If homeowners follow the proven principles of outdoor lighting design, they can achieve one of the fastest growing trends in home decoration. This will result in safer and more secure homes, as well as beautiful neighborhoods.
The best outdoor lighting system for homeowners is one that uses a number of low-voltage and energy-efficient lights strategically placed around the home.
The act of placing lights on the ground in order to reflect light onto landscaping or homes is called “uplighting.”The lights should not be placed more than 4 feet from the area where they will be used and no further than 30 degrees from the vertical. This method provides security since lights are not placed in areas where an intrusive person might hide.
Uplighting allows homeowners to highlight the best features of a home such as its texture, stucco, or architectural details.
“Ten years ago, virtually no one was doing outdoor lighting in a pleasing, effective manner,”Winston Edwards is a Lighting Specialist with Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. “Today, the practice of outdoor lighting is more sophisticated and effective, resulting in systems that not only are practical but also add to the beauty of a home as seen at night.”
Most homeowners make the mistake of emphasizing floodlights when lighting their outdoor spaces. Floodlights are not only a good way to feel better, but they also pose safety and security risks.
Floodlights with 500-watt power are not flattering on most homes exteriors. It makes it difficult to appreciate fine details or texture.
Low-voltage lighting can be used to illuminate exteriors of homes and also for landscaping. It allows homeowners to highlight ornamental trees and shrubs.
“For patios, consider using path lights around the perimeter, which will reflect light onto the patio,”Edwards stated. “With decks, use lights with a shielded light source underneath the handrails. These lights provide just the right light for conversation and are much more pleasant than typical deck lighting with a bright light shining from the side of a home.”
Outdoor lights are now available with halogen lamps. They are brighter and more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. Quality outdoor lights can last for years thanks to their stainless-steel sockets.
“When it comes to creating beautiful outdoor lighting, homeowners should look for interesting architectural elements and distinctive landscaping, and they should never place lights so that anyone is looking directly into a bulb,”Edwards stated. “Follow these basic principles, and outdoor lighting will be an investment that you, and your neighbors, will enjoy for years to come.”
Find the latest information regarding outdoor lighting trends at, www.outdoorlights.com.
