When we’re talking about lighting, the only lighting we tend to focus on, is on the inside of the home. We’re busy picking out the right ceiling lights, lamps, and nightlights, and we forget another type of lighting that’s very important – Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting is almost just as important as indoor lighting, if not more! Not only is outdoor lighting important for your home for aesthetic reasons, it’s also important when it comes to properly securing your home. The more area you can see around your property clearly, the safer your home will be!
The problem usually arises when it comes to deciding which type of lighting, or which combination of lighting should be used in an outdoor space.
#1: Figure out the right size
When you walk into the lighting store, you’re going to see hundreds of different types and sizes of lighting. Most of the time, lighting stores are massive, especially if you’re in a warehouse location, because the ceilings are extremely high and it may offset your perception of just how big or small the light really is. It’s essential that you measure out the space you’re going to be using the lights, and only consider the ones that fit the measurements as options! This should also help you narrow down the search as well!
#2: Settle on a color
You might be thinking here, “most outdoor lights are white, why would you need to choose?”Well, that’s because not all whites are the same! There’s soft white, bright white, and Daylight lights. These are the main three hues that you’ll find in the markets today. All of these seem interchangeable, but all of them come together to give a totally different vibe. Warm, soft lighting will create a softer space, while bright or daylight lights create a brighter space. You need to decide what ambiance you want for the outside of your home, and then pick the lighting that matches that aesthetic!
#3: Layer the lights
One of the most important things to remember is that lighting isn’t just one blanket light. It’s important that you layer the lighting, because when you have multiple light sources, you can create a stronger light overall, and make the space a lot safer, because you’ll have a lot more visibility overall without making it look like prison grounds! They should be esthetically pleasing, and functional!
#4: Figure out the intensity
Some people like super dim lights, while others want their outdoor lighting to be super bright and light up the entire perimeter of the home! This can be because they want the home to be more secure and visible so no intruders can make it through without being seen, or to really show the architecture off. Either way, if making the home super visible from the outside is the goal, the lighting will have to be of a higher intensity than if having a dim, soft look is the goal. Make sure you’re choosing the lights that match the intensity you want at the end!
#5: Go through the installation guide before you make the purchase
When you’re getting lamps and other types of indoor lighting, they’re usually easy to install on your own, and mostly, it only involves plugging in a plug in a socket and you’re done! When you’re talking about outdoor lighting, things are usually not that simple. Different types of outdoor lighting need to be installed in different ways. Most of them need to be installed with power tools, so it’s wiser to know which lights need a professional to install them. Electricians in North Vancouver or a recommended electrician in your general area will be able to do it for you!
Using these 5 tips, you’ll be able to choose the perfect outdoor lighting for your home!
