Outdoor Lighting Types and Function

When choosing outdoor lighting for your home, consider the overall appearance of your home. For example, how are the lighting fixtures going to look from the curb, the driveway and the front door? Too few lights can get lost and fixtures that are too small may not produce enough light on a larger home. Too many lights or overly large fixtures can look mismatched and glaring on a smaller home. Outdoor lighting should create a comfortable, safe and secure lighting experience.

Types of Outdoor Lighting:

Post Mounted fixtures
These are used to illuminate an entrance/pathway or near a driveway to make locating the driveway safer and easier. Posts come in a variety of colors and are purchased separately from the light fixture.

Wall Mounted fixtures
These can be used at any exterior door around the home including garage, basement, back and side doors, adding safety and security around entrances. Larger homes and homes with larger front entrances lend themselves to larger fixtures and/or to a fixture on each side of the door. Smaller homes and single doors are better suited with smaller lanterns or a single lantern. Lanterns are best hung just above eye level or at least 66” from the ground.

Ceiling Mounted fixtures
An excellent option for entrances with a porch to help more adequately light the area.

Hanging Fixtures
Grand entrances and tall porches lend themselves to hanging fixtures. As a general guideline most Pendants should be hung 84” from the floor. Lamps and Chandeliers specifically made for outdoor use are becoming a popular decorative accent to outdoor porches, pools, cabanas and other covered outdoor spaces. A fixture suited for outdoor use will have a rating of Damp Location for covered areas and a rating of Wet Location for completely exposed areas.

Accent lighting
Comes in many designs including down light, flood light, mini-accent and well lighting. Accent lighting highlights landscaping, trees, architecture and more.

Deck lighting
Step and rail Step lighting makes using stairs safer and easier by reducing shadows. Rail lighting adds ambiance and safety for night gatherings. Post mounted fixtures can be used to highlight a deck and also increases comfort and ambiance during evening use.

Garden Path Lighting
Adds a decorative element and makes for a safe pathway for you and your family.