By Michelle McMurray
So you've created a landscape that dazzles your neighbors and visitors. Why not hi-light it for everyone else to see?
Outdoor lighting achieves three things: security, safety, and beauty.
Burglars and prowlers shy away from lights because they can be spotted. Outdoor lighting can also prevent someone from stumbling on your steps. And well-placed light lets the outdoor beauty of your home shine through, even at night.
Thanks to advancements in lighting technology, you have a huge array of choices. The challenge will be choosing the right kind of lights for your home.
Power
If you have outdoor outlets, you may be good to go. If you don’t, hire an electrician to install outlets near the places you intend to light. Consider how much power is available. Some light fixtures need more electricity than others and will trip the breakers.
Think about how you want your home to look. This will determine the kinds of lights and fixtures you’ll need. Light has color, so consider the color you want. The clue is on the packaging and expressed in Kelvins (K). At the low end, 1,800 K will give you a very red light while 7,500 K provides a soft bluish-white.
Light bulbs come in incandescent, halogen, fluorescent and LED. LED lights were once costly, but their price has come down, and they pay off with a long lifespan.Think about how you want your home to look. This will determine the kinds of lights and fixtures you’ll need. Light has color, so consider the color you want. The clue is on the packaging and expressed in Kelvins (K). At the low end, 1,800 K will give you a very red light while 7,500 K provides a soft bluish-white.
Solar-powered lights have also come a long way. It’s no longer necessary for them to have constant sunlight — a few hours a day will keep them working just fine.
To achieve your lighting scheme, you may need a combination of some or all the above. An outdoor lighting kit and accessories can be helpful.
Where to Shine a Light
You want light on the entrances to your house, so overhead lights or sidelights may be perfect. You’ll want the sidewalks to your entry lit for safety as well as aesthetics. You can do this with strings of low-voltage lights low to the ground, aimed at the path.
Soft lights go nicely in flower beds. Consider bulbs with a lower Kelvin rating to give the colors of your flowers some pop. In open areas, use higher Kelvin to create the effect of moonlight.
Spotlights placed a few feet away from an exterior wall and aimed upward can create an interesting contrast of light and shadows. Likewise, a soft spotlight aimed up into a tree will give the bark, branches and leaves a pleasing glow.
For a deck or patio, use soft ambient lighting from above or from lantern-style fixtures placed on walls or posts. Ceiling lights are increasing in popularity as more homeowners install outdoor kitchens.
Use motion-activated lights at garage doors or side entrance doors. This is a safety and security measure more than beautification.
Spotlights placed a few feet away from an exterior wall and aimed upward can create an interesting contrast of light and shadows. Likewise, a soft spotlight aimed up into a tree will give the bark, branches and leaves a pleasing glow.
For a deck or patio, use soft ambient lighting from above or from lantern-style fixtures placed on walls or posts. Ceiling lights are increasing in popularity as more homeowners install outdoor kitchens.
Use motion-activated lights at garage doors or side entrance doors. This is a safety and security measure more than beautification.
