A Buyer's Guide to Outdoor Lighting

When designing your dream home, don’t forget to plan out the pathway to the front door. The outside layout is just as important - maybe more so - than the floorplan. More than simply the relaxing view waiting just out the kitchen window, the yard should be accessible and useful to match your household’s lifestyle. It also plays an important role in the safety of the home. The best way to get the most out of outside spaces is to light them up!

Intelligent outdoor lighting systems include the familiar path lighting, as well as the more invisible accent lighting or deck lighting. The lights themselves can be plain and simple in design, or they can be art pieces displayed and useful on the walls. You can plan an outdoor lighting system yourself, or leave it up to the professionals, but the most important part is that the lights enhance your experience of the tamed backyard landscape.

The Outdoor Lighting Advantage

So why is outdoor lighting such a great idea for your yard? There are many reasons, so let’s narrow it down to just the top five benefits of outdoor lighting.

Sense of Security

Extra lights around a property line and near windows and entryways act as a deterrent to both animals and potential criminals. If there are no shadows to hide in, a home is less of a target. With enough illumination, security cameras can more easily record and provide warning of any problems or potential threats.

Added Property Value

In addition to the extra safety of well-lit walkways and secure entryways, a properly designed lighting system creates visual interest and amplifies the curb appeal. The features of the landscape can be illuminated, calling attention to the details that would otherwise disappear, and making the yard, patio, or deck look maintained and orderly, day and night.

Open Up the Yard Space

With the right lighting, the family isn’t stuck indoors after the sun goes down. Enjoy your patio in the evenings, extend your indoor activities outside, and utilize every inch of your home’s open spaces.

Eco-Friendly Options

Exterior lighting options have moved beyond noisy, buzzing halogen lamps as technology has advanced. Now, with solar lighting and LED bulbs, it’s easy to light up the landscape without leaving too big of an energy footprint.

DIY Lighting Is Easy

Outdoor lighting is an easy home-improvement project. Simply plan out the features of your property that would benefit from a little extra night-time glow and purchase the lighting fixture that will best fit that space. You can tackle the entire yard all at once or opt to install one or two at a time — either way, your home is safer and more aesthetically appealing for the work that was done.

Plan Around Your Lifestyle

For a large yard, lighting can illuminate the spaces close to the home and accent the borders. For something a little smaller, deck lights and a string of bulbs can add welcoming character. Every lighting plan will be unique to the yard, and the people who live there are the people who know best how they want to use the space and where they want light.

That means that the best person to plan your outdoor lighting is… you! And it’s not as complicated as you might think, just stick with a few simple steps.

• Take a walk around your home and identify the areas that could use extra illumination. Write them down, or even sketch out a map. Keep in mind the different environments around every place a light might be needed. For instance, if the area is dry in the summer, or if it floods in the winter. The fixtures you choose will have to survive the elements, so know ahead of time what conditions they will be exposed to.
• Determine what kind of light show you want to set up in each place. There are different lighting techniques to choose from, such as downlighting, accent lighting, grazing, or spotlights. Learn more about the different techniques and how to choose outdoor lighting.
• Consider the amount of power available at each of the areas where you’ll need to install a light. Check that there are electricity sources available, such as transformers, and whether or not you’ll need to add additional resources. The amount of power available can help you determine how many fixtures you can utilize, and what kind.
• Finally, research the different types and designs of outdoor lighting fixtures to find the pieces that meet your requirements and your style. (This is the fun part!) Choose the decorative features and the specific operational options that will light your yard exactly how your family uses it, such as dusk-to-dawn operation, dimming options, or smart home configuration capability. Keep in mind that lighting fixtures can get expensive, so be careful to stay on budget as you shop.

That’s it! Those are the basic steps to get you started toward designing your own outdoor lighting system. You can do the whole project yourself, or hire a pro for the trickier installations. Note that some lighting installations will require working with electricity, so never hesitate to consult with professional electricians or contractors if you’re not familiar with electric wiring and installations.

