The right outdoor lights create a warm, inviting space for gathering with friends and family after dark. They highlight your landscaping, showcase special garden features and provide safety around walkways, stairs and patios. But with so many options available, how do you know which lighting is best for your home and yard? We’ve put together this guide to help you find the ideal light fixtures for your outdoor spaces.
When choosing outdoor lights, consider your goals for the space and how often you plan to use it. For example, if you are installing lighting to illuminate your steps and walkways, look for a fixture that emits little to no glare or creates unsightly shadows. Look for a light that is weather-resistant to prevent damage from heat and cold, as well as rain, snow and hail. If you want to save on energy costs, go for LED lights instead of traditional Edison-style string lights. They are more energy-efficient and last longer than other types of bulbs.
If you’re looking for a way to add drama to your landscape without adding an overhead feature, try installing ground-level lights. These include stake lights, which are driven into the ground and cast a bright pin of light upwards over longer distances, and well lights, which are pushed into the soil to illuminate shorter features. When installing these lights, dig deep enough to ensure stability – you don’t want them to pull out of the ground when a strong wind blows through.
On the other hand, if you’re interested in creating a more atmospheric light show in your garden, opt for a spotlight or floodlight that casts a wider beam of light. These are especially useful for lighting up your front porch or backyard gazebo and can be used to illuminate other structures like sheds and covered patios.
In addition to considering function, it’s also important to think about style and aesthetics when choosing your outdoor lighting. For instance, you may want to focus on security with a motion sensor light but also add some decorative flair with a set of battery-powered lanterns. It’s also a good idea to walk through your outdoor space at night to see how it looks and pinpoint where you would like to install lights.
Once you’ve decided on the type of light fixtures that meet your needs, shop for a variety of styles to find the perfect fit for your exterior spaces. Before you buy, note the installation style and check that the fixture is UL Listed for Wet Locations to ensure it can be used in rain or snow. Also make sure the lights you choose are backed by a robust warranty or that they say “commercial grade” to indicate a high level of quality and durability. If you’re worried about keeping up with maintenance, opt for lights that are triggered by sensors so they turn on after sunset and shut off at dawn. This can reduce your electricity bill and prevent unwanted guests from activating the light system.