Illuminate your property to add curb appeal, enhance safety and create a more welcoming environment for guests and passersby. There are many different types of outdoor lighting available, including spot lights, flood lights and recessed lighting. What type will work best for you depends on your current business goals, as well as the ambiance you want to create in your parking lot, sidewalks and other areas around your building.
A popular option for gardeners is highlighting shrubs and plants with outdoor lighting to make them stand out at night. Adding lights to taller trees and structures can also be a dramatic touch, especially if you use directional uplighting. Use hooded uplights to allow for more directional light, and choose warm-toned bulbs that won’t be too bright for your plant material.
Another good idea for landscaping is to highlight walkways. Use a mixture of uplights and spotlights to create interest, as well as to illuminate the areas surrounding stairways and sunken seating areas. Keep in mind that you may need to use a sturdier type of walkway light, like concrete pavers or stone retaining walls, when using uplights for this purpose.
Be sure to pick lights that are UL wet-rated for your specific area and maintenance needs. Electrocution is a risk with most hardwired landscape lights, but solar and battery-operated fixtures pose less of a threat. In addition, look for features that will fit with your lifestyle, such as dusk-to-dawn operation, dimming options and smart home configuration capability.