Outdoor Lighting Energy Tip:

Keep in mind that different kinds of lights use different types of bulbs, and therefore rely on different energy sources. If you plan on using LED equipped fixtures, a 75w transformer might do the trick and save a little money on your electric bill. Of course, choosing solar lighting options can eliminate the need for a transformer altogether.

Safety and Security by Design

Outdoor lighting serves two unique and important functions: it provides safety and security around your home, yard, and other outdoor spaces; and it adds curb appeal by highlighting the landscape and creating a warm welcome for guests. There are some unique considerations when choosing outdoor lighting, but the basic fixture types can be similar to indoor lighting.

Wall Sconces

Consider adding wall sconces. These light fixtures cast light against the wall they’re mounted on and the immediate surroundings. They’re typically placed on either side of an entry, window, or garage door. Wall sconces can be mounted slightly above eye level to illuminate without glare or shadow. Keep in mind that they are intended to be seen from far away, out on the street, which means they will appear slightly smaller from a distance. It’s best to check the view of the lighting from the street when designing with wall sconces.

Design tip:

To help keep the visual balance, find a wall sconce that is about ⅓ the height of the door. When placed on each side of the door, they can be about ¼ the door height.

Outdoor Pendant Lighting

You can't go wrong with pendants. Outdoor pendants are made to withstand harsh weather conditions while still offering a touch of elegance. They are best on porches or covered patios with high ceilings of 8’ or more. Pay attention to the proportions of the space and be sure the lighting style complements the architecture of the house.

Design tip:

Center the pendant about 6” above the door, where it can be easily seen and appreciated without being in the way.

Outdoor Ceiling Lights

A popular patio choice is to add ceiling Lights. Mounted flush against the ceiling or recessed, ceiling lights are intended optimize the amount of light with the available space on the porch, patio, or eaves.

Design tip:

For large, covered porches or patio spaces, use multiple ceiling lights spaced roughly 8’ apart. Be sure the lights you choose are rated for damp locations.

Post Lights

Add to the safety of your property with post lights. Post lights are installed atop posts or fences to offer 360 degrees of light coverage. They are useful for marking the edge of driveways or walking paths.

Design tip:

Make sure to check that the base of the light will fit over the top of the posts it will be installed on. Post lights will be exposed to the elements, so these should always be wet rated, weatherproof lamps.

Security and Flood Lights

Look for brighter lights that are shaped to cast a lot of light in a wider coverage area. Security and flood lights should be reliable and durable in different weather conditions, either waterproof or water resistant. Motion sensors or photocells can help save money on the energy bill, as well as serve as an extra deterrent for people or animals that trigger them. For best coverage, security lighting should be placed at the highest possible point, either from a wall or roof overhang, to allow the light to spread out and minimize hiding spots.

Design tip:

Be careful when placing security cameras to ensure the location and angle of the flood lights doesn’t create a backlight that can interfere with facial recognition.

Landscape Lighting

Landscape Lighting is installed near ground level and used to provide illumination over footpaths, as well as to accent the depth and layout of a yard when seen at night. These should be waterproof to withstand lawn watering systems as well as the weather conditions of your area.

Design tip:

Plan to use path markers close to walkways without obstructing them. Set the fixtures to cast light downward, from about 14” height.

Get the Style You Want

When it comes to getting just the right look, outdoor lighting offers the same popular designs found indoors, allowing homeowners to extend and transition their styles between indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether looking for lighting solutions for the front porch, patio entryway, driveway, or yard paths, you’ll find different styles to complement every home.

Lantern - Available as pendants, post lights, or wall sconces, lantern-style fixtures offer a traditional look and provide ambient light.

Wall Washer or Flush Mount - These designs hug the wall and offer a compact profile, with a softer light directed to reflect off the walls. These usually serve as an accent light.

Barn or Gooseneck - A distinctive curve to the mounting arm, and the bell-like shade creates a bright downlight, excellent for direct security lighting.

Candle Style - Ornate and creative, these designs mimic the look of a lighted candle, which softens the amount of light they display. Candle style lamps are best used for accent lighting.

