5 Simple Steps: How to Choose Outdoor Lighting Fixtures for Your Home
- 1: Understand the Environment Envision the space you’re thinking of adding outdoor lighting to and ask yourself, “Is this space a part of the main structure or detached surfaces? ...
- 2: Choose the type of INSTALLATION and PURPOSE that’s right for your home ...
- 3: Find the correct SIZE light fixture for the location you need ...
- 4: It’s all about STYLE! ...
- 5: Use decorative ACCENTS ...
How to choose the right outdoor lighting for your home?
Here are a few outdoor light placement tips to help you: Use multiple lights to illuminate your outdoor dining area. Two to four fixtures placed at the same exterior light height will help provide even lighting for your whole table. Use a single light near an access point like a door for small deck and patio areas.
How can I add outdoor lighting to my yard?
Outdoor post lighting is perfect to add light throughout your yard. Placing lights up your driveway not only helps to add security but can draw the eye up to the home. This can create a visually appealing effect especially when combined with other outdoor lighting fixtures.
How do I choose the right lighting for my front door?
Proper lighting is essential for your front door and entry area. 1 Measure the front door from top to bottom. Make note of this measurement. 2 Divide the height of your front door by 1/3 and 1/4. 3 Look for a light fixture that measures 1/3 to 1/4 the height of your front door. This will give you ample size so the light fixture won’t look ...
Where should I place my outdoor post lighting?
You should simply place your lighting where you feel it will create the most curb appeal. Shop All Outdoor Post Lighting! Outdoor chandeliers are a wonderful way to add a pop of drama and elegance to your outdoor patio, dining area, or entryway.
What type of light is best for outdoors?
LEDThe best type of lighting, outdoors and in, is LED. LED lights use far less energy than incandescent or even halogen bulbs, so you can leave them on for long periods without heavily impacting the electric bill. They also last a long time, so you won't need to replace them very often.
How do I choose an exterior light color?
As a rule of thumb, warmer color temperatures are used to highlight architectural elements (between 2500k-2700k), however cool white color temperatures between 5500k-6000k may be chosen for a higher level of security.
How do I determine what size exterior light I need?
Divide the height of your front door by 1/3 and 1/4. Look for a light fixture that measures 1/3 to 1/4 the height of your front door. This will give you ample size so the light fixture won't look diminutive or too big for your house.
How many watts should an outside light be?
The best watts for outdoor lights are 80 and lower. You can use 40-watt bulbs for paths, gardens, and other low-level areas. 40 to 80-watt bulbs are ideal for driveways and lighting up larger areas of your yard. 80-watt bulbs and lower are dark sky lighting approved too.
Which is better for outdoor lighting warm white or cool white?
When it comes to residential outdoor lighting, the primary kelvin range you're working with is between 2500k-4000k. A useful rule of thumb: use warmer colour temperatures of around 2500k-2700k on architectural elements and save cooler temperatures of between 3000k-4000k for trees and plants.
Should porch light be soft white or daylight?
Warmer colors, such as “soft white,” are a good choice for places where you're trying to create a cozy mood—think firelight. Cooler colors, such as “bright white” or “daylight,” work well for security lighting or task lighting. Bright white lights and accent lights are also a nice way to illuminate greenery.
Should exterior light fixtures match door hardware?
Exterior fixtures do not have to match, so have fun mixing outdoor lighting for your front door, backyard, patio or even small balcony.
How many lumens do I need exterior?
The best range of lumens for outdoor lighting is 12 to 1,300 lumens. How many lumens you need for outdoor landscape lighting is between 50 and 700. The amount of brightness most people want changes based on location.
How bright do outdoor lights need to be?
Recommended Lumens for Specific Outdoor Needs Landscape lights: 50-300 lumens. Path lights: 100-200 lumens. Landscape spotlights: 120 lumens. Lamp posts: 120-180 lumens.
Does wattage matter for outdoor lights?
High wattage light bulbs are typically 100 watts or more. They produce a lot of light, making them ideal for outdoor areas. However, they also consume more energy than lower wattage bulbs, so they're not as efficient in terms of energy usage.
Are LED lights good for outdoor use?
LEDs are the best choice for outdoor lighting for many reasons. Outdoor LED lighting benefits include: Brighter light: LEDs are a brighter white than traditional halide street lamps, helping better illuminate streets, sidewalks and parking lots. Longer life: LEDs, depending on their usage, can last up to 50,000 hours.
How many watts is considered bright?
