In warm areas like Clearwater, residents can enjoy dining outside throughout the year. However, even though balmy Florida avoids the ravages of wintertime temperatures, it still gets dark fairly early. Whether you want to plan a dinner extravaganza or simply want to relax around a fire pit, strategic outdoor lighting can help.
To see how the right lighting can improve your outdoor ambiance and home security, read on.
Which Areas Benefit the Most From Installing Strategic Outdoor Lighting?
From entry points to motion-activated lighting, the following types of strategic outdoor lighting make walking around at night safer and more beautiful.
1. Lighting for Entry Points and Your Front Walkway
Most likely, the pathway to your front door is used more than any other access point. Because of this, it’s essential to illuminate the front entry point and the walkway to your home.
This type of lighting ensures you can easily see as you walk, which reduces the likelihood of someone falling down. Good lighting is especially important on uneven or slick surfaces.
For the best results, pick low-voltage path lights. They should be spread out so that they aren’t excessively bright. At the same time, these lights should also be close enough together to ensure the safety of your loved ones. For added beauty, you may also want to install a sconce or a pendant light near your front door.
2. Motion-Activated Lights
Motion-activated lights are a popular solution for driveways. As someone drives up, they immediately switch on. This surprises and deters any intruders. It also gives you advanced warning that someone is coming down the drive. Because motion-activated lights only stay on for a short amount of time, they can limit how much you spend on energy costs. They are also an effective option for gates, garage doors, and perimeter fencing.
3. Patio and Deck Lighting
Lighting options for your patio and deck are about more than just intruder deterrence. In these areas, the type of lighting you use can greatly set the ambiance for the entire space. String lights, table centerpieces, and tiki torches are popular options.
If you want an adaptable ambiance, consider installing multiple light sources and dimmers. Then, you can change the brightness and hue as needed. The right landscape lighting can also highlight striking features and bring your garden to life during the evening.
4. Architectural and Landscape Lighting
Your landscape and architectural lighting can go beyond just the features you can see from your deck. The right lighting can draw the eye to stone features, mature trees, and retaining walls. If you have a stunning water feature, night lighting can really make it stand out.
The type of lighting will impact how vivid the landscaping or architectural feature appears. Uplighting is used to draw attention to things like garden beds and trees. Meanwhile, downlighting is useful as a replacement for natural moonlight. If you want to create a moonlit, romantic stroll, downlighting is the best option.
5. Lighting for Outdoor Living Areas
Your backyard is an excellent spot for lighting. String lights and post lights can create a charming environment for outdoor gatherings, dinner parties, and events. By installing backyard lighting, you can increase the functionality of your property.
6. Garage Lighting
Next, take a look at your garage, workshop, shed, or outbuilding. These areas are good locations for smart floodlights and wall lights. With the right lighting, you can make it safer to walk to your outbuildings at night. Additionally, good lighting is an effective way to deter theft.
7. Lighting for Steps and Elevation Changes
When you’re going on a short jaunt around your yard at night, elevation changes are a major risk. Stairs, hills, and steps can easily trip you or a loved one. The best way to prevent this security and health risk is by installing lights.
Depending on the environment, you may want to use recessed step lights or stair riser lights. LED strips are also incredibly effective because of their long-lasting durability and exceptional energy efficiency.
The Best Types of Outdoor Lighting
Once you’ve found the right location for strategic outdoor lighting, the next step is determining the type of lighting you want to install.
Floodlights
These lights are able to flood an area with a wide beam. As a result, they are ideal for pool decks, grassy spaces, and gardens. For extra security, get floodlights that are designed with motion sensors.
Spotlights
Spotlights are more focused than floodlights, so they are better for illuminating doors or pathways. You can also adjust them so that they face high-risk areas.
Bollard Lights
Bollard lights are essentially posts that are equipped with lights. This simple design makes them ideal for driveways and pathways. Because of how tall they are, they can illuminate a broad area.
Solar Lights
These lights are the most energy-efficient option, and they tend to be quite easy to install.
Recessed Ground Lights
These lights are ideal for walkways and driveways. They are embedded in the ground, which allows them to be more subtle than bollard lights or other options.
Post Lights
If you have a deck or second story, post lights are a good choice. These lights are typically installed on stair posts and railings. This helps to illuminate the edge, so people can easily see where the stairs or deck ends.
String Lights
If you plan on entertaining at night, these lights will provide the perfect ambiance. They offer a gentle glow without being too bright.
Improve Your Home’s Outdoor Lighting
Investing in strategic outdoor lighting isn’t just an important step for your security. Outdoor lighting helps you set the attitude for a space. It allows you to entertain throughout the year and highlights your home’s most striking architectural features.
If you’re ready to learn more about the top outdoor lighting options available, we can help. Give us a call today to learn more. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky!
