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Outdoor lighting is far more than a porch light and a floodlight or two in the backyard. Modern outdoor lighting remains a safety feature, but it does so much more to enhance landscaping and hardscaping throughout the property, provide stylish lighting for decks and patios, and access yard features such as pools and water features. Whether you are talking residential or commercial lighting, well-designed outdoor lighting becomes an appealing feature of the property. Planning for Eye Catching Outdoor Lighting Adding outdoor lighting should not a haphazard endeavor. Municipalities may have lighting codes, while homeowners and business associations have directives governing light placement, design, brightness, and energy usage. To make sure that lighting on your property meets local regulations as well as looks its best, consider using the services of a landscaping firm, landscape architect, or lighting specialist. Just look online at houzz.com, HDTV.com, and in the lighting galleries featured on numerous other websites to get ideas, then work with a professional to bring your ideas to life - or more aptly, to light! Principles of Outdoor Lighting While the sky's the limit with outside lighting, well-designed outdoor lighting serves one of three purposes: • Overall lighting provides illumination for a whole outdoor space. • Task light illuminates areas for a specific purpose, such as lighting the path. • Accent lighting draws attention to a feature on the house or yard. Lights located near a home or building use electricity from there, while lights located elsewhere in the property can utilize solar light. As experts from Better Homes and Gardens point out, regardless of the source, the lights should not contribute to outdoor light pollution that blinds viewers, shines brightly in rooms of nearby homes, obscures the moon and stars, or costs extra to run. While lights can add style and flair, they: • Should be carefully aimed so that they highlight the desired feature. • Should use pictures with reflectors and shielding. • Should use minimal wattage as higher ones can cause glare and increase the operating cost. • Should be controllable with timers, dimmers, controls, or motion sensors so that they operate just when needed. Great Uses for Exterior Lighting Keeping these principles in mind, outdoor lighting can define and enhance an outdoor space. There are many good ways to use it: • Lighting the entrance assures safety while giving a welcoming appearance to the home. Porch lanterns on one or both sides of the door can illuminate the porch, while low level lights along pathways and steps leading to the house guides visitors and family members through the darkness. • Lights by the garage contribute to safety and security, while illuminating the area for that last game of basketball for the day. • Lights along walkways and long driveways highlight landscaping, groundcover, and flowerbeds, while discouraging accidental trampling. • Lighting on decks, porches, and patios need not be bright to make outdoor spaces functional at night or to create a mood. • Illuminating pools, ponds, and water features adds a touch of magic along with safety. •Lighting that surrounds large areas of the lawn can create a perfect entertaining spot for a backyard barbecue or a special event like a wedding. • Adding lighting to trees and bushes is good holiday décor, but can highlight landscaping all year round. If you're planning an extensive project to add to the curb appeal and distinctiveness of your home, make sure to seek the help of a professional who specializes in outdoor lighting.
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