Many benefits come with outdoor lighting. Not only can it help improve the appearance of your home, but it can also enhance security. Properly designed and installed outdoor lighting lets you highlight your yard’s favorite areas and keep unwanted people out.
You must consider several factors when choosing the right outdoor lighting. To be effective, it must have the correct design, and you must place it in the correct spot.
Here are eight quick tips on how you can update the outdoor lighting around your home.
1. Give the Lighting a Little TLC
Outdoor lighting needs regular updates and adjustments to remain effective. It is, therefore, recommended that you regularly change the light bulbs. A well-lit outdoor space is key for your safety in the dark. LEDs are less costly and durable. And, you do not need to have any expert knowledge to operate them. Therefore, you can simply update your outdoor lighting by regularly treating the bulbs to uphold their aesthetic quality. Dust them regularly to remove surface dust and cobwebs. Cleaning the bulbs will greatly increase their effectiveness. For deeper cleaning, check out the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Capitalize on Low-Voltage Lights
You can improve your outdoor lighting in several ways. For example, it can be through accent lights, tiny patio lights, or low-voltage path lights. You can significantly affect the landscape design by simply placing low-voltage lights in the correct spots. The advantage of this approach is that it is easy to install and cost-effective. If it looks too tedious to implement all at once, you can start small and then upgrade as time progresses. If you choose to start with a few patio lights, consider purchasing a transformer that can sustain more wattage. As you add to your landscape, you can introduce more lighting to the levels that your original transformer can sustain.
3. Outdoor Garage Lighting
For adequate lighting outside your garage, you should install a single fixture. Doing this also enhances security. In most homes, garages are away from the main house. Therefore, lighting up your garage will greatly improve your outdoor lighting. If you have a garage in a shadowy area of your yard, you must add lights for security and convenience. If necessary, you can consider installing spotlights on the eaves or low lights for a more captivating look. Apart from comprehensive lighting, you must consider how the new setup will affect your home’s energy consumption. If you feel that it is consuming a lot of energy, install motion sensors outside your garage. Lights will only go on when they detect any motion, thus saving a lot of energy.
4. Front Entrance Lighting
You must have a well-lit front entrance to your home. This area is critical when you are updating your outdoor lighting. With a well-lit front entrance, you will be able to identify who is visiting you. And whoever they are, he or she will feel welcome with the amazing lighting. Furthermore, lights in your front yard can help ward off criminals by making them think that people are home. Are you asking, “What is the best way to implement this?” Try using lanterns on either side of the front door. It is a great way to make your visitors feel welcome. When your front entrance is dark or poorly lit, it makes visitors feel uncomfortable and discourages them from approaching your home. If you have an overhang or a porch, you can use recessed lighting or anything close to the ceiling.
The front entrance isn’t the only area you should fix, however. You can install a single wall lantern in any other entrance to your home. This will increase visitors’ options and allow them to come and go without deterring others from accessing your home.
5. Lighting for Decks, Porches, and Patios
By using low-voltage lights under your railings, benches, or stairs, you can convert your patio, deck, or porch into a romantic area. For the best lighting in such areas, go for muted bulbs. These are areas that guests will prefer to have low lighting. For a classy look, put a spotlight in the branches of a tree in your yard. If you don’t have any trees, use any other tree near the area.
6. Outdoor Grills and Serving Area
If there’s an area that benefits from bright light the most, it is the area where you serve food. How can you update the lighting of this area? Try installing a spotlight that sits on your roof and hangs over the grill area. Similarly, why not trying mounting lights on the railing behind the serving area? Another option is to use a portable fixture to light up these areas. If your space has entertainment areas, you should use lights that can help you complete other tasks, such as cooking. However, in this area, mute the lighting enough to ensure your guests are relaxed and enjoying the environment. Outdoor lighting can greatly improve the quality of your entertaining space. Create an unforgettable event by using the right outdoor lighting scheme.
7. Frame the Front Entrance
For outstanding outdoor lighting, put matching outdoor wall sconces on either side of your front door. This creates an entryway that is enticing and well-lit. This not only makes visitors feel welcome but also increases security around your home. When using pendants and wall lighting together, you should choose pieces that stylistically complement each other. This will create a consistent outdoor lighting theme. When you use pendants, sconces, or both, make sure this area is well-lit. That way, you will keep your home safe. Avoid dim lights that can jeopardize the safety of your home.
8. Think Outside the Box
You don’t have to follow the script when it comes to outdoor lighting. You can design your theme and implement it. Think outside the box! However, it is important to keep in mind that the purpose of outdoor lighting is to enhance your home’s security. Furthermore, you should create an outdoor lighting theme that fits your preferences and your home’s design.