How to Choose an Outdoor Light

The outdoor lights that you choose can add a great deal to the ambiance of your home. Lighted paths and entryways make your home more inviting and appealing, as well as making it safer and easier for you and your guests to navigate your property at night.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide on the main purpose for your outdoor light. It will be a major factor in your final decision.
2. Check to see is there is outdoor wiring or if you will have to have wiring extended outdoors.
3. No outdoor wiring? Consider solar powered outdoor lighting for path lighting.
4. Decide whether you need a wall-mounted, post-mounted or ground-spike light.
5. Consider wall-mounted lanterns on either side of each door and a post-mounted light at the end of the driveway or walkway.
6. Choose motion sensor halogen or floodlights as security lighting.
7. Choose low-voltage lights to illuminate pathways or the edges of steps.
8. Choose the method of lighting that is appropriate to your purpose. The methods include up-lighting, down-lighting, ground lighting, flood lighting and backlighting. New options include lighting strips along the edges of stairs and recessed deck lights set into deck posts and timbers.
9. Decide on the type of lighting you’ll use. Solar lighting is less expensive and easier to install, but electric lighting is more reliable. In addition, there are many more kinds of electric lighting to choose from.
10. Choose a color for your outdoor light. Different colors of lighting can create sharply different moods and accents in your lighting plan.
11. Choose a fixture for your light that accents your home’s style and décor.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose outdoor lights that fit their purpose. Wall-mounted lights are best for framing doorways. Recessed ceiling lights are ideal as porch lighting. Deck lighting can be a combination of wall mounted and deck mounted lighting. Wall-mounted spotlights make excellent security lights.
• Consider using quartz halogen lights. These low voltage light offer excellent light output but use little energy.
• If the lighting you choose will require digging or installing new electrical outlets, consider having a professional do the work.
• Avoid high wattage lights where they will shine into neighbors’ (or your own) bedroom and living area windows.

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