Whether you’re winding string lights through a pergola or lighting up the steps of your home, outdoor light transforms spaces that are already beautiful into elegantly lit landscapes where families and friends can make memories at night. But beyond making the space livable at night, it adds curb appeal, safety and increases the value of your property.
Choosing the right outdoor lighting involves more than picking out fixtures and bulbs – you need to consider where your lighting will be, how visible it will be, what kind of effect you want and what type of maintenance you can expect. You also need to take into account the weather in your area and how often the lights will be used, as you’ll want them to be able to stand up to anything from heavy rains to snowstorms.
When you’re choosing your bulbs, it’s important to look for a color temperature that matches your desired effect. You’ll see the color temperature on the label, and warmer temperatures will work best for architectural elements while cooler temperatures can help bring out the colors of plants and trees. You’ll also want to choose lights rated for damp or wet locations depending on their location, and opt for dark sky rated bulbs that minimize the amount of blue light that’s put into the evening sky.
Whether you opt for an inground light to illuminate your walkways, stairs or driveway, or spotlights to create visual accents in your landscape, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional electrician to ensure the safety of your electrical system. This includes making sure you have enough power available for your lighting plan and that your fuses, wires and switches are safe to handle.