A Buyer's Guide to Outdoor Lighting

Sense of Security

Extra lights around a property line and near windows and entryways act as a deterrent to both animals and potential criminals. If there are no shadows to hide in, a home is less of a target. With enough illumination, security cameras can more easily record and provide warning of any problems or potential threats.

Added Property Value

In addition to the extra safety of well-lit walkways and secure entryways, a properly designed lighting system creates visual interest and amplifies the curb appeal. The features of the landscape can be illuminated, calling attention to the details that would otherwise disappear, and making the yard, patio, or deck look maintained and orderly, day and night.

Open Up the Yard Space

With the right lighting, the family isn’t stuck indoors after the sun goes down. Enjoy your patio in the evenings, extend your indoor activities outside, and utilize every inch of your home’s open spaces.

Eco-Friendly Options

Exterior lighting options have moved beyond noisy, buzzing halogen lamps as technology has advanced. Now, with solar lighting and LED bulbs, it’s easy to light up the landscape without leaving too big of an energy footprint.

DIY Lighting Is Easy

Outdoor lighting is an easy home-improvement project. Simply plan out the features of your property that would benefit from a little extra night-time glow and purchase the lighting fixture that will best fit that space. You can tackle the entire yard all at once or opt to install one or two at a time — either way, your home is safer and more aesthetically appealing for the work that was done.

With options ranging from hard-wired flood lights to plug-in dusk-to-dawn lights and solar motion lights, you can find the perfect outdoor flood lights for your landscape and the exterior of your home. Solar-powered outdoor lighting draws the energy it needs from sunlight to make the lights operate. Though this option can cost more for the initial purchase and setup, you can ultimately save on your energy bill. Be sure to install the solar panels in areas that receive sufficient sunlight and avoid dark and shadowy areas of your home.

Plug-in lights will need to be positioned in an area with access to a power outlet or extension cord. With this option, you’ll have an exposed cord that you may need to secure or conceal.

Hard-wired lights connect directly to the electrical wiring of your home. Installation requires additional safety measures but can be an easy do-it-yourself (DIY) project.