Watts to Lumens – Energy Output to Brightness Produced 60-watt bulb produces 800 lumens of light (most widely used in households) 75-watt bulb produces 1,100 lumens of light. 100-watt bulb produces 1,600 lumens of light. 150-watt bulb produces 2,600 lumens of light.
What color light should I use for my house?
Around 2700K is typically denoted as “warm white” or “soft white.” These bulbs are designed to approximate the typical incandescent bulb, offering an orange-tinted, cozy, “warm” light just like at grandma's house. Warm light is considered a comfortable, homey light most suitable for use in the home.
Should all my exterior lights match?
Exterior fixtures do not have to match, so have fun mixing outdoor lighting for your front door, backyard, patio or even small balcony.
How do I choose the right light bulb color?
Colors of a Light Bulb: For yellowish to warm light, look for bulbs marked 2700-3000K. For a whiter light, look for bulbs marked 3500-4100K. For bluer white light, look for bulbs marked 5000-6500K. Most ENERGY STAR certified bulbs are made to match the color of incandescent bulbs - Opens in new window at 2700-3000K.
What do different colored lights outside a house mean?
Green Porch Light: Veterans, Military Support, St. Patricks Day, Lyme Disease. Blue Porch Light: Law Enforcement Support, Austism Awareness, Alopecia Areata. Red Porch Light: American Heart Association, Firefighters, Valentines Day, and yes even Prostitution. Purple Porch Light: Domestic Violence.
Tip #1: Determining Size & Placement
Different fixtures are used in different ways to highlight and enhance the exterior of your home. Here are six of the most common fixtures and inst...
Tip #2: Ul Rating: Wet Or Damp?
Select fixtures made for outdoor locations that stand up to humidity and moisture. The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) assigns ratings based on the li...
Tip #3: Type, Purpose, & Location
Outdoor lights are available in many forms depending on their intended purpose and placement.
Tip #4: Best Materials & Finishes For Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lights are made from a variety of materials, including: 1. Brass: Holds up well in all environments, including coastal regions. May develop...
Tip #5: Styles
Outdoor lights are available in a variety of styles, including the following popular options: 1. Antique - Classic colonial design featuring brass,...
Tip #6: Controls
You can manage your outdoor lights in several ways, including: 1. Dimmers - Gives you greater control over outdoor lighting range. 2. Home Automati...
Tip #7: Special Considerations
When choosing lighting, the following special considerations need to be accounted for: 1. Bulb Types – Choose light bulbs that are rated for damp e...
Tip #8: Maintenance
Maintaining your outdoor lighting fixtures ensures your safety and security. Here are some maintenance tips: 1. Replace broken or burned-out bulbs...
Power and Performance
With options ranging from hard-wired flood lights to plug-in dusk-to-dawn lights and solar motion lights, you can find the perfect outdoor flood lights for your landscape and the exterior of your home. Solar-powered outdoor lighting draws the energy it needs from sunlight to make the lights operate.
Types of Light Bulbs for Outdoor Lighting
Another factor to consider is what type of light bulbs you want to use for your outdoor lighting. Light-emitting diode ( LED) bulbs are a popular option, and while they cost more than other bulbs, they last considerably longer.
Lumens
Lumens are a measure of the light output — or the brightness of the light. The more lumens there are, the brighter the bulb will appear. Lumens differ from wattage in that watts measure the amount of power the bulb consumes — or the energy in the light.
The Best Color Temperature for Outdoor Lighting
Color temperature for lighting is measured on the Kelvin (K) temperature scale and refers to how cool or warm lighting looks. The Kelvin scale tracks from warmer to cooler. Lower Kelvin numbers are warm with yellow light, and higher Kelvin numbers are cool with blue or white light.
Security and Flood Lights
Security and flood lights are broad-beamed, high-intensity outdoor lights designed to flood large areas with light. As a result, these fixtures are often used as a preventive measure to reduce criminal activity and increase feelings of safety, especially when equipped with a motion sensor that causes the light to turn on when movement is perceived.
Outdoor Wall Lights
Outdoor wall lights mount on virtually any vertical surface and cast an ambient glow. Great for illuminating recessed areas, pathways, walkways and stairways, wall lights help eliminate shadows in recessed areas of architecture or hardscaping, therefore reducing the risk of tripping and accidents.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans offer multiple benefits: decorative overhead lighting, cooling and insect deterrence. These are best in covered porches, entryways and gazebos. Just make sure the ceiling fan you intend to install is rated for outdoor use.
HOW ABOUT AN OUTDOOR CEILING FAN WITH LIGHTS?
