Whether it’s to highlight a favorite tree, play up your home’s architectural details, or create drama for a water feature or statue, outdoor lighting is a great way to make a yard more appealing at night. It’s also an easy home improvement project, and by taking a few steps before you shop, you’ll ensure that the lights you choose will be safe, efficient, and well-matched to your landscape and lifestyle.
Choose Lights With a Low Voltage
Since they’re more likely to be touched, you’ll want to avoid lights that use high voltage or present a fire hazard. Instead, look for solar, battery-powered, or hardwired options that will limit your maintenance needs and reduce the risk of electrocution.
Select Lights That Are UL Listed
The design and construction of your lighting should be based on how it will be used. For example, if you’re lighting a large garden structure like a pergola or gazebo, consider hanging lights that hang from the ceiling and mimic lanterns to offer a more formal aesthetic. This type of fixture can be hardwired or solar, but the most durable option is a recessed light that’s installed in your home’s ceiling and is hidden from view when not in use.
For a smaller space, try a lantern that stands on a base you drive into the ground to illuminate a small tabletop or a corner of your porch. These accent fixtures can even double as a centerpiece for a vignette.