When outdoor light is properly positioned and used, it can uplift your home’s curb appeal, add safety and security and make the evening more relaxing. While installing a lighting system is an upfront investment, it can pay for itself over time in enjoyment and savings on energy costs. Look for solar or energy efficient fixtures and a variety of styles to find the perfect outdoor lighting for your space.
Wall-mounted fixtures, also known as sconces, mount to an exterior wall and are popular options beside doors. They can also be installed as accent lights in outdoor living spaces, such as covered porches and patios. Ceiling-mounted fixtures include chandeliers and outdoor ceiling fans, which are often incorporated into larger garden structures like gazebos and pergolas.
The type of bulb you use in your outdoor light fixture can have a big impact on how the lighting looks and how much energy it uses. Traditional incandescent bulbs produce a pleasing light but have a short lifespan and consume a lot of energy. Halogen bulbs are an upgrade, providing better light output with a longer lifespan and less energy consumption. LED bulbs are even more energy-efficient and come in a wide range of color temperatures, so you can choose one that works best with your landscape design.
Most outdoor lights have controls that let you manage the brightness and operation of the fixture. Look for models that allow you to set a dusk to dawn feature, so the light turns on at sunset and switches off when the sun rises. You can also get more control with motion sensor or photocontrol features. A motion sensor lights up when someone walks by, and a photocontrol acts more like a timer, turning on the fixture at dusk and keeping it on for a set amount of time.