Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Winter

The days are shorter and the nights are colder, which can only mean one thing: winter is here. During the winter, your outside lighting becomes even more important. Well-lit doors, walkways, driveways, and steps (1) create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors;  (2) enhance their safety by ensuring everyone can avoid tripping hazards in the dark; and (3) increase the security of your home by deterring would-be criminal activity. The right lighting in your backyard and outdoor living areas (e.g., pool, patio, firepit, etc.) means you and your family and friends can enjoy the outdoors all year long, even when it gets dark early. 

If you’re looking for some fun and functional outdoor lighting ideas for winter, the following are some ideas to consider as well as some helpful tips for placement and maintenance of your outside lights in the colder months.

Alternate Light Sources

Fight the winter blues by creating a festive and cozy atmosphere using different types of lights, such as:

• Twinkling string lights wrapped around your outdoor seating, a porch railing, in the bushes and trees, or along your fence will add a sense of whimsy. Warm white lights will mimic a more natural light while cool white lights will feel crisp and clean.
• Lanterns can be hung from shepherd’s crooks in the lawn, set on tables, or placed along a garden pathway or at the edge of steps. Whether you choose to fill the lantern with fairy lights, traditional candles, or flameless candles (especially if you have children or pets), everything will feel a little more magical.
• Fire pits provide a focal point and cozy feeling on cold, dark nights. Enhance their natural glow by adding tiki torches or lighting (e.g., lanterns, candles, tealights, etc.) on the ground or on tables near seating to invite visitors and encourage conversation. 
• LED strips underneath your outdoor furniture add fun and function whether you choose classic white lights or color-changing lights. These can be especially useful when hosting a backyard party in the evening.
• Floating pool lights come in a wide range of shapes, prices, sizes, and colors to appeal to every taste and style. Lights around the pool are important any time of the year to make sure people can navigate safely, so it’s always a good time to add some new ones.

Placement and Maintenance Tips

One thing to think about when placing outdoor lights in your landscaping in the winter months is to avoid focusing the light on bare branches, which can create spooky shadows more suitable for October. During the summer, uplights on leaves showcase the natural beauty of your trees and plants in the evening. In the winter, though, adjust the light to shine lower, more towards the tree trunk or the base of the plants. This slight adjustment will ensure your landscaping is warm and inviting rather than eerie and cold. 

No matter where you live, weatherproof or weather-resistant fixtures are a great idea to increase the longevity of your lights. Regular maintenance checks are also important. Check for exposed wires, frayed cords, broken lights, rust, dirt, and animal debris. 

Houston Lightscapes Makes It Easy!

If you’re interested in creating a new outdoor lighting look for your home this winter, or in a maintenance check for your existing lighting, give Houston Lightscapes a call at (713) 461-3600. We have decades of experience helping homeowners like you bring their homes to life with custom, stunning outdoor lighting designs. Our lighting professionals can even retrofit your current lights to more energy-efficient LED lights. Call for your free consultation today!