Last Updated on September 26, 2023 by Umer Malik
Exterior lighting offers a wide variety of effects. It can enhance safety and security while boosting your property’s visual appeal.
First, your outdoor lighting should match the style of your home. Don’t use a modern onion light on a traditional house or a barn-style fixture on a craftsman bungalow.
Curb Appeal
A clean, attractive exterior of a home is the first impression a potential buyer gets. This is often known as curb appeal and can be a determining factor for people looking to buy a new house.
The most common way to boost curb appeal is through landscaping. Plants are an inexpensive and easy way to spruce up the outside of your home, including around entrances. Choose plants that offer vibrant colors or have exciting foliage.
Lighting is another way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Uplighting, for example, can highlight pillars or rockwork on the front of your home. It can also accent trees or other landscape features in the yard.
Other simple ways to increase your curb appeal include adding a new front door and replacing old or broken house numbers. You can also add a new porch light and decorate it with a wreath or welcome mat. To ensure a harmonious appearance, matching your new fixtures with your home’s current style is essential.
Aesthetics
Aside from enhancing safety, exterior lighting Winter Park also helps beautify your home’s appearance. Properly placed fixtures highlight the architectural details of a building and draw attention to unique landscaping features. In addition, outdoor lighting exposes shadowy corners and deters unauthorized entry by illuminating pathways and driveways.
A well-lit house also gives you the freedom to enjoy your outdoor spaces after dark. Whether you have a backyard barbecue with friends or a solitary moment in your garden, an inviting ambiance will make all your evening activities more enjoyable.
As with interior lighting, style matters; for example, sconces work best for colonial and Georgian architecture, while barn lights are more appropriate for craftsman and bungalow homes. And although it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, you should always consider the impact your choice will have on the overall look of your home. Choose a fixture that compliments your house and the surrounding landscape rather than something that clashes.
Safety
There are numerous approaches to developing a friendly atmosphere and introducing excitement regarding outdoor lighting. The first step is to identify the primary goal of the lighting plan: Do you want to highlight architectural features, set a mood, or deter intruders?
Well-lit exteriors make it safe and easy for residents to enjoy their patios after dark. Path lights illuminate walkways while up, down, and ground lighting accentuates plantings and trees. Lighting also draws attention to entry points, highlighted with sconces flanking or above doors and pendants in front porches.
Mixing lights with different color temperatures can create unattractive shadows and glare. Additionally, the lighting should be kept away from water sources like fountains and garden ponds. The same goes for flammable objects such as wood chips or mulch. Using light controls that reduce energy waste, skyglow, and glare will help maintain a beautiful setting for years to come.
Security
A well-lit home and landscape strongly deter burglars, vandals, and criminals. Strategically placed lighting also makes it easier to spot potential hazards, such as fallen tree roots and children’s toys on the sidewalk. In addition, tripping accidents can be caused by poor lighting, so adding path lights and other outdoor light fixtures will help to keep you and your guests safe after dark.
A well-designed exterior lighting system can highlight critical features, draw attention to a building or landscape and create a welcoming ambiance. It is also a versatile option that can be added to, removed from, and adjusted to your preference over time and as budget and space allow. A lighting plan should always begin with a clear primary design goal. Whether you want to highlight a focal point, add drama to surfaces that don’t usually stand out, or illuminate a walkway, there is a solution to fit every purpose.
