Tips to Have the Best Lighting for Outdoors

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As summer approaches, you are probably planning to make the most out of the sunshine. So, your outdoor area must now be ramped up with relaxing chairs or readied for hosting friends for dinner. Why stop all the fun when the sun goes down? Don’t fret if your outdoor landscape is handicap with inefficient or nonexistent lighting.  

Remember that not all outdoor lights are the same. Get creative and think beyond merely putting up some string lights or lights against the wall. It’s all about choosing the right lighting fixture for your outdoor area. Luckily, all your lighting requirements can be met when you shop SPJ lighting varieties. They have now become a staple among many house owners for enjoying a fun summer night out.

Tips To Have You Started With Outdoor Lighting

Set Your Goals

Begin by establishing a purpose for your lighting project. Summer nights are probably not the only occasions where good lighting can help. Consider addressing multiple layers of lighting, especially during the warmer months. Make your outdoor solar lights space inviting by using ambient lanterns, string lights, candles, and task lighting for illuminating entrances and safety.

Draw up a plan and shop SPJ lighting for splendid outdoor effects. You can do this well within your budget. Also, proper planning will prevent you from ordering too many lights or dealing with improper light placement.

Consider the Three Types of Lighting

There are three forms of basic lighting to incorporate into your lighting project. They are accents, ambient, and task lighting. Ambient lighting is possible through post lights, hanging lights, and wall lights. Accent outdoor lighting can be done through spotlights and landscape kits. Task lighting involves pathway lights, security, and deck lights. If you have a small patio or on a modest budget, consider using string lights, LED candles, and solar spotlights.

Start With Task Lighting

Task lighting must take priority because it caters to your security. Make sure to illuminate entrances and pathways. You can even consider wet-rated fixtures if lighting arrangements are likely to be exposed to elements. In many instances, a fully covered porch may work well with a damp-rated light. It is essential to ensure that your lights are strictly for outdoor use.

Bright lights add drama and highlight your house and columns. They are also an enormous deterrent for burglars or any wrong crowd. Today, there are many options when it comes to boosting security. You can check out some Wi-Fi controlled LED bulbs or motion-sensor lights that are equipped with size and distance controls.

Remember that, with task lighting, it is crucial to place the lights in proper locations. The driveway, garage, and the front door are a few such spots that need maximum illumination. If you are planning to use motion sensors or spotlights, make sure to position them in a location that does not disturb you indoors or your neighbors.

Think About the Scale

Identifying the correct scale is essential to make your lighting fixtures look right. This measure can also help you shape and size of the fixture as well as the bulb wattage. Here are some ways to identify the correct scale.

  • Wall sconces: A scone must ideally be about 25 percent of your door’s height. There is a little trick you can consider for eliminating the guesswork. Cut out the rough size of light on a paper and tape it up for a better visual.
  • Pendant or Surface Mounts: Blow a balloon to match the size of the shade. Hang this balloon from a string to get an estimate on the overall length and scale.
  • Wattage: It is recommended to use 60 watts or equivalent for an exposed bulb. If you have the bulb in a glass shade, consider using the 75 to 100-watt range. Also, do not forget to determine the number of lights needed for your outdoor space. Check out this quick calculation for determining this number: multiply the square footage of the area you wish to light with 1.5. This will give you a brief estimate of the total required wattage.

Remember, Less Is More

Sometimes, you have to scale down for the best look. So, keep your lighting to a minimum. Lighting up every inch of your outdoor space does not make anything special. Take time to plan and focus lighting on special features like landscapes, doorways, and walkways.

Hang lights on what you truly love and what you want others to appreciate. This way, you can use lights to accentuate and feature the best architectural elements of your home. And remember, the view from indoors also matters. This factor will also determine the number of lights you need for your home lighting project.

A well lit outdoor is your gateway to serenity and safety. A variety of designer and practical lights can now be used to enhance your home’s aesthetics. When planned properly, these lights can create a visual wonder right outside your home.