When it comes to choosing exterior lighting, it is common for homeowners to quickly walk down the lighting aisle and grab the first light fixtures they come across. Unfortunately, there is a little more to home exterior lighting than simply buying the largest, brightest lights to light up walkways or focus on landscaping. In order to have the most visual impact, the installation of outdoor lighting requires a well-designed system. If they are placed and installed properly, exterior lighting can help to establish the mood as well as provide a measure of safety and security. Here are a few do's and don'ts to keep in mind when installing landscape lighting.
Exterior Lighting Do's
Before focusing on landscape features and pathways, focus the lighting on the house first. The primary focus of exterior lighting should be on the most beautiful thing on your property-your house. Not only will using the right type of exterior lighting put the focus on your homes beauty, but it will also help to make it safe and secure. When positioning the lighting fixtures, make sure to walls of the house are highlighted, as well as the architectural features. Other do's for exterior lighting include:
- Instead of using excess amounts of lighting fixtures, make use of multiple layers of lighting. For example, positioning two or three spotlights with different angles towards the garden statue will help to create silhouettes and layers for a unique lighting effect.
- Staggering lights instead of grouping them will help to provide more detail to the area instead of drawing attention to the light fixtures themselves.
- Whenever possible, use down lighting for pathways. This will provide a unique form of illumination as well as make the pathway safe and easy to see.
Don'ts of Exterior Lighting
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is installing lighting fixtures in a straight line along pathways. Not only is this a boring look, but it may make the pathway look like an airport runway. Instead use creativity with light placement. For example, stagger the light fixtures or place them in an area where the light is directed down on the pathway instead of over the pathway. Other don'ts to consider include:
- Don't forget to add illumination to the second story of the house. Install lighting that is aimed at pillars, peaks, overhangs and other unique features of your home. This form of elevated lighting will help to cast an ambient glow on your home as well as enhance the beauty of your home.
- Don't forget the dark spaces and small areas around the house and that are hidden in the landscaping. Installing a small accent light can help to transform a small, dark corner of the property into a calm, beautiful space. As an added benefit, lighting up small, dark areas will help to create less hiding places for intruders.
These are only a few of the amazing things you can do with exterior lighting. When installed in the proper places, exterior lighting fixtures can completely transform the look of your home and landscaping.
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