Your home’s outdoor area is a great place for you to reconnect with nature. You can relax and unwind or host friends and loved ones for a dinner alfresco. The fund doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. Installing outdoor lighting is a great way to make your outdoors functional and beautiful. However, not all outdoor lighting is made the same. To make it easier for you to choose, here are some essential tips.
- Understand How You Plan to Use Your Outdoor Area
Lots of folks put up outdoor lights for two big reasons: making things look nice and keeping the bad guys away. Outdoor lighting can make your home look super pretty by shining a light on its cool features and making it feel cozy. It also scares off robbers and unwanted visitors keeping your property safe. You have an array of options to choose from so you can find the right lights that match your style and do the job you want.
- Consider the Environmental Conditions
Careful selection is imperative when installing outdoor lighting fixtures on your property. Remember, the lights will be exposed to weather elements like snow and rainfall and you want options that will serve you for a long time. You need to consider prevalent weather conditions in your locality and find lighting fixtures that can put up with heavy rainfall, snow, strong winds, and high temperatures during the summer. A good way to determine the robustness of outdoor lighting fixtures is to check their IP rating. Ideally, you want to go for lighting fixtures with an IP rating above 65.
- Balance Ambiance, Accent, and Function
Outdoor lighting comes in three basic types, task, ambient, and accent. You can use post lights, wall lights, and hanging lights to achieve the perfect ambiance. Task lighting is best served with deck lighting, security lights, and pathway lights. For task lighting, you can use spotlights and landscape kits to accentuate the outdoor area. A good option for small patios is LED candles and string lights.
- Match Your Home’s Style to the Outdoor Lighting
The curb appeal of your home has a big impact on its overall style. You must carefully consider the fine details to maintain the overall aesthetic. Go for lighting fixtures that accentuate the architectural features and landscape.
If your home predominantly features a minimalist style, you want to go for simplistic outdoor lights while classic or ornate fixtures are more suited to traditional styles. Consider your preferred style and find outdoor lighting that adds to it.
- Prioritize Energy Efficiency
Outdoor lighting can have a big effect on your energy bills and carbon footprint. Do a bit of research before purchasing outdoor lighting fixtures to reduce energy consumption. Some folks are really into solar lights, which are pretty popular. If you don’t get much sun where you live, LED lights are a smart choice. They’re low-maintenance and use less power compared to old-fashioned bulbs.
Endnote
Adding outdoor lights can make your outdoor space look better and more secure, but only if you choose the correct lights for the task. Consider these five factors, and you’ll be closer to discovering the ideal lights for your house.
