Outdoor lighting adds a night-time glow that enhances your home’s curb appeal, boosts security and safety, and helps you enjoy your outdoor living space well after dark. It’s a smart home-improvement project that can be done all at once or over time, and offers the flexibility to grow with your family and lifestyle needs.
To start, figure out which areas you want to light up and what kind of effect you’re looking for. Then choose fixtures that complement your landscape and your home’s style. Look for a wide range of decorative options, as well as specific operational features like dusk-to-dawn operation and smart home configuration capability.
Wall mounts and sconces are versatile choices for any flat surface. They can be installed beside the front door or a garden wall, a covered porch or patio, even stairways and sunken seating areas. Look for sconces and wall mounts in designs ranging from sleek, modern shapes to industrial-style finishes and whimsical orb and globe pieces.
For dramatic lighting, try using uplighting. This technique places the light source high up and aimed down, washing the ground and limbs below in light. It’s great for illuminating tree trunks, columns and other structural features.
For a softer, moodier lighting, use luminaries. This simple approach involves filling a paper bag with sand or other weight, placing an electric candle inside and positioning it around your yard. Just be aware that luminaries can be a fire hazard, so it’s best to use only flameless candles.