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Outdoor lighting can make a world of difference to your outdoor decor. Whether you are trying to create a warm atmosphere perfect for dining al fresco, or a relaxing setting for socializing with friends on your patio, outdoor lights can help you achieve your goals. There are also a number of other benefits that come from using outdoor lights, such as improved curb appeal and personal security. The options can be confusing, but you don’t have to walk around for hours searching for the perfect lights. Stick with us to find out everything you’ll need to know to enjoy your summer evenings outdoors.
Different Types of Exterior Lights Produce Different Effects
If you plan on spending a lot of time in your outdoor space, you’ll want it to look as beautiful as possible. The right outdoor lighting can help you achieve this. You can choose from a wide range of outdoor lighting options, including wall-mounted lights, ground-mounted lights, free-standing lamps and ceiling-mounted lights. Your choice will depend on both the type of look you want to create for your outdoor space as well as on how much money you want to spend.
Tall floor lamps are perfect for illuminating a large patio or other areas where you want to provide ample lighting without using too much power. A long, narrow floor lamp isn’t ideal for illuminating a small area unless it’s mounted on the wall or hung from the ceiling. It will take up too much space on the floor if placed there and the lampshade will block your view of any plants or other items nearby.
With the help of the right outdoor ceiling light options, you can easily create a warm, inviting feeling in your space. It is the perfect way to add ambience to your outdoor living space. By hanging outdoor ceiling lights over your deck or patio, you can create the right atmosphere for entertaining or just relaxing.
Ground-mounted lights use a pole or post to hold them up off the ground. If you have a large deck or patio, you can use multiple lights in this configuration to create a more dramatic effect.
How to Choose Lighting for Your Outdoor Space?
The next thing to consider when buying outdoor lighting is your purpose. Is the goal of your outdoor light to enhance your enjoyment of the backyard area? For example, do you want to be able to sit outside in your comfy outdoor furniture and read or do you simply want to have enough lighting for walking around?
If you are looking for lighting that is there solely for safety reasons, then you may want to consider floodlights or spotlights. These tend to be brighter than other types of exterior lights. They are specifically made for illuminating large areas and covering more territory in a shorter time. They are especially useful if you have a lot of unlit areas on your property, or if you need to cover a lot of ground in order to get from one point to another. Floodlights will help guide the way by providing extra illumination in these situations. They are also often used as perimeter lights. They can be installed in various areas around the edge of your property line, which will help keep intruders off your property.
Lighting that is used solely for ambience purposes may include decorative lanterns, chandeliers and other types of ornamental fixtures. These kinds of lights usually create an attractive glow or warm lighting effect that can make any area look more inviting or intimate.
Outdoor Lighting Can Make Your Home Safer
For safety, you might want to install outdoor lighting on the rooflines and near the entrances of your home. If someone is trying to break into your house, more light can discourage them from continuing since they will be more likely to be spotted. Motion-activated outdoor ceiling light types can also come in handy if you have an area that needs illumination at all times, such as a walkway or driveway. Some solar-powered lights can illuminate walls and fences without wiring.
DIY or Hire an Electrician?
Now that you’re ready to start shopping for outdoor lighting, one of the first factors you should consider is whether you want to install it yourself or hire a professional to do it. Trying to install your own outdoor lighting is a good way to save some money on your project, but there are some things you should be aware of before beginning this task. Here are some tips for how to go about installing your own outdoor lights.
Cost
While there are several advantages to installing your own outdoor lighting, one of the biggest factors – cost – will depend on your individual situation. If you’re handy with tools and have a knack for electrical wiring, it’s possible that you can save yourself some money by tackling the project yourself. However, if you aren’t 100% confident in your ability or aren’t comfortable working with electricity, it might be a better idea to hire a professional for the installation.
Complexity
While there are many different kinds of lights you can use for your outdoor lighting project – from solar powered flood lights to decorative post lights – no matter what kind of lights you use, there are some basic things you should know before attempting the installation on your own. Having an understanding of electrical wiring and safety precautions are very important when dealing with outdoor lighting; if not taken seriously, it could lead to electrocution or fire.
Time Commitment
Installing your own outdoor lighting could potentially save you money, but it will require time as well as effort. Depending on how difficult the project is, it may take longer than expected and also require multiple trips to a hardware store.
To Sum Up
You have to decide for yourself what matters to you the most when buying outdoor lights. There are so many different aspects of outdoor lighting that you’ll need to take into consideration, from safety and security to budget and style. Pick your primary goal and go from there, keeping everything else in mind while planning. By using these options as a starting point, you’ll find the best outdoor lighting to suit your needs without breaking the bank.