Wallchiere - Stylistic and artistic wallchiere lights are accent lights chosen to complement the design of the architecture or decor of an outdoor space.

Get the Right Tech for the Job

The latest outdoor lighting is designed for convenience, security, and efficiency. Here are some features to consider when creating your lighting plan:

Motion Sensors - With passive infrared, ultrasonic, and other sensing technologies, security lights turn on when the sensors detect movement. Lights with motion sensors are a deterrent for human intruders as well as animals, and can be paired with security cameras.

Photocell - Lights with photocell sensors activate when the sun goes down, or when the clouds roll in; you can set the light to activate at a certain light level. Some can be paired with motion sensors, saving energy and effort as they turn on only when needed.

Dark Sky Compliant - Light pollution is not only unsightly, it is a waste of energy. Dark Sky Compliant fixtures are shielded to keep the light directed toward the ground. Many are equipped with energy-efficient LED technology.

LED - Up to 90% more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs, LEDs offer brighter colors, a longer life, and a smaller bulb size.

Solar Powered - No electricity required! Solar powered lights collect energy during the day and store it in specific types of rechargeable batteries.

Energy Star - All products with the Energy Star certification have met extensive criteria to verify that the lighting fixtures or bulbs use less energy and offer other features that can save consumers money as well as reduce their environmental impact.

ADA Compliant - Light fixtures that are ADA compliant meet certain design standards in size and installation requirements, as well as brightness or other features.

Title 24 Compliant - For California residents, Title 24 of the CA Code of Regulations sets out specific requirements for energy efficiency. These products offer energy savings that, regardless of where they’re used, will contribute to a lower electric bill over time.

Vintage Edison Bulbs - The traditional, old-fashioned look of the vintage Edison bulb has made a comeback in recent years. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, these bulbs include an exposed and dimmable filament that gives them their unique appearance. Some are even available with LED bulbs to save on energy.

Different Environments Require Different Features

Be sure to know the demands of the location where a light is to be installed. Outdoor lighting is exposed to different conditions that will make products wear and age differently. For instance, those in coastal areas should look for solid bronze or brass Marine Grade lighting and choose products that can stand up to the salt exposure and moisture.

Stainless steel and brass may look lovely inside the home, but they can’t withstand the weather out on the piers. Instead, look for bronze or galvanized steel fixtures that are more resistant to corrosion by the elements.

It’s important to choose fixtures that are prepared for the environment where they’ll be installed. If the light is going to be installed in the ceiling of a covered porch, it won’t be exposed to direct rain or snow, but it may be subject to the moisture in the air and should be UL rated for damp locations.

Likewise, a wall sconce mounted on an unprotected wall or a path light near to the ground might be hit regularly by the lawn sprinklers, garden hoses, and natural rain, snow, and wind. For these open air, exposed fixtures, look for lighting fixtures that have been UL rated for wet locations.

Another concern in many regions is the wildlife sharing the area where the light is to be installed. Harsh blue lights emit light on a wavelength that is harmful to animals, and even to humans. Some lights create the illusion of daylight, which can result in animals crowding around streets, parking lots, or buildings.

Studies have shown that turtles will not go on land to lay their eggs when they see lights that they perceive as sunlight, and freshly hatched turtles follow natural lighting to find their way back to the water. Turtle-friendly fixtures are shielded and aimed low to avoid light pollution, and the LED lights are set to a wavelength of 450 nanometers so that sea turtles don’t see the lights to be misdirected.

The Bottom Line on Outdoor Lighting

The outdoor space can be a relaxing extension of your indoor space, whether equipped with a patio room or a deck, or simply the peace of mind provided by a safe and easy view of the property. The choice is yours, from where to place the lights to what kind of fixtures you want to install.

Installing a new system can bring an upfront, initial investment in your home’s improvement and value, but if you choose the right fixtures with energy-saving features, it can pay for itself in enjoyment and security. Look for solar or energy efficient fixtures, and don’t be afraid to make small changes along the way to put the perfect lighting plan together over time.