As we spend more time at home, our outdoor spaces have become more critical. Whether relaxing on your patio, hosting a backyard BBQ party, or enjoying a warm evening with your family, good lighting can make all the difference. Not only does it enhance the beauty of your home’s exterior, but it also provides added security and safety.
In this post, we’ll explore different types of outdoor lighting that can brighten up your exterior spaces and make them feel inviting, cozy, and welcoming.
What is Outdoor lighting?
It is any type of lighting used both inside and outside a home. This includes landscape, security, flood, wall mount lights, outdoor post lanterns, coach lamps, and porch lights. Depending on the design of your home’s exterior, you can choose from a wide range of light fixtures to match the look you’re going for.
Types of Outdoor Lights
1. String Lights: Create a Cozy Ambiance
String lights are an excellent choice to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. They’re perfect for hanging across a patio, gazebo, or pergola and provide just the right amount of light to create an intimate ambiance. String lights come in various styles and sizes, from classic bulb strings to LED fairy lights, so you can choose the perfect option to match your style.
2. Landscape Lighting: Highlight Your Home’s Best Features
Landscape lighting is a great way to highlight the best features of your home’s exterior. It can illuminate walkways, trees, and other landscape elements, and it can also provide added security by deterring intruders. Landscape lighting fixtures come in various styles and finishes, from sleek and modern to rustic and traditional.
3. Motion Sensor Lights: Enhance Your Home’s Security
Motion sensor lights are an excellent choice for enhancing your home’s security. They detect movement and automatically turn on, illuminating your home’s exterior and deterring potential intruders. They’re beneficial for illuminating dark corners or alleyways where intruders may hide.
4. Solar Lights: Energy-Efficient and Eco-Friendly
Solar lights are a great way to light up your outdoor spaces while saving on energy costs. They’re powered by solar panels that absorb sunlight during the day and use it to charge the batteries, powering the lights at night. Solar lights come in various styles and sizes, from path lights to decorative lanterns, so you can find the perfect option to match your home’s style.
5. Flood Lights: Illuminate Large Areas
Flood lights are a great choice to illuminate a large area, such as a backyard or driveway. They provide bright, wide-angle illumination and can be used for security purposes and outdoor events and activities.
6. Pathway Lights: Guide the Way
Pathway lights are a great way to make outdoor spaces feel more welcoming and inviting. They provide subtle illumination along pathways, driveways, and walkways so guests can navigate your home’s exterior safely and efficiently.
No matter what type of lighting you choose, it’s essential to ensure that it’s installed correctly and safely. Consult with a professional such as Blingle in Franklin if you need help with how to install your lights, and always make sure that your lights are rated for outdoor use.
How Much Should I Spend on Outdoor Lighting?
The cost will depend on the type and number of fixtures you need and any installation or wiring costs. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $1000 for a basic setup with LED lights. If you’re looking for a more elaborate design with decorative fixtures, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300-$3000.
Maintenance Tips
To ensure that your fixtures last, performing regularly on them is essential. Start by regularly cleaning your fixtures to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You should also inspect the wiring periodically to ensure everything is in good condition and replace any burnt-out bulbs as needed. Finally, check your lights often to ensure they’re working correctly, and contact an electrician if you detect any issues.
Choosing the Right Color Temperature for Your Outdoor Lighting
1. Warm White
This type of light has a yellowish hue and is best for spaces where you want to feel cozy and inviting, such as patios or courtyards.
2. Cool White
This light has a bluish hue and is best for outdoor spaces where you want to feel modern and sophisticated, such as driveways or walkways.
3. Daylight
This type of light has a neutral hue and is best for spaces where you want to feel bright and cheerful, such as gardens or pools.
4. Soft White
This light has a soft hue and is best for outdoor spaces where you want to feel relaxed and calming, such as decks or balconies.
5. RGB
This type of light is best for spaces that you want to be customizable, such as home theater setups or special events. It allows you to change the color and brightness of the lights depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor lighting can be a great way to make your home’s exterior spaces look beautiful and inviting. With the proper way, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces in a whole new way. From solar lights to flood lights, there are a variety of options available that will fit any design style or budget. Before you begin shopping for outdoor lighting fixtures, it’s essential to consider the cost, color temperature, installation requirements, and maintenance needs.
