Building a new addition to your home? You may need some additional, but temporary light fixtures to get the job done. And no, it’s not permanent by any means at all. Permanent style lighting is installed with the intention of the fixture lasting – with maintenance – for years, or even decades. On the other hand, temporary lighting is installed with the purpose of only using the fixtures for a limited amount of time.
About to do some much-needed renovations on your home? Whether they’re purely cosmetic or full-on demolition projects, temporary lighting is the trusty stand by homeowners rely on to get the job done safely and securely.
Below, we compiled the best tips, tricks, and lighting options.
Before You Begin
Don’t jump headfirst into the nearly endless temporary lighting fixtures in stores and online. Instead, review the product specifications and needs for your current home project.
Consider These Factors When Choosing Temporary Light:
- Wattage
- Size
- Location (for the fixture)
- Number of units needed
- Price point
- Energy saving or efficiency
- Safety
- Installation and Deinstallation
All the elements above, including locking down a budget, are essential to getting a light fixture that is ultimately durable, safe, and secure. Pricing for temporary lighting varies, depending on the project scale and number of fixtures needed to illuminate a workspace or outdoor spot. Temporary lights can start at under $10 but can exceed $200 for various standing lights or heavy-duty string lights.
To ensure the brightest workspace possible, having the right tools and safety elements in place is paramount. From appropriate wattage to light guards and sockets, homeowners should secure the appropriate tools and fixtures before they attempt to install temporary lighting.
Needed Safety Elements and Accessories:
- Precise Wattage: all homeowners need to use the appropriate wattage for their fixtures
- Lamp Guards: cage-like structure to house light bulbs and sockets
- Sockets: to secure lamps into guards
- Stringers: to hang lights
- Canopy Switch: for turning the fixtures on and off safely
Once you have tent poles for these elements based around your home renovation project, you can begin to source the right and safe light source.
Types of Temporary Lighting
Clamp Lights
Clamp lights are simple, durable, and scratch resistant for at-home workspaces and small repair projects. These versatile and budget-friendly aluminum fixtures can be easily set up in any area to illuminate dark corners or t hose hard to reach areas. Or, they can simply flood the room with overhead light. No matter what your goal is, Clamp lights are quickly installed; just plug and play.
LED Maintenance Work Lights
LED lights are invaluable for indoor and outdoor space renovations. For the homeowners working on backyard patios, cabanas, and wet bars, an energy efficient an LED work light is essential.
This adjustable fixture can direct a steady light beam or cycle through various light modes, including flash for optimal safety. The LED work light also comes with foot spikes allowing the device to be easily secured in the ground, which is perfect for designing outdoor bars and kitchen nooks, fire pits, barbeque space, and entertainment zones.
LED Stringer Lights
Need more energy efficient fixtures? LED stringer lights require zero bulb replacements and light up any spot with a total of 8,000 lumens. With eight units per easy daisy chain, these hard hitting and long-lasting stringer lights are also rain and dust resistant.
Portable Fixtures
For workshops or more serious work sites, a portable light fixture is ideal. A heavy duty 60-watt portable caged light offers LED efficiency in tandem with rugged steel for safety and durability. The light instantly flips on, making installation literally a snap. Plus, the portable light will illuminate any space for years, as it comes with a 5 year warranty.
Fluorescent Light Strings
Commercial grade string lights can withstand a multitude of projects and climates. The temporary 50-foot cage light is perfect for basements, attics, and outdoor areas – wherever homeowners need a brightened area. The weatherproof fixtures come outfitted with oversized cages in order to accommodate bulbs up to 75 watts, ensuring that light will effortlessly chase away even the darkest spots.
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Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.
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