Choosing the Best Outdoor Lighting

Your home can make an impression long before anyone walks in the front doors. Curb appeal is an important factor, and the right outdoor lighting can do wonders for your home’s exterior beauty. Additionally, you want your home to be safe and secure, and optimal outdoor lighting is key to that, too.

But there are a lot of options for outdoor lights; which one is the right fit?

How do I Choose an Outdoor Light?

To choose an outdoor light, consider where the lights are going. If you have a backyard path that needs lighting, you’ll look at significantly different options than if you just have a porch that needs to be a bit brighter.

Then, consider the brightness, function, and aesthetic of each light fixture. Floodlights in the front yard are great; hanging from a gazebo, not so much. Likewise, motion sensor lights make sense in some areas and not in others. And although it may feel a bit ridiculous to make a final decision based on the color or finish of the fixtures, you’ll be grateful you’re not staring at a single plastic fixture amidst a range of detailed wrought iron.

With so many choices, the best course of action is to familiarize yourself with the options and then make your choice.

What are outdoor lighting options?

Wall-Mounted Lights

We’ve all seen these lights, often by front doors or address signs and markers, and they serve the basic, but necessary, function of all outdoor lights: Illuminate a space in which you need to walk or complete a task. Not all wall-mounted lights have a traditional lantern aesthetic like the one above; there are plenty of modern and minimalist options that will work for any aesthetic.

String Lights

The most whimsical on the list, string lights are perfect for adding a bit of flair and personality to a space, but aren’t always bright enough to light a path in the nighttime. Use these under awnings and around window and door frames to give your overall outdoor space an ethereal glow. And, for an environmentally friendly touch, pick up some that are solar powered!

Post Lights

Post lights are a practical choice for marking a designated walking path or boundary. The designs range from simple to complex and accommodate any sort of personality you’re looking to exude: Imposing, strong light posts will make a space feel sophisticated and elegant, while thinner light posts with rounded lanterns (as shown above) will give your home a softer vibe. Use these to line a walkway, driveway, or anywhere you want to demarcate a space.

Security Lights

A big reason to invest in adequate outdoor lighting is for increased security and safety. This can include extra-bright lights, lights placed in commonly trafficked areas (like the front door and driveway), and motion sensor lights that automatically flood an area when movement is detected. Most people will mount motion detecting lights in the front and backyard areas, but less intense versions are also options for pathways and entryways.

Overhead Lights

Overhead lighting is a simple and common touch to outdoor spaces. Ceiling fans help to keep air circulating during hot, humid summers, but if you don’t need that, decorative lighting like that featured in the background of the photo above is another great option.

In-Ground Landscape Lighting

Similar to post lighting, in-ground landscape lighting easily designates different areas around your yard. These are especially helpful for lighting uneven paths, as having the light close to the ground will increase visibility. Additionally, choose this option if you don’t want light posts breaking up the overall aesthetic of your yard.

These days there are plenty of options for outdoor lighting that improve your life in a plethora of ways; it’s just a matter of narrowing down options to the one that works best for you. Tell us which option in which you’re most interested, and check out NewHomeSource for more resources!