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A Guide to Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Lighting 101: Enhance, Secure, and Dazzle

Define Your Space

Before starting any outdoor lighting project, it is important to define the space. Identify important features like a path, sculpture, or outdoor seating area that you want to emphasize. This will help you choose the right exterior lighting fixtures, light bulbs, and placement. 

Choosing the Right Lighting Fixtures

  Choosing outdoor LED lights involves several considerations, from their purpose to their impact on the environment and local regulations. Here is a guide to help you make an informed decision:  

1. Purpose of the Lights

Start by identifying the reason you need the lights. Are they for security, highlighting a pathway, or highlighting some landscape features? Security lights often require brighter lighting. Meanwhile, path and landscape lighting can be softer and more decorative.  

2. Environment Conditions

The location where you will install the lights crucially influences your exterior LED lighting selection. Make sure to choose fixtures that are weather-resistant, durable, and energy-efficient. Outdoor lighting in Canada will not have the same requirements as in Miami, for instance. If you are close to a beach, you will need lights that can withstand salty air and possibly sand. Marine-grade stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum fixtures would be suitable options for such conditions.  

3. Lighting Impact on Flora and Fauna

Outdoor lighting can affect plants and nocturnal animals, like birds. Use warm-colored lights instead of bright white or blue lights to limit the disruption of wildlife’s natural patterns. Also, consider downward-facing lights to minimize light pollution – The color temperature for such areas range from 2200K in Florida for instance, to 3500K.

4. Lighting Codes & Regulations

Consult with your local city government or homeowners’ association for any regulations concerning outdoor lighting. Some areas have “Dark Sky” laws that regulate the type, direction, and intensity of outdoor lights to reduce light pollution. 

5. Light Trespass & Pollution

Be mindful of your neighbors when installing outdoor lights. Aim the lights so that they only illuminate your property to prevent light trespass. Shields on lights can direct light downwards. This prevents light from spilling onto other properties or into the night sky. As a result, it reduces light pollution. Choosing the right outdoor lights is important for how they look and for being mindful of the environment and others. Plan carefully to find lights that meet your needs and blend well with nature and your community.  

Highlight Your Landscaping

Your outdoor lighting project should highlight the beauty of your landscaping. Up-lighting and downlighting are great ways to create dramatic effects and add depth to your landscape. Up-lighting fixtures place the light source below a tree or shrub, highlighting its branches and leaves. Position downlighting fixtures above the feature you want to highlight, causing them to cast a soft glow downwards.

Control Your Lighting

You can control your outdoor lighting in a number of ways based on a predetermined timetable or the times of sunrise and sunset in a particular location.

Astronomical timers,  motion sensors, and photocells are great ways to save energy and enhance your security. Timers allow you to set a schedule for your lights to turn on and off. Motion sensors detect movement and turn lights on automatically. Finally, photocells detect the level of daylight and turn the lights on and off accordingly. 

Don’t Forget the Details

Lastly, make sure your fixtures have the right color temperature.

• To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, it is important to go with a warm color temperature (2700K – 3000K).
• To increase alertness in places like highways, choose a cooler color temperature (3100K – 4500K).

Also, consider creating layers of light by using multiple fixtures at different heights.

Outdoor Light Fixtures

Outdoor Wall Lights Exterior Decorative Lighting

  Outdoor Pendant Lighting

Archetype  

Outdoor Recessed Lighting (step lights/inground)

Casa Line

Conclusion

In conclusion, outdoor lighting is a great way to enhance your space and add security to your property.

Highlight your landscaping, control your lighting, and pay attention to the details. By defining your space and choosing the right fixtures you are sure to have a well-lit and inviting outdoor space. At the end of the day, remember that outdoor lighting is about creating the right ambiance.

By utilizing appropriate strategies and techniques, you can attain exceptional outcomes!

Are you interested in gaining more knowledge about other Outdoor Lighting applications?

Feel free to consult our blog:

Residential Outdoor Lighting for Improved Visibility

Guide to Obtaining the Best Sport and Stadium Lighting

Do you need help deciding what the best Outdoor Lighting solution is for your project?

Let our Lighting Designers help you. Book your free Lighting consultation or send us a message to jumpstart your project now.