Ceiling fans with lights have the added benefits of air circulation and a cool breeze for those hot summer nights. Outdoor ceiling fans with lights also come with UL wet and damp ratings to indicate their possible placements outdoors. Pictured below is the Quorum Galveston Patio. The Galveston carries a UL wet rating and brings CFL lighting through clear seedy glass. Additionally, the Galveston produces a 5,126 CFM, meaning that it is capable of creating quite the cool breeze.
How to determine the size of outdoor pendant lights?
To determine the best size or ideal size for your pendant lighting fixture, multiple the height of your door by one fifth. For example, if you had a front door which was 80 inches in height, you would multiple 80 by one fifth for an ideal fixture size of 16 inches.
How to determine how big a garage light should be?
To determine how large your fixture should be, simply multiply the width of your garage door in inches by .25 (for a single car garage) or by .33 (for a two-car garage.) When determining the height of a wall mounted fixture, the height would be from the very top of the fixture to the very bottom, including any mounting arms, finials, or other accessories.
How to determine the right size wall light for a front door?
In order to determine the best size wall fixture, multiply the height of the door in inches by one-fourth (0.25) for a standard look or if you prefer an over-sized design style multiply your door measurement by one-third (0.33). So, for a standard look above a standard sized front door of 80 inches, you would multiply 80 by (.25) for an ideal fixture size of 20 inches.
What is the best lighting for a front porch?
Outdoor ceiling lighting for a front porch or screen porch is a particularly valid option if you’re looking to bring style while saving over head space. Outdoor ceiling lighting mounts flush or semi flush to your overhead patio, porch, or entryway.
Why is outdoor lighting important?
Outdoor lighting is growing in popularity as an addition to many homes as it not only increases the curb appeal, but helps with security and ensuring the safety of guests. From the gorgeous outdoor pendant that greets you at the front door, to the modern post lighting that guides your way through the back yard, ...
How tall should a post light be?
So, if your pole were 20 inches, you would want a fixture which is about five inches. Note that many of the popular post mount fixtures are between 18 and 24 inches tall.
How wide should a gooseneck light be above a garage door?
That said, the goal is to provide light across the entire garage area and should shine outwards as well as down. A typical garage door entry is about 8 feet wide. Depending on the shade above, you may need a 20 inch shade to span the area…. Or, 2 lights.
How high should garage lights be?
Lights by your garage should also be ⅓ to ¼ the height of your garage opening. These shouldn’t upstage your entryway lights but definitely make a statement of their own.
How high should a pendant light be?
I’ve seen them so many times way too small and hung way too high. Your pendant light should be about ⅕ the height of your door. They should also be centered about 6 inches above the door.
How big should the lights be for a door?
Lights By Your Door: Your lights should be ⅓ to ¼ the size of your door and trim. If you have a grand entry way with a high ceiling you can go bigger. So, opt for ⅓ the size of your door. If you’re in a tighter area, try ¼ the size of your door. If possible mount the lights at least 6 inches from the door frame and about 66 inches from the floor.
Why are lights important?
so, they should be beautiful and functional! They direct visitors where to go, keep your house safe, as well as add major curb appeal when done correctly. For some reason, most homes don’t have the correct size lights.
How big should a patio chandelier be above a table?
Patio Chandelier Above a Table: Lighting for dining is more difficult because there are so many factors involved. As a general rule, we recommend about ⅔ the width of the table. You can go as small as ½ the width of your table but definitely not any smaller. If your table is long, opt for two lights ½ width.
How high should a lamp post be?
Lights on a Driveway or Garden Lamp Post: This light should be about ¼ the height of the mounting pole or fence post. These are also usually best placed 5.5 feet to 6.5 feet from the bottom of the light fixture to the ground.
Why is Outdoor Lighting Important?
Curb appeal – First impressions at night can make a statement when guests arrive at your home. It also makes those guests feel more welcomed to your home as they arrive. Not too far from my home, there is a house we always see at night while sitting at a red light. The outdoor lighting is amazing and your eyes are just drawn to this house.
What is a damp rated light?
Damp rated – Damp rated fixtures will be used in outdoor areas that are covered. They would include a light beneath a covered porch for example. Here, the fixture would be exposed to dampness because it is outside, but it has no change of seeing rain because the area is covered.
What is outdoor lighting?
Outdoor lighting is an element that will define the look and feel of your home in the evening. If you have a beautiful exterior and amazing landscaping, then you should highlight those features of your home at night. You may find that your home could look even better at night than it does during the day. Deciding how to choose outdoor lighting is ...
What is the purpose of outdoor security lighting?
