Many people used to believe that the exterior of their home was only an ornamental place with no function. Today, most people (if not all) consider and utilise their outdoor areas as an extension of their home, and as such, they want them to seem adaptable and lively. This is where exterior home lighting comes in.
Exterior lighting is just as necessary as inside lighting, if not more so. Outdoor lighting, more than any other aspect, determines the feel and appearance of your home when the sun goes down. Therefore, it is critical that you get it exactly right.
It is not enough to have a great outside and attractive landscape; you also need the proper lighting for your exterior. With excellent landscaping, your home's overall appeal would be more wonderful. Smart exterior lighting options ensure that your property appears wonderful both day and night.
You can effortlessly modify the appearance of your garden, patio, or backyard with clever outside lighting. So, if you're tired of having a boring, uninteresting outer space, it's time to embrace external lighting. It can quickly change a dull outdoor setting into something both comfortable and entertaining.
Here are a few things to consider when looking for an outdoor light:
Durability
Many outdoor fixtures are made of metal; however, not all metal fixtures are the same. Aluminium is a popular choice among low-income homes due to its price and durability. Furthermore, the material is corrosion and dust-resistant. However, owing to oxidation, paint applied on aluminium tends to fade with time. However, powder-coated aluminium is an option that will cost you more money.
While stainless steel looks great in modern houses, it is extremely prone to corrosion and dust. Use this type of material only if you have the time and resources to clean and maintain it on a regular basis. Brass, copper and zinc alloy may survive for years but have a greater initial investment cost. Although brass is more durable than copper, they are equal in terms of attractiveness, weather resistance, and colour. Copper fixtures, on the other hand, are less expensive than their brass counterparts.
Size
While enormous lighting fixtures might add extra light to a large yard, they will certainly dwarf your home and draw attention away from it. It is beneficial to select a lighting fixture size that complements the other features in your yard. For example, you should avoid fixtures that block the entryway. When it comes to garage wall lighting, choose lights that are a quarter or third of the width of the door frame.
Choosing lights that cover a certain area enough but not excessively is another key to getting fixture size right. If you wish to brighten your yard, for example, choose floodlights. Floodlights, on the other hand, are not the ideal choice for illuminating a walkway; instead, put a few path lights.
Location and Placement
When mapping out your lighting strategy, it's essential to take into account the various lighting positions. To optimise your results, aim to incorporate multiple outdoor locations in your plan. Even if you're working within a budget, consider distributing your resources across several areas rather than concentrating them solely on one or two spots. This approach will yield the most effective and aesthetically pleasing outcome for your outdoor lighting design.
Selecting the perfect lighting involves a thoughtful exploration of your lighting objectives. Tailoring your choices to suit the distinct needs of various spaces, like the entryway, pathways, garden beds, or patio, is crucial. Each area demands a specific lighting design to enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Types
There are various types of lights designed for specific functions. Understanding the differences will guide you in selecting the most suitable options for your needs. Here are some common types:
Outdoor Wall Lights
Outdoor wall lights are fixtures designed to be mounted on exterior walls of buildings or structures. They provide both functional and aesthetic lighting, often enhancing the architecture of the space. These lights can illuminate pathways, entryways, or outdoor living areas while contributing to the overall safety and security of the property.
Outdoor Ceiling Lights
Outdoor ceiling lights are fixtures installed on the ceilings of outdoor spaces, such as porches, patios, or covered decks. They provide general illumination and create a well-lit environment for outdoor activities. These lights come in various styles, including flush mounts and hanging pendants, catering to different aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
Garden Lights
Garden lights are specifically designed for illuminating outdoor gardens, flower beds, and landscaping features. They can be ground-mounted or installed on elevated structures, casting a gentle glow that highlights the beauty of plants and architectural elements. Garden lights are essential for creating ambience and enhancing the visual appeal of outdoor spaces after dark.
Solar Powered Lights
Solar powered lights harness energy from the sun through photovoltaic cells, converting sunlight into electricity to power the lights. These lights are eco-friendly and energy-efficient, as they don't rely on traditional power sources. Solar lights are versatile and come in various forms, including path lights, garden lights, and decorative fixtures, making them an excellent choice for sustainable lighting.
Motion Sensor Lights
If you want extra security at night without spending a lot of money, go for motion sensor wall lights. It is one of the better solutions since it functions effectively as a security light. It will automatically shed light when it senses movement, which is an efficient approach to keep you safe at night. You can even install motion sensor lights to narrow places around your exteriors to guide you as you walk in with lighting. They have limited design possibilities and other constraints, but they make excellent illumination.
LED Post Lights
LED post lights are fixtures mounted on posts and are commonly used to illuminate driveways, walkways, or garden paths. LED technology ensures energy efficiency and long-lasting performance. These lights offer bright and focused illumination, enhancing visibility and safety in outdoor areas. LED post lights come in various styles and sizes to complement different landscapes.
Festoon Lights
Festoon lights, also known as string lights or party lights, are a popular choice for outdoor decorative lighting. They consist of a string of bulbs connected by a cable, creating a festive and charming atmosphere. Festoon lights are often used to illuminate outdoor patios, decks, or special event spaces. They come in various bulb shapes and colours, allowing for creative and customizable designs.
Brightness and Colour Temperature
The brightness of lights is measured in lumens. Consider the level of brightness needed for each area, keeping in mind the intended purpose. For example, security lights may require higher lumens than accent lights.
Additionally, pay attention to the colour temperature of the lights, measured in Kelvin (K). Warmer tones (around 2700K) create a cosy ambience, while cooler tones (5000K and above) are more suitable for task lighting and security purposes.
Style Matters
The aesthetic appeal of your home is greatly influenced by outdoor lighting, making it imperative to select a design that seamlessly complements your architectural style. One crucial aspect to consider is the finish of the fixtures, ensuring they harmonise with other elements in your outdoor space, such as door hardware or fencing. Whether your preference leans towards modern, traditional, or rustic styles, there exists a diverse array of lighting to cater to every taste.
Achieving visual harmony is not only about the design but also about the size and placement of the fixtures. It is essential to ensure that the size of the fixture is proportionate to the space it illuminates, and strategic placement enhances the overall visual impact. A well-thought-out exterior lighting scheme goes beyond functionality; it elevates your property's curb appeal and contributes to a cohesive and polished look.
Outdoor lighting becomes a nuanced art, blending form and function to enhance curb appeal, foster a cohesive visual identity, and ultimately create an inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike. As you embark on the selection process, remember that the right one not only illuminates your surroundings but also adds a touch of character, turning your outdoor space into a personalised haven that seamlessly integrates with the overall charm of your home.