Outdoor Lighting: Light Up Your Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor lighting can turn a dark space into a cozy hangout in no time. Whether you want to light up a deck, patio, backyard, restaurant or hotel seating area, there's plenty of outdoor lighting ideas.

What do you use for outdoor lighting?

Give your outdoor seating areas a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere using outdoor lighting! You can use several types of lighting to create the perfect ambiance:

  • String Lights
  • Step Lights
  • Wall Lanterns
  • Wall Washers
  • Pathway Lights
  • Post Lights
  • Flood Lights
  • Spot Lights
String Lights

String Lights

More than just holiday lights, string lights gained popularity as decorative outdoor lighting in recent years. With so many styles to choose from, we can see why!

Patio string lights help bring out the most for your outdoor experience. String lights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. String lights also create a warm glow to help calm your mood and promote relaxation.

You can find outdoor string lights that use LED filament bulbs to give your patio a vintage look, or use LED globes for a more elegant style!

Step Light

Step Lights

Install step lights, also called stair lights, on your staircases to make them easier to see at night. Step lights are great for improving visibility outdoors while also helping you perform different functions. Step lights offer a small amount of light for a pleasant ambient glow, helping you and your guests walk safely on the stairs.

Outdoor step lights typically use lower color temperatures which attracts less bugs than higher color temperatures. Lower color temperatures are also more acceptable on the eye.

Before using the step lights, ensure they are weather resistant, to prevent weather damage.

Wall Washer Lights

Wall Washers

Wall washers help to light the exterior of a home, office, restaurant, or hotel. These decorative light fixtures offer a wide area of ambient light and medium and uniform illumination across the entire wall.

There are many beneficial reasons to use wall washers. One reason is the inviting ambiance the washer gives off. Using warmer color temperatures can create an inviting ambiance for guests. The illuminating effect on walls also makes the space seem larger and more open.

Wall Lantern

Wall Lanterns

Wall lanterns stylishly add personality to an exterior door or entranceway. They provide accent lighting when they are by the entrance. An exterior wall lantern helps to complement the home’s decor and architecture.

These fixtures come in a variety of modern or classic styles and typically wall mount near a doorway or pendant mount from the ceiling. They come in a variety of designs to fit any aesthetic or style.

Some of the other benefits of using wall lanterns are the low maintenance costs and the easy installation process. Since wall lanterns are made with durable materials, they do not need much maintenance. Less maintenance means lower costs. They also do not require much cleaning or need their light bulbs replaced often.

Image of Dabmar Post Lantern & Walkway Light

Pathway Lights

Pathway lights install along walkways to add visibility and guide you down designated paths. LED pathway lights are recommended because they are energy efficient. Most LED pathway lights consume less energy than regular pathway lights and save you money.

Pathway lights are also helpful in enhancing and highlighting your garden at night!

Image of Craftmade Hex Style Outdoor Post Mount

Post Lights

Post lights also called pier lights are great outdoor lighting options for a broader reach. They can reach a broader area due to the 360-degree coverage.

Like the other outdoor lighting options, post lights provide safety and security in dimly lit areas. They also complement the landscape and create a warm ambiance.

Image of Nuvo LED Flood Light

Flood Lights

Flood lights provide a strong and intense beam of light that floods the space the light is shining on. Using flood lights is helpful to provide bright light to larger areas whether in residential or commercial settings.

Flood lights differ because they provide more intense illumination than other outdoor lighting options such as lanterns and path lights.

Image of Dabmar LED Directional Spot Light

Spot Lights

Spot lights are directional lighting fixtures that provide focused beams of light on specific areas. They differ from flood light in that they shine focused beams on areas that need highlighting and visual accents.

Most spot lights are durable and can withstand harsh environments allowing you to use them during all types of seasons.

Why is Outdoor Lighting Beneficial?

There are also several other reasons outdoor lighting is beneficial. These reasons include:

  • Improved Curb Appeal
  • Security
  • Safety
  • Make the most of the space

Improved Curb Appeal

One of the benefits of outdoor lighting is improved curb appeal. At night, lights help to showcase the house in its entirety. By using outdoor lighting, you can illuminate specific outdoor areas of your home. In hospitality spaces, outdoor wall lights can guide patrons towards entrances and exits.

To ensure you have the best lighting, strategically place the lights to enhance the features of the home.

Security

Outdoor lighting is also important for security purposes. Having security lighting prevents burglars and thieves from coming to your property. When doors and windows are illuminated, burglars are less likely to break in unnoticed. If you do not want security lights to be on all night, you can look for motion sensor lights.

Motion sensor lights will only illuminate when they detect nearby motion, avoiding high energy bills.

Safety

Outdoor lighting is not only for security purposes. Outdoor lighting is also great for your safety. When exterior light fixtures are on, they can help you notice tree roots and other potential tripping hazards. Having exterior lights like pathway lights help your guests find your home easily and walk around your driveway.

Make the most of your space

You can also use outdoor lighting to enjoy your family and friends. When it gets dark, you can still use exterior lights in your yard. Flood lights, landscape lights, and post lights are perfect for giving you and your family a great outdoor experience.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right outdoor lighting fixture for your space enhances the experience for all! Use a combination of outdoor lighting types to ensure your exterior is well-lit and charming.

Looking for stylish, energy efficient LED lighting? Browse HomElectrical to find outdoor lighting to brighten your space!

Recommended Reading

Spruce up your outdoor space at night with landscape lighting! Landscape lighting keeps your home beautiful and safe at night.

If you run a restaurant or other business that uses an outdoor seating area, you can use an outdoor patio heater to keep the space usable in the winter. Options for patio heaters include electric, natural gas, and propane.

HomElectrical has all the supplies and light fixtures you need for your patio makeover this summer. Use patio lights such as light stakes, lanterns and globes, and string lights to create the perfect outdoor patio.

Take advantage of these remaining summer days to work on new lighting projects to increase safety and efficiency! LED lighting keeps your home or commercial building more energy efficient and safer with a higher quality of light.

Avery Dietzen
Avery Dietzen

Originally from Wisconsin, Avery earned her degree in English before making the trip down to the Atlanta, GA area. Writer by day, reader by night, she prides herself on having a creative outlook and tries to instill that in everything she writes. As a content writer for HomElectrical, she uses her skills to share tips and tricks about lighting, HVAC, and going green. If she’s not writing, she’s reading, painting, hanging out with her dog, or spending time with family and friends.

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