden area. These fixtures usually direct their light upwards and can be used with other types of outdoor lights for a more dramatic effect.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is essential for outdoor activities like grilling or barbecuing as it provides enough light to complete tasks safely after dark. Task lighting should generally be installed at head height to provide sufficient illumination without creating glare.
Underwater Lights
Underwater lights are designed specifically for use underwater when illuminating pools, hot tubs, ponds, or fountains. Many underwater lights come with features such as dimmers or programmable timers which can help save energy costs and make controlling illumination easier than ever before!
Strip Lighting
Strip lighting is a type of LED light installed in long strips that run along the ceiling or walls of the room or outdoor area it is designed for. It is versatile enough to be used in tight spaces and provides bright illumination that lights an entire area evenly and doesn’t cause a glare. So if you’re searching for a simple way to light up a space, strip lighting is the perfect option!
Undercap Lighting
Undercap lighting is another type of LED light that refers to lights placed underneath surfaces where overhead lights cannot reach effectively. This setup gives off a warm glow that is perfect for setting moods with task lights or creating vibrant environments when using accent lights such as for a fire feature or outdoor kitchen. In addition, undercap lighting often uses low-voltage bulbs which require less energy than traditional bulbs, so it tends to have longer lifespans and helps with energy costs.
Wall sconces
Wall sconces provide ambient light while adding an architectural element to your home’s exterior. They are ideal for areas with limited space or those who want to keep their lights close to walls or doorways.
Hanging lamps
Hanging lamps provide direct overhead illumination and can make a dramatic statement in any outdoor space. In addition, they are great for concentrating light on specific areas such as patios, decks, and pathways.
Post-mounted lights
Post-mounted lights are great for illuminating large areas like yards, driveways, and parking lots but can also be used to highlight specific features in the landscape, such as fountains or statues.
Considerations for Your Outdoor Lighting
Now that you know what type of outdoor lighting is available, there are a few considerations you should make when deciding which type is best for your outdoor space:
- Ensure that the fixtures meet local codes and regulations.
- Choose fixtures designed specifically for wet locations if they will be exposed to rain or snow.
- Consider how much energy each fixture will use, as some types may require more energy than others.
- Think about bulb life span – LED bulbs usually have longer lifespans than incandescent bulbs.
No matter what type of outdoor space you have, there is sure to be an appropriate option for selecting the right lighting solutions!
5 Steps for Designing the Perfect Backyard Landscape Lighting
Outdoor lighting design lends to the beauty, ambiance, and security of your home. If done right, it can be an invaluable addition. Let’s look at the basics of outdoor lighting design and how you can use it to bring out the best in your garden or patio area.
The first step in outdoor lighting design is deciding on a theme. This includes selecting fixtures that work together aesthetically and choosing colors and materials that complement each other. Additionally, you should consider what type of lights are best suited for illuminating different areas of your outdoor space—which may include pathway lighting, accent lighting for trees or flower beds, task lighting for patios and decks, or even specialty lighting such as landscape illumination or underwater lights for pools or water features.
Once you have established a basic plan for the types of lights you would like to use; you can consider other elements, such as placement and height of fixtures. Different types of light fixtures typically require different heights at which they should be placed; for example, path lights are usually installed around 18 inches from ground level, while flood lights should be installed higher up—around 8 to 10 feet off the ground.
It’s important to think about how the light will spread once installed—where will it hit? Should it be pointed downward? Is there too much glare? Will it illuminate walls or doorways? Planning will help make sure you get the most out of your outdoor space with proper light coverage.
Finally, consider energy efficiency when selecting your bulbs and fixtures. LED lighting is an excellent choice as they are energy efficient but also provides a good amount of light output without sacrificing quality. Many LED options also come with interesting features, such as dimmers or motion sensors that can help control energy costs even further.
Bring Out the Beauty of Your Backyard Lighting Fixtures
Outdoor lighting can be a great way to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space while also providing added safety and security. The proper lighting can create a pleasant atmosphere for your guests, making them feel more comfortable in your home. It also helps deter unwanted visitors by making an area brightly lit and visible. Outdoor lighting can even save energy since it reduces the need for indoor lights in dark areas. Moreover, if you have plants and trees, they look beautiful when they are illuminated at night, highlighting their natural beauty and adding depth to your garden or yard. At Integrity Hardscapes, our team has the expertise to take your outdoor space from mundane to magnificent! Do you have a vision for your space and need help? Contact Integrity Hardscapes to schedule a consultation today!
