Outdoor Lighting Tips: Outdoor lighting serves multiple purposes, from enhancing curb appeal to improving safety and security. Start by illuminating pathways, entryways, and stairs with fixtures such as path lights or step lights to guide guests safely. Consider accentuating architectural features or landscaping elements with spotlights or up lights to add depth and visual interest to your home’s exterior. For entertaining areas like patios or decks, incorporate string lights, lanterns or ceiling fans to create a cozy ambiance. Ensure that outdoor lighting fixtures or ceiling fans are weather-resistant and properly installed to withstand the elements. Additionally, consider using motion-sensor lights or timers to deter intruders and conserve energy. Strive for a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency to create an inviting and secure outdoor space.
Dark-Sky Friendly Lighting Tip: In order to prevent unwanted glare from your outdoor lighting, use bulbs with reasonable illumination levels. You may also use full cut-off fixtures to direct the light down towards the ground, where it is needed, rather than being cast to the side or up towards the sky, where it is wasted.
Entrance
A well-lit front entrance enables you to greet guests and identify visitors. Wall lanterns on each side of the door will give your home a warm, welcoming look, while assuring the safety of those who enter. Under a porch or other overhang, you can use recessed, chain-hung or close-to-ceiling fixtures. A separate rear or side entrance can be lighted with a single wall lantern installed on the keyhole side of the door.
Security
For added security, illuminate any side of the house that would otherwise be in shadow. Spotlights installed on your eaves will accomplish this, or, for a more dramatic look, consider ground lights pointed up to graze your walls. To conserve energy, install a sensor that will switch on the light only at night or upon motion. If using up lighting, aim the fixtures so that the light is captured by your eaves to lessen light pollution.
Decks/Patios
Decks and patios can be converted into romantic evening retreats by concealing low-voltage mini-lights under steps, railings or benches. A ceiling fan on a patio provides both cooling relief and helps to circulate air, creating a comfortable outdoor environment during warmer months. Another idea is to install a spotlight in the branches of a nearby tree.
