Whether you want your home to have a welcoming glow to greet guests or you simply enjoy a quiet drink under twinkling lights, outdoor light can make all the difference in creating a space that enhances and enriches life. Choosing the best fixture type, illuminating only the areas you need to, and controlling the amount of light used are key to a well-lit home.
The lighting you choose can have a significant impact on your mood and sleep. For example, research shows that more daytime exposure to natural light (including sunlight through windows and skylights) may help people fall asleep earlier at night, as the circadian timing of the core body temperature trough, the strongest signal for sleep, tends to advance with more exposure to light during the day. This is supported by the fact that greater daytime light exposure can also ease awakening in those who are prone to delayed wake time (Duffy et al., 1999).
Many styles of outdoor light are available to suit your tastes and complement your home’s architectural style. For example, contemporary outdoor lights often have a sleeker look and minimalist forms that add interest to an exterior without imposing too much light on the property. Mission or Craftsman-style outdoor lights feature geometric structures, simple lines, and natural inspirations that fit well with traditional homes as well as contemporary and Spanish-style architecture.