When it comes to outdoor lighting, curb appeal, safety and security are typically the three main goals every homeowner is concerned with. Outdoor lights must combine style and function in order to be useful. Our Maryland outdoor lighting experts at Leisure Specialties will be happy to help you find that middle ground with these tips.
Use Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights are great for many reasons. First of all, they save you money by only turning on when there is someone outside. If you had lights that turn on once it gets dark, you could be wasting hours upon hours of electricity, especially in winter. Second of all, motion lights double as a security feature. If someone is lurking in the shadows close to your house, they will get spooked by the motion lights. This discourages theft, burglaries, and even such unwelcome visitors as raccoons and other wildlife.
Use Different Fixtures
Sometimes, you may need to illuminate long pathways or other large spaces. Lining your walkway with a gazillion solar lights may not be the most attractive option. Consider using a combination of different light fixtures to provide enough light, yet maintain the curb appeal. For the same long pathway example, you could use the solar lights along with lights in the shrubbery framing the path, strategically placed lanterns or built-in solar tile lights.
Use Warm Lights
Warmer-colored lights are generally more favorable for outdoors, because they cast flattering shadows and don’t irritate our eyes as much. This doesn’t mean you can’t use LEDs—there are plenty of warm-colored LEDs available today for any type of use. When choosing the intensity of outdoor lights, many nightscape designers recommended choosing lights no more intense than a full moon in the sky. This means you won’t annoy your neighbors with your obnoxious lights and it helps prevent sharp shadows. When you have an extremely bright light, the area behind it is often barely visible, which leaves a spot where someone could hide.
Focus on the Entryway
It’s important to have a focus when it comes to outdoor lighting, both for aesthetic and practical reasons. Unless you have a fountain or a statue garden in your front yard, you would probably want the focus to be on your front door and the paths leading to it. Make it obvious to everyone visiting your home for the first time where they are supposed to go and how to get there. If you happen to have several entrances on the front or the side of your home, this is also a great way to show which one is the main one.
Have a Professional Install the Wiring
The placement of the lights around your house is important for preventing slips and falls in winter. However, which lights you use and how they are installed also matters. Purchase only high-quality outdoor-grade lights from a reputable supplier such as Leisure Specialties. If you are using any wired lighting, make sure it’s installed by an experienced professional. Both of these steps help prevent the likelihood of a fire, as well as lights malfunctioning when you most need them.
Need help figuring out which outdoor lighting fixtures will make the most difference for your safety and security? Stop by Leisure Specialties to check out different options or call for a consultation.