2021 has been the year where people learned to appreciate outdoor spaces more. Outdoor gatherings have kept us sane and socialized, and it’s a trend that’s only going to continue.
With summer on the roll, there’s no better time to give your outdoor space its much-needed makeover. Restaurant patio catch-ups, parkside picnics, even outdoor weddings have been on the rise. Why not give your personal space at home the same inviting vibe and ambiance?
All you need is some landscaping, comfy furniture, and the right outdoor lighting. Read on to discover more about some outdoor lighting options.
Lighting Systems and Ergonomics
Lighting is one of the most important elements of art and design. It’s little wonder why it’s used everywhere. When done well, lighting not only makes it easier to see, but it also enhances.
The right light betters everything, from showroom displays to museums to events. So why not apply this concept to your home? Updating the smallest details, like your lighting fixtures, will do the trick.
There’s no need for major renovations with the appropriate outdoor lights. So, where do you start?
In general, there are four main lighting systems:
- regular electric lights
- motion sensor lights
- dusk-to-dawn lights
- solar lights
Your regular electric lights can either be manual, motion sensors, or light-sensing.
Outdoor lights, like most motion sensors and some dusk-to-dawn lights, need electrical wiring. Despite this, not all are manual or require constant interaction. A good example is solar lights.
They’re automatic, but some may need proper and professional installation. That said, dusk-to-dawn lights and solar lights both use light-sensing technology. Once they detect darkness, they switch on and switch off when they sense light.
Motion sensor lights do as the name suggests. They immediately switch on upon detection of movement. Most outdoor lighting comes in these three systems.
With that out of the way, it’s time to choose your outdoor lighting. Here’s a quick rundown of five of the most popular outdoor lighting types, as well as where best to use them.
1. Security Lights
Every home needs security lights. They’re great for deterring potential intruders and wild animals. With the recent advances in lighting technology and design, choices are limitless.
However, know that the best security lights depend on what you need and where you choose to install them. To deter potential break-ins or animal attacks, floodlights are a great option. They’re best for areas where people or animals might snoop around or pass by.
Not only do they give the illusion that someone is home, but they also make the passers-by visible. Bright outdoor LED lighting like a motion sensor floodlight gets this job done the best. You don’t even have to be there to startle intruders or alert your neighbors.
There are also those security lights that remain on throughout the night. Although, they only work if you actually turn them on like clockwork and switch them off in the morning.
Are you the type to forget switching lights on and off? Then dusk-to-dawn lights and solar lights are a good choice for you. They’re great for keeping your home illuminated at night with minimal effort.
Solar lights have an added benefit, though: They use the energy they generate during the day. This makes them eco-friendly and perfect for those looking to save on electricity bills.
2. Landscape Lights
Have you ever seen a home or space that comes to life at night? Usually, it’s because of the warm glow and soft lighting they use to highlight its key features. These lights are better known as landscape lights.
They’re often used in soffits or the underside of a roof’s overhang. You also see them as spotlights in backyard gardens, pools, and decks or patios. Using landscape lights gives your home a hospitable and charming ambiance.
Combining them with even the simplest landscaping enhances any space. They’re also an excellent way to let others think that someone is home. Most landscape lights are manual and electric, but there are dusk-to-dawn and solar options.
3. String Lights
String lights are a fun way to liven up your patio, deck, or balcony. They’re often seen in the outdoor areas of most restaurants and commercial lounges. They lend a social feel to any space while adding a rustic or industrial flair.
String lights are great for hanging above your covered outdoor area. You can also opt to drape them along railings. Some string lights can also be waterproof for your safety.
This makes it easier for you to use them in an uncovered area. Some are solar. Depending on the style or look you’re going for, you can get them in various designs.
4. Outdoor Wall Lights
If you love outdoor entertainment, then this is a must-have for you. Outdoor wall lights not only provide you enough lighting to see what you’re doing, but they also add style. They’re not only practical but also flexible in terms of design.
Many of them come in a more chic and clean look; others have a more vintage or industrial feel. Choosing one depends on the overall theme and extent of your outdoor living space. You also need to know how much lighting you need and the best places to install them.
As the name implies, outdoor wall lights are for mounting on a wall. While this gives you leeway on the design, it may limit the areas in which you can install them.
5. Path Lights
Falls, especially for the elderly, are the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death worldwide. This is why it’s important to prevent them. By having outdoor path lights at night, you lessen the risk of accidents waiting to happen.
Path lights are also a cost-effective way to spruce up your front or back yard. There are path lights that are permanently embedded underground, requiring installation. Most path lights, however, are actually solar and come in singular units.
This makes for easy setup at a low-maintenance cost. You can even choose to hide them in the grass or landscape if you prefer.
Outdoor Lighting for Every Home
Outdoor lighting is as important a factor as any other when it comes to landscaping. It makes your home and yard more beautiful. It also helps in improves safety and security and lets you impress your guests.
Contact us today at Seasonal Landscape Solutions and make your yard the envy of the neighborhood.
