Gone are the days when outdoor lighting was a luxury, it is now a necessity. When summer rolls in, you want a cool, well lit place outdoors to enjoy the cool breeze, a barbecue with friends or simply to chill and watch the stars. Outdoor lighting is also essential for security.
The good thing about outdoor lighting is that you don’t need specialised knowledge or experience to install – some lights don’t even require electricity. Besides, with the many tutorials, varieties of lights and tips available online, there is no reason to stay in the dark.
Here are some tips and ideas to get you started!
Why do you need outdoor lighting?
Outdoor lighting starts with identifying your primary objectives. Since lights are not the same, you have to go for that which satisfies your needs. Here are the primary uses of outdoor lighting;
Safety and Security
Imagine a home without outdoor lighting, and there is no moon to provide the light. Intruders love it when it’s dark so they can easily carry out their operations. Besides, wild animals like walking in the dark and can be dangerous to you and your family. Outdoor lighting scares off unwanted visitors.
Outdoor lighting improves your visibility at night, increasing your safety. Avoid tripping and bumping into things by installing appropriate level of light.
Beauty
Outdoor lighting can be used to complement your home decor, especially at night. You can choose any color you wish to brighten your home. What’s more, the lights come in various designs and shapes to suit every taste.
Identify the best outdoor lighting Solution
To help you identify the one that matches your needs, we have compiled a list of the best DIY outdoor lighting ideas. However, note that all may not work for you.
Landscaping lights
If you want to illuminate specific natural aspects in your home like trees and lawn, landscaping lights are a perfect solution. The lights are also useful for enhancing the beauty of your yard. Examples include:
- Uplights – Best for illuminating trees and other large objects.
- Downlights/moonlights – they aim down, making objects appear wider.
- Shadow lights – create a large shadow of the object being illuminated.
Deck lights
Deck lights are essential for lighting up balconies, porches and the stairs around it. This makes it easier to use the deck when the sun goes down.
To increase the efficiency of deck lights, your floor coating should be reflective.
Solar lights
If you want to illuminate your outdoors with many lights but still save on your energy bill, this is a perfect solution. Solar lighting uses an inbuilt battery-charged during the day when the sun is up, to illuminate your outdoor spaces.
And since there is no wiring or electricity required with solar lights, the installation is quick, effortless, and can be done by anyone. They come in many variants, making it easier to decorate your home.
Path lights
Also known as driveway or navigation lights, path lights are used to illuminate sidewalks and driveways. In simple terms, path lights show you the way to your house or garage. Highly useful when you get home late or are expecting guests at your home during the night.
Many are available in solar-powered options to help you cut energy bills..
Outdoor lighting tips
Minimize wattage
Use outdoor lights that require less energy to save on costs. Alternatively, you can opt for solar lights that do not require electricity. Besides, bulbs with high wattage can make it difficult to sleep, when it’s too bright outside. Very bright outdoor light is not good for neighbourly relations either.
Control the lights
You don’t need to leave the lights on for the whole night. Use dimmers, timers and motion sensors to ensure that your outdoor lights are only turned on when necessary. And again, the lights should not be too bright or too low.
Shield your bulbs
Shielding your bulbs not only protects them from the elements but also helps you concentrate light where it needs to be. Choose the right materials that will last for long – while maintaining the beauty of your home.
Outdoor lighting not only adds beauty to your home but also boosts security. Remember to get the right type of lights, minimize the wattage, shield the bulbs and control when they are in use with timers and motion sensors. With the above tips, nothing can stop you from lighting up your home.
Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels
