Google “outdoor lighting” and be prepared to be overwhelmed. Spending just a few minutes browsing the 942,000,000 results will send you into “overanalysis paralysis.”
Fortunately, you can narrow down those results by asking yourself a few important questions.
Key Factors in Choosing Outdoor Lights
Outdoor lighting involves more than just placing a spotlight above your garage doors and sticking a couple of solar lights near the bottom of your porch steps. Instead, consider the following:
Purpose
Why do you want lighting for your yard? Are you worried about the safety and security of your family and guests? Do you want people to drive down your street and be overwhelmed by the beauty of your home and property? You may wish to have a tranquil garden with soft lighting. Or, it’s a combination of all the above. By determining your purpose, you can start to narrow down your options.
Style
You will want your lighting style to match that of your home. Overly ornate fixtures can look out of place on a minimalist home. However, an eclectic collection can complement and contrast with one another and take the visual appeal to new levels.
Placement
Where will you be placing your lights? Think about coverage. You want your lights to illuminate dark areas. But you don’t want them to spill into your neighbor’s space. You may want to consider different lighting types to meet your needs. Task lighting is excellent for lighting up your grilling area, while path lights low to the ground guide your guests safely around your house.
Energy Efficiency
Outdoor lighting is an investment, and your best value comes in the form of LED lights. The initial outlay is a little more expensive; however, you will see cost savings in their longer lifespan and lower utility bills. They also generate very little heat compared to the traditional incandescent light bulbs.
Weather
Sunny days are plentiful throughout the Houston area. But the hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through November. You will want your light fixtures able to withstand fierce winds and pounding rain.
Categories of Outdoor Lighting
There are hundreds of thousands of styles, designs, and light placement to choose from, but outdoor lighting can be broken down into the following categories:
Spotlights
With their focused beam, spotlights draw the eye to a particular area, such as a statue or an unusually shaped shrubbery. Spotlights are used in various lighting techniques, such as uplighting, downlighting, shadowing, and silhouetting.
Path lights
Path lights are typically low to the ground and line sidewalks, paths, and driveways. Their subtle glow provides just the right amount of illumination so you and your guests can walk safely.
String lights
String lights are versatile. These can be hung around gazebos, along trees or shepherds’ hooks, or on patios to provide a look that is both magical and cozy.
Floodlights
These large, powerful lights can illuminate the darkest areas of your yard. You can turn them on when you want to enjoy backyard games or have them on motion detectors to increase your home’s safety.
Explore Your Options with Houston Lightscapes
Even when you narrow down your options, you still have a plethora of choices. Our team at Houston Lightscapes is here to help. By understanding the purpose of your outdoor lighting, we can help you find the right lights and styles to fit your goals and budget.
Our experienced outdoor lighting design team is ready to get started on your home improvement project. Schedule your free consultation by calling (713) 461-3600.
Houston Lightscapes
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.
