We pay a lot of attention to the indoor lighting. But have you done that with the outdoor lighting as well? People often neglect this part of their home and end up with dark pathways, backyards, stairs and front doors. Having proper outdoor light fixtures can increase safety and improve the house's curb appeal.
Step Lights
These lights are a fantastic way to add more charm to your outdoor space. However, they're also a great way to increase the house's nighttime safety on the stairs, particularly if you have young children or senior family members. When placed right, these charming and practical wall step lights can make a big difference.
The primary thing to consider is the source of light. Nowadays, LED lights are a top choice for many households. This is not just because of their energy efficiency, but because they look elegant and very attractive. Other lightning sources are halogen, xenon, incandescent and fluorescent. But with the LEDs, you won’t have an increase in the power bill.
The installation process also matters. If you want to install them on a flat surface, buy surface-mounted ones. They won’t make you drill holes into walls or the steps. There are also recessed step lights which can have a very attractive and sleek appearance. Spacing them the right way will give the space a special charm.
If you don’t want to deal with wires and installations, you can get solar-powered or battery-operated LED lights. LED strip lights give you mover versatility for placement because they’re very adaptable and can be affixed to the edge of every step. When it comes to shapes and sizes, there are plenty. You can find anything you need, circular, rectangle, square, small, big, extra-large and much more.
There are also options for the colour of the light. You can go with a unique look and add extra special touches to the exterior. Make sure you get the lights made of durable materials, something that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. These lights are usually made of ceramic. In case you live somewhere near the seaside, go for stainless steel, copper or brass. These materials won't corrode, and you won’t need to replace them every few years.
Flood Lights
If you want to boost the house’s curb appeal and make it more aesthetically pleasing, flood lights are the right way to go. Besides the good look, you also get the security and safety aspect of them. Start by deciding where you will place them. This way you’ll know how many lights you should buy. Figuring this out can save you some money and improve the stairs’ looks. Besides the placement, pay attention to the angle of installation and the height.
Sometimes with flood lights things like drainpipes, doors and windows can become an obstacle. How they’re activated is another thing to consider. The first choice is the manual on/off switch. The second is motion-sensor activated. It lights up when it senses movement. The third option is the dusk till dawn activation. It turns on the lights when the brightness outside reaches a certain level.
Just like the wall step lights, flood lights can vary in their brightness. Their lumens can go from 700-20.000. The lumen power greatly depends on how much light the area gets from other sources. In general, flood lights require between 700-1.500 lumens, but you can go brighter if you need to.
Bollard Lights
Bollard lights are quite trendy and stylish. They serve as both a source of brightness and a decorative feature. You can use it to illuminate many areas like your driveway, pathway, car park, garden and backyard. In some cases, they can work as step lighting as well. Bollard lights are good if you want to separate two areas visually, focus the attention on a specific outdoor feature or show the landscape.
There are no specific guidelines on how they should be placed. Depending on other light sources and the area where you install them, experts advise you place them 2.5m apart. When it comes to shape, they can be round, and square and can have a flat top. Bollard lights look great when they’re placed zigzag instead of a straight line.
Most fixtures are at least 1m tall and will illuminate a big area. In case you’re illuminating a driveway, go for double-sided bollards. They'll shine both ways and give you excellent visibility. Plus, you have a 360° illumination option which is perfect for patios and gardens.
In-Ground Lights
Just as the name suggests, in-ground lights are installed below the ground. Installers dig a small hole, place the light inside, and level it up with the ground. This way you get the perfect concealed look. In-ground lights are good for illuminating pathways and driveways. They make the scene very visible which lowers the chances of falls and accidents. If you use them on the driveway, make sure they can handle the weight of the vehicle.
Spotlights
Spotlights work perfectly to showcase your stunning landscaping or to draw attention to your beautiful home. They usually stand above the ground and feature a shield around the bulb to direct the light to a particular spot. With various styles available, you can find a spotlight that complements your yard without being obtrusive.
String Lights
Even though they look simple, string light can make a big difference in the outdoor atmosphere. People love them because they’re versatile and very affordable. Plus, they’re super simple to install. When you’re buying outdoor string lights, make sure they’re weather-resistant.
Measure the space you want to illuminate but always get more string than you need to. More lights mean more flexibility. You can also get more creative when you have more to work with. Newer models give you the option to control the brightness and the pattern of the lights manually or through an app on your phone. This will help you create a soothing atmosphere.
String lights also come in many colours. They can be battery-operated, solar-powered, LED or incandescent. All of them have their pros and cons, it all comes down to your personal preferences. Do you want to add to your power bill? Are you willing to change batteries? No matter which type of outdoor lighting you get, make sure you have enough light and do not go through the yard blindly.
