When sprucing up your home’s exterior, proper lighting is essential. Smart outdoor and landscape lights can take your home from drab to fab in no time, but choosing the perfect wall light and fixtures for your front door, garage, and patio isn’t always easy! Here are some tips to help you get started on finding the right wall lighting.
- 1 Consider Smart Capabilities
- 2 Determine Your Ambiance and Aesthetic
- 3 Determine Your Lighting Needs
- 4 Stick to Your Budget
- 5 Keep Security in Mind
- 6 Understand Different Light Bulb Types and Their Applications
- 7 Make Sure Your Fixtures Fit the Space
- 8 Research Energy Efficiency Ratings
- 9 Remember Landscape Lighting
Consider Smart Capabilities
Smart outdoor lighting lets you control your lights from anywhere with an app or voice assistant. In addition, landscape lighting with smart bulbs is highly versatile, allowing you to change the light’s brightness and color without physically changing the fixtures. Smart lighting can also help you save energy and money on electricity bills.
Determine Your Ambiance and Aesthetic
For exterior lighting, the ambiance you want to create is key. Are you looking for something classic, modern, or rustic for your home’s entry area? Do you prefer warm or cool lighting around the pool? Get an idea of what kind of atmosphere you’d like to create and find lighting that captures that mood.
Determine Your Lighting Needs
Consider the size and scope of your outdoor space. Do you need to light up a large area or just small spots? Are there hazards to illuminate, such as steps or walkways? Make sure you know what lighting best suits your needs before deciding.
Stick to Your Budget
It’s essential to make sure you’re buying fixtures that fit within your price range. Another important consideration is opting for long-lasting materials and lights that can withstand the elements. Remember to factor in installation costs and additional features that may be added to the fixture, such as timers or motion sensors. Investing more in a higher quality product that will last longer rather than replacing it frequently is often better.
Keep Security in Mind
One of the benefits of having proper outdoor wall lighting is improved security at night. Smart light fixtures can be programmed, so you know when everything turns on and off. Motion-sensor lights are also a great way to deter intruders and keep your home safe.
Understand Different Light Bulb Types and Their Applications
With outdoor lighting, there are several types of bulbs to choose from. Incandescent and halogen bulbs produce more traditional warm light, while LED bulbs offer a cooler tone but last much longer. High-pressure sodium vapor lights are also popular for landscape lighting because they’re extremely efficient and affordable.
Make Sure Your Fixtures Fit the Space
It’s important to consider the size and scale of your outdoor space when selecting wall lights. Large fixtures might overpower small spaces like entries. In contrast, a small light may not provide enough brightness for larger areas like outdoor patios. Make sure you have an accurate understanding of measurements before making any purchases.
Research Energy Efficiency Ratings
Energy efficiency is an important factor to consider when selecting outdoor lighting. Look for fixtures and bulbs with a high energy star rating or those certified by a reputable organization like the Lighting Research Center.
Remember Landscape Lighting
Besides wall lights, make sure your landscape is properly lit with pathway or spotlights. This type of lighting helps you see the details of your home’s exterior and adds a sophisticated touch to any outdoor space.
When choosing the perfect wall lights and fixtures for your home, plenty of options are available. Just make sure you know what ambiance you want, stick to your budget, keep security in mind, consider smart capabilities, and remember landscape lighting. With these tips, you’ll surely find the perfect outdoor wall lights for your home.
