outdoor lights for house

When the day is done, and dusk befalls your home, well done landscape lighting enhances the overall look of your compound. It also increases security and at the same time provides comfort and the feeling of actually being outside a home’s actual square footage. However, it can also be confusing to choose the best outdoor lights with so many styles, designs and types out there. Worry not! This guide will help you navigate the world of outdoor lighting, ensuring both safety and style for your whispering homes (a lovely term, by the way!).

Understanding Your Needs

The first process is to define the needs that are personal to you. Here are some key questions to consider: Here are some key questions to consider:

Functionality: Are there any requirements for safety and/or working, such as pathways, and entryways that require lighting? Or is it for creating a romantic tone and focus on the construction of the building?
Area: Do you want to light up a front porch or a back porch, a garden path or a patio, a drive way, or the whole front of your house?
Power Source: In which sections of the home would you want fixed attachment of light fixtures, the convenience of solar lighting, or the portability of battery-operated ones?
Style: New urban, tribal, or somewhere in-between? Think about the style of your house if you want your interior and exterior design to blend.

Safety First: Illuminating Key Areas

Safety is paramount. Here’s how lighting can deter intruders and ensure safe navigation:

Entryways and Doorways: Bright lights with motion sensors near your front door and secondary entrances discourage nighttime prowlers and improve visibility for guests arriving after dark. Consider garden outdoor lights for house gates oroutdoor wall lamps & sconces for a classic touch.
Pathways and Walkways: Line walkways and paths with low-level lights, such as path lights or small hanging outdoor lightfixtures. This prevents tripping hazards and creates a guiding path.
Driveway and Garage: Use brighter lights, like post lights or large outdoor lights, to illuminate your driveway and garage entrance. This enhances night-time parking safety and improves visibility.

Setting the Mood: Creating Ambiance

Now that the safety aspects are covered, let’s create a welcoming ambiance:

Patios and Decks: String lights, pendant outdoor lights, or hanging outdoor lights add a touch of magic to your outdoor living space. Consider dimmer switches to adjust the mood for a romantic evening or a lively gathering.
Porch and Balcony: Outdoor sconces or wall-mounted lights add a warm glow to your porch or balcony, inviting relaxation and conversation.
Garden and Landscaping: Strategically placed spotlights or up-lights can highlight beautiful landscaping features, creating a dramatic outdoor display. Opt for vintage outdoor lighting or antique outdoor lighting for a touch of timeless charm.

Choosing the Right Style

With your needs and desired ambiance in mind, delve into the world of outdoor lighting styles! Here are some popular choices:

Modern: Clean lines, geometric shapes, and sleek finishes like chrome or brushed nickel define modern outdoor lighting. Look for square outdoor lights, hanging light fixtures with a contemporary design, or minimalist wall lamps.
Traditional: Lantern-style lights, wrought iron fixtures, and warm finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass exude a timeless elegance. Think vintage outdoor lighting, wall lamps & sconces with a classic touch, or outdoor light posts with a traditional silhouette.

Beyond the Basics: Additional Considerations

Light Color: Warm white lights create a cozy atmosphere, while cool white lights provide better visibility for safety purposes.
Material: Choose weather-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or copper for long-lasting durability.
Size and Scale: Ensure the size of your lights complements the scale of your home and outdoor areas. Avoid overpowering walkways with large outdoor lights or overwhelming a small patio with a giant hanging outdoor light fixture.

Let There Be Light!

By following these tips, you can choose the perfect outdoor lighting for your home, ensuring a safe, stylish, and inviting space that extends your living area beyond the walls. So, get creative, explore your options, and let your whispering homes light up the night!

Outdoor entryway lighting serves several important functions for your home’s threshold. A well-lit entryway welcomes guests, allows safe passage, helps you recognize visitors, and gives that all-important first impression of your home. Choosing the right lighting for this area involves choosing the right size, style, and more. In this FAQ, we’ll show you how to find the best outdoor entryway lighting for you.

The most important considerations when choosing outdoor entrance lights

First and foremost, you need to determine the structure of your home. A roof over your front door or a covered porch will affect your outdoor front door lighting plan. For a small porch, one or two direct downlights may be enough. Look for outdoor wall lights that will shine light on the wall and brighten the area around the door. For a wide porch, an even, diffused layer of light will illuminate the square footage. Instead of using one big, powerful outdoor light, you should use many small patio lights. A few downwash wall lights and some puddle-effect path lights will look much more appealing than a huge, bright fixture next to your house.

What types of outdoor entryway lighting are there?

The most common choice is modern outdoor wall lighting, but pendant lights, flush and semi-flush ceiling lights, and recessed lights are also options. It’s usually best to choose a few pieces that go well together, and just like in an indoor setting, you can layer your lighting.

How bright should entryway lights be?

In darkness, a little light goes a long way. Incandescent wattage ranges from 25-40 watts (200-500). If you’re using multiple lights, keep it closer to 200 per light. If you have large windows that let the light in your room shine in from outside, you can use even less light.

Outdoor Entry Light Sizes

Generally, the size of your outdoor entry light will be determined by the size of your front door. To achieve a balanced look, consider the following proportions:

Wall lights: 1/4 to 1/3 of the door height and width (including trim)

Pendant lights: 1/5 of the door height and width

Ceiling lights: 1/4 of the door height and width

If you’re considering outdoor lighting and your door is 100 inches high and 60 inches wide, look for lights that are 25 inches high and 15 inches wide.

Front Door Wall Lamps

If your front door is symmetrical, hanging two sconces on either side of the door is an obvious choice. Installing an eye-catching sconce in your front door will make the space look even more spacious and create a charming, inviting feel. Try to buy a wall light that is about a quarter of the height of your door.

Placement Guidelines: Place the outdoor wall light approximately 66 inches (168 cm) from the porch floor to the base of the light fixture. Leave 5-12 inches of space on either side of the door frame. For asymmetrical entrances or limited space, one wall light is sufficient. Hang it on the doorknob side to brighten your entryway.

Front Porch Outdoor Hanging Lights

Remember that your home only has one chance to make a good first impression. Whatever style you choose, remember to highlight what’s important: your doorbell and house number are very important to guests, delivery people and emergency responders. The type and distribution of light is a matter of personal preference. Make sure the light you choose fits your style and creates the desired effect for maximum impact.

Matching Outdoor Lighting

A uniform style starting with your curb post or pillar lights will give your exterior design a unified look. Many manufacturers offer complete outdoor collections that ensure a uniform look. You can also make one piece a focal point and integrate the others into the surroundings.

Lastly, consider the Whispering Homes Lights output of your front porch lights. Many, if not most, outdoor lighting fixtures are available in LED, with the brightness measured in Whispering Homes.

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Safety and Style: Choosing the Right Outdoor Lighting for Your Home