What Kinds of Outdoor Lighting Styles Are There?

You probably haven’t thought about how many different types of outdoor lighting there are available. When most people think about their outdoor lights, what usually comes to mind are the front porch lights, back porch lights, and maybe a motion-detector spotlight.

However, outdoor lighting is a crucial part of any landscape design. It adds ambiance, enhances safety, and highlights the features of your home and garden. Several options are available, and choosing the right look for your needs can be challenging.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the various styles.

Your Exterior Walls

1. Traditional

Traditional outdoor lights are classic and timeless. They provide a sense of elegance with their ornate designs and antique bronze, pewter, or brass finishes. Traditional lights work with any architectural style, especially classic revival, traditional, and colonial homes.

2. Contemporary

Sleek lines, minimalist designs, and stainless steel or chrome finishes are characteristics of the contemporary outdoor light. Their art-deco look dresses up the exterior of any home. However, their geometric design makes them the perfect outdoor lighting for mid-century modern or ranch-style houses.

3. Mission

Mission outdoor lights are a popular choice for those who prefer a simple yet stylish look. They often feature geometric patterns and use materials like wrought iron or bronze. These lights are perfect for craftsman, mission, or prairie-style homes.

4. Coastal

Houstonians enjoy living by the Gulf of Mexico, but like all coastal areas, Houston gets hit with harsh weather conditions, especially during hurricane season. Coastal outdoor lights are designed to withstand stormy weather. They are ideally suited for homes closer to the water.

Landscape Lighting

In addition to the different styles of lights for your home’s exterior, there are several types of lights for your outdoor living area.

• Spotlights highlight specific features in your landscape, such as trees, sculptures, or architectural designs.
• If you have stairs leading to your deck, adding step lights will help illuminate them for safety.
• String lights create a festive atmosphere and are perfect for outdoor parties. They can be placed on patios, shepherds’ hooks, or in tree branches.
• Uplights and downlights create a dramatic effect and can be used to provide shadowing and texture.
• Path lights placed along garden paths and in flower beds can help guide the eyes to specific features while adding safety to your walkways.
• Flood lights are ideal for illuminating large areas. They are great for evening outdoor activities, such as grilling or playing yard games. Additionally, flood lights can enhance the safety and security of your yard.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of outdoor lighting styles, and deciding what will look best for your home can be difficult. Houston Lightscapes is here to help. We can work with you to create a lightscaping design that illuminates and enhances your outdoor living space. We consider your house’s architectural style, landscape design, specific lighting needs, and budget to find the perfect look for your home.

Contact us for a free consultation by calling (713) 461-3600.