At one time, outdoor lighting meant a bare yellow bulb hanging from the ceiling of the front porch. Not so in todays world, where the options for lighting up the darkness range from understated fixtures to wildly extravagant nightscaping. Lighting options can suit many different purposes, although they primarily fall into the categories of safety, security, and esthetics.
When it comes to safety, adequate outdoor lighting is of utmost importance. Lights should be chosen that provide enough illumination to effectively light up sidewalks, pathways, and doorways, regardless of weather conditions, and should be placed in a way as to be useful whether entering or exiting the house or surrounding areas. Too often homeowners make the mistake of having one area well lit, only to have shadows falling on areas such as uneven sidewalks or steps, increasing the risk of accidents. Plan on installing light switches in an easily accessible place outdoors when possible as well as with indoor access so both entries and exits are well lit.
Security is another reason to install adequate outdoor lighting. Well lit areas tend to deter burglars or others with ulterior motives. Some security lights are set to go on at dusk each evening, while others are motion sensitive and only turn on when a person or animal walks in their path. Sensors can often be set so lights stay on for just a few moments or for an extended period of time, depending on preference. A light that goes on or off too easily or quickly can become a nuisance, so it may take a while to determine what intervals work best for your home.
A backyard, deck, or patio can become a lovely place to enjoy the evening when nightscaping is installed. Be aware that a regular light bulb tends to attract flying insects after dark, so be sure to use bulbs designed not to attract bugs, as well as for outdoor use. There are some basic guidelines that can help homeowners design a lighting system that suits their needs as well as their budget. Lights for nightscaping purposes arent meant to illuminate the entire area like an airport runway. Instead, fixtures should be placed where the light pools softly, with the actual source being hidden away or camouflaged as much as possible. Some types of plants, particularly those with gray to white tones, almost glow from within when strategically lit, and can play an important role in the night landscape. There will ideally be certain areas that are more lit, with others resting in soft shadows. Lights can be traditional wall or ceiling mounted, positioned at ground level, hanging at or just above eye level, or even take the form of lanterns dangling from trees. Waterproof LED strip lighting is a fun option to try, particularly as it is available in a wide variety of styles and colors. Lighting options can even include ever-changing colors and remote control. Keep an eye out for Energy Star certified lighting, as the designation will help your yard remain environmentally friendly as well as esthetically pleasing.
Solar lights have added a whole new world of possibilities to outdoor lighting, which was formerly limited by the availability of electrical outlets and bulky extension cords. True, outdoor lights can utilize hidden wiring, but often solar is a wonderful solution. Not only can solar fixtures be less expensive to install and easily moveable from one location to another, they also obviously do not require electricity to operate. A beautiful option for anyone who has a pool or small pond is to have solar globes floating on the water. These specially designed, waterproof solar lights can provide a magical effect. Of course, they can also be placed on land as well if desired.
When it comes to lighting your landscape, the possibilities are truly endless, so go ahead and light up the night.
