So what kind of lighting fixtures would best suit your needs? Well, only you can determine that really. But we can give you the options to help you make a more informed choice.
Firstly, let's look at the different styles of lighting fixture and then we'll get into layout and power.
TYPES OF OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE:
- OUTDOOR SCONCE: Although these fixtures can be attached to any vertical surface, they are most commonly mounted on either side of an entryway. Sconces provide a warm suffuse, non-glary light.
- OUTDOOR PENDANT: Suspended from a roof or overhang, pendant lights are a stylish way to bathe a large area in even light.
- OUTDOOR POST LIGHTS: Great for around decks or along walkways, outdoor post lights are a decorative way to illuminate an area that might otherwise be hazardous to navigate in the dark.
- INGROUND: Define walkways, pools and other features with this flush mounted, inground lights. These make the perfect nighttime accent lighting.
- PATH: Consider these the 'kid brother' of post lights. Small and designed to line a pathway, these lights add safety while letting you express your own sense of style.
Outdoor lighting is a wonderful accent to the look of your home. But it also creates a perimeter of safety around your home. Burglars and other miscreants do not like a well lit house. It makes their job quite a bit harder. So check out these security options that will help keep your home and family safer.
SECURITY:
- DAWN TO DUSK: These electronic light sensors are great for security purposes as well as saving you money. The sensors are designed to monitor light levels and switch on your outdoor lighting whenever the ambient natural light falls below a predetermined level. As the sun comes up, these will switch your lights off as well to save you money on your electricity bill.
- MOTION SENSOR: These lights can be mounted on walls or under eaves. The built in motion detectors can be directed at traffic areas where anyone may come walking up. When they sense movement, they automatically turn the lights on. This can be handy if you have your hands full and there is no one else to turn the lights on. Of course, motion sensor lights are no fun for burglars who will be turned away by the sudden exposure.
- SWITCH: All of these lights can also be attached to an indoor switch so you can operate them manually.
- SPOTLIGHTS/FLOODLIGHTS: These lights are perfect for security as well as standard illumination. Spotlights, as the name suggests, focuses a narrower beam of light on a specific area. Floodlights, conversely throw strong, even illumination over a wider area to fill in dark spots or shadows. Both are helpful in keeping entry points well covered and discouraging criminals.
Depending on your skill level or the amount of effort you want to expend, there are a few different methods available to you to get those lights shining. Each has its advantages, but only you will know what's right for your needs. Of course, going with a professional lighting technician is also a safe bet.
POWER OPTIONS:
- SOLAR: Uses photovoltaic cells (tiny solar panels) to charge internal batteries throughout the day. Then, once the sun goes down, internal sensors switch them on and you've got a well lit area. The benefits of these units are that they are inexpensive and require no digging or wiring. Just put them in place and you're done.
- HARDWIRED: These fixture require hardwiring and mounting. They are fixed in place and run off of your home's mains power.
- PLUG-IN: Mount these near an external, GFCI socket, plug them in like any other lamp and you are in business.
Now that you have a handle on what kind of lighting products you need and how you want to power them, it's time to layout you design. Firstly, make sure your entryways and walkways are well lit. This will provide added security as well as a level of safety for anyone walking up to your home. Then, think about the driveway, do you need a motion sensing floodlight? How about perimeter lights with dusk to dawn sensors? It's up to you. An outdoor lighting technician can be a big help with this as can a knowledgeable staff member at the store where you purchase your lighting products.