Home 101: Why Your House Needs Outdoor Lighting

Most homeowners put a good deal of care and consideration into the lighting plan for the inside of their home, but outdoor lighting is just as important. It might not always be as obvious, but outdoor light installations can improve your home exterior more than you think!

Here's what you need to know about the different types of outdoor lighting and why illumination is important for every home.

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Which type of outdoor lighting is best for you?

The first step when choosing and designing your outdoor lighting system is deciding what purpose you want it to serve. Do you want exterior lighting that's strictly functional, or do you want it to create an inviting atmosphere in the area surrounding your home?

An outdoor lighting contractor can help determine the best exterior lighting plan for your needs and preferences. There are three main categories of outdoor lighting to choose from, but many designs use a combination of the three.

Path Lighting: This option uses fixtures that focus light onto your home's paths and walkways. Path lighting is primarily used for safety reasons, but it still creates aesthetically pleasing lighting effects for your outdoor landscape.

Accent Lighting: This style focuses light onto a specific object, like a tree or a bush, but still allows for more peripheral lighting and dim illumination of surrounding areas.

Spread Lighting: This design spreads light across your outdoor landscape, providing low-level illumination across a wider space. Certain areas will be emphasized, but spread lighting typically isn't focused on a single object or landscape feature.

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What are the benefits of outdoor lighting?

Outdoor lighting can simply illuminate the areas around your house, but it can also majorly improve your home's curb appeal. Here are some of the main benefits of outdoor lighting.

Security: Installing lights around your garage, front porch and other dimly-lit locations around your property can deter potential intruders. Motion-activated lights are an easy way to make it look like someone's at home, even if you're away.

Safety: Exterior lighting makes it easier and safer to get around after the sun goes down. Plus, you're much more likely to see potential tripping hazards when they're illuminated.

Beauty: Outdoor lighting can highlight your favorite landscaping features for everyone to see. Outside pendants and sconces can also become decorations on their own.

Recreation: With the right outdoor lighting, there's no need to call off a pick-up basketball game or backyard barbecue due to darkness. You can also install outdoor lighting to illuminate your porch or patio so you can enjoy a late-night dinner without the need for a flashlight.

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What safety considerations need to be taken into account?

All bulbs, fixtures and extension cords need to be outdoor-rated, and all outdoor outlets should be GFCI-protected to prevent electric shock. Be sure to use bulbs with the correct wattage; using a higher wattage than a fixture allows could cause a fire.

All electrical projects ⁠— including the installation of any type of outdoor wiring ⁠— need to be completed by a licensed electrician. Not only is it safer, but contractors guarantee and insure their work.

The cost of having a new outdoor lighting fixture professionally installed will vary based on type of fixture you choose and the existing wiring and power supply. According to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, most homeowners paid between $150 and $800 to have an electrician install a new lighting fixture.

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Sources:
Outdoor Lighting Saves the Home
Outdoor Landscape Lighting Design
The Decorative Eyes of an Outdoor Lighting Contractor
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Lighting Fixture?