When it comes to choosing outdoor security lighting, usually the light fixture is going to serve a dual purpose. It will provide light needed for aesthetics or to see where you are walking, but also will provide a deterrent to others who want to snoop around your home.
What is the best light for security?
The light most used for security purposes is the motion sensor light over your garage door. Not only will it pickup someone walking across your yard but as you are backing into your driveway, it will light up helping you to finish backing in. These lights are found everywhere. They are made in solar, battery powered, or hard wired. I recommend the hard wired version especially since most homes already have a wire for this.
Where to put post lights?
Post lighting today is often used at the top of a brick, cement or wooden post either at the end of a driveway or walkway. We have seen them used to accent low brick borders in rear yards as well. You would need to install the light (or wires) during construction of these posts or have the ability to creatively run the wires and mount the fixtures to the top afterwards. Below is an example.
Is solar outdoor lighting good?
Solar Outdoor Lighting – If you are on a shoestring budget, then you may opt for solar lighting. This would be the most inexpensive but also least desirable options. The lights are cheap, they are easy to install, and often do not last the entire night. Solar lights often do not provide adequate light for what you are trying to accomplish. However, they are your only option if you have limited funds for your outdoor lighting project.
1. Get Excited
There is so much more to lighting than putting up a security floodlight that deluges your property in light.
2. Plan the Exterior Lighting Design
Fundamentally good design is about finding a fresh solution that works well for you. That’s why fashion has so much choice, we’re all different. So do not be timid about pushing yourself a little harder and aim for a lighting solution that you could only dream of and let’s see if if can be done.
3. Use Light Sparingly
The very best outdoor lighting is more under lit than over lit. As we discuss in all our lighting how to articles, we believe lit areas around the home and garden need dark spaces around them to look at their best.
4. Break Your Outside Up Into Areas
This means you need to be selective and we do this by categorising spaces by activity and then choosing the appropriate source of light for its purpose.
5. Consider Entertaining Outdoors
Many people are now building an outdoor entertaining area of the house, or adding a garden room that is climate controlled and can be used all year round. Al fresco dining and late evening chats with friends on the deck are one of life’s pleasures that the right mood lighting will enhance.
6. Plan in a Focal Point
Whether seated on the deck or patio in the summer or sitting indoors watching TV in the winter, an essential ingredient to an exterior lighting scheme is a lit focal point. Choose a point in your garden or yard that is either the furthest away or a dominant feature that deserves to be lit – and light them up.
7. Illuminate the High Traffic Areas
We all know the answer to this one: pavements, pathways, side alleyways, driveways, garages and entrances, everywhere somebody will arrive to or want to travel through to get somewhere.
What is the most common mistake people make?
The most common mistake people make is to select lights that are undersized. Don’t assume that the builder-installed fixture is the correct size for you home, since they often install smaller fixtures in order to cut costs. A good rule of thumb for the front door area is to select a fixture that is 1/3 the height of the door if there is only one ...
How high should a front door light fixture be?
A good rule of thumb for the front door area is to select a fixture that is 1/3 the height of the door if there is only one light, and 1/4 the height of the door if there is a set of lights flanking the door.
What determines how much light is produced by a light fixture?
When making your selection, pay attention to the number and wattage of light bulbs that the fixture requires , as well as the type of glass (clear vs. opaque vs. seeded) it features. All of these features will determine how much light is produced by the fixture.
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Where is the junction box located?
If your junction box (i.e., the location where the light is installed to the wall) is located high on the wall, then you will want to select a fixture in which the fixture body falls below the junction box.
Does Big Box offer free shipping?
These online stores have a vast selection of on trend lighting compared to what you will find in your local Big Box home improvement store and they typically offer free shipping.
Find Your Lighting Style
The lighting you use around your home plays a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic of your home's exterior. Narrowing your style can make the search for lighting simple. Here are a few tips to help you find the ideal wall lighting style for your home.
Front Door and Entry Area Light Sizing and Positioning
Proper lighting is essential for your front door and entry area. It promotes safety and boosts curb appeal. Here’s a simple way to choose front door and outdoor entry lighting that’s the right size:
Garage Area Light Sizing and Positioning
Lighting your garage is a must for safety and convenience. Many home setups also feature a garage that is very close to the front door, so the lighting you choose to add to
Outdoor Patio and Pool Light Sizing and Positioning
Your outdoor dining area, deck, patio and pool area are all places you relax and spend time with friends and family. Make sure these areas are safe and inviting for you and your guests with the right outdoor lighting scheme.
