Outdoor lighting can make or break the atmosphere of any yard, patio, garden, pool area, walkway, or other open-air areas. Fortunately, 2023 brings a plethora of options for people looking to light up their outdoor spaces. 

Whether you’re looking for just enough light to see by or something you can show off to your neighbors, the range of available bulbs, fixtures, and design ideas will surely fit your needs. 

Keep reading to learn more about the best outdoor lighting practices for 2023.

Efficiency and Sustainability

Efficiency and sustainability are two words that are often used together. However, the two concepts, while related, have distinct meanings. Efficiency means using fewer resources to make something. Sustainability is the idea of creating products and services that can be used over long periods without harming the environment.

Today’s LED lighting options combine both efficiency and sustainability. LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient option, using up to 80% less power than regular filament bulbs. The light from LEDs also has a higher color rendering index (CRI), providing better and brighter lighting for any given area. 

Furthermore, LED lights last around 50,000 hours. This means that if the light is used for an average of 8 hours per day, it should last approximately 17 years, though the lifespan can vary based on environmental factors. Longer-lasting lights mean less garbage in landfills. Additionally, LED lights generate very little heat and are free from toxic chemicals, which can harm the environment when released into the atmosphere.

Combining LED lights with smart features takes efficiency and sustainability a step further. Technologies such as light-sensing systems, energy-saving timers, and interconnected systems allow users to control their lights using their phones or tablets, allowing them to adjust brightness, schedule turn-on and off times, and even use natural light sensors to adjust light levels automatically. 

Glow

An important decision whether you are decorating your outdoor space, illuminating a walkway or path, or highlighting a unique feature is which kind of lighting to use. Outdoor lights can come in either warm or cool temperatures, and it’s essential to know the difference between them before you purchase. 

Warm lights tend to work best when the goal is to create an inviting atmosphere perfect for a cozy patio gathering. For broad spaces such as a large patio or garden, cool lights can provide better illumination for entertaining guests or enjoying outdoor activities. 

Design

When considering how to place your outdoor lighting, it’s important to think about the desired effect you want to achieve. For example, if you have a beautiful stone structure in the yard, strategically placing spotlights around it will create an eye-catching effect. If you’re looking for something more subtle, arranging low lighting at ground level and illuminating walkways works well too. 

If you’re unsure where to begin, the design team at Houston Lightscapes can help. Our family-owned and operated business has been helping homeowners and businesses for over 30 years. Contact us for a free consultation online form or call 713-461-3600. to find the perfect lighting design for your outdoor living area.

The team at Houston Lightscapes takes pride in their many years of experience in the landscape lighting industry. They've been serving the greater Houston area for over 30 years bringing innovation and elegance to their designs. Learn more about Houston Lightscapes here.