Best Outdoor Lights for Safety, Security, and Style

Outdoor lighting is not just a matter of illumination; it’s an essential element for enhancing safety, security, and style around your home. Whether you want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, deter potential intruders, or simply enjoy your outdoor spaces after dark, the right outdoor lights can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll explore the best options for outdoor lighting, focusing on how to choose lights that balance safety, security, and style.

What is the Importance of Outdoor Lighting?

Before diving into the different types of outdoor lights, it’s essential to understand why outdoor lighting is so important. Proper lighting around your home serves multiple purposes:

  • Safety: Outdoor lighting illuminates walkways, driveways, and entry points, reducing the risk of trips and falls.
  • Security: Well-lit exteriors can deter potential intruders, making your home less appealing to burglars.
  • Style: The right outdoor lighting enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

1. Outdoor Hanging Lights for a Stylish Touch

One of the most popular choices for outdoor lighting is outdoor hanging lights. These lights add a stylish touch to your exterior while providing ample illumination. Hanging lights can be used in various settings, such as patios, porches, and gazebos. They are particularly effective in creating a cozy and elegant ambiance, perfect for evening gatherings or quiet nights outside.

Outdoor hanging lights come in various designs, from modern to rustic, allowing you to choose a style that complements your home’s architecture. Whether you prefer sleek metal finishes or vintage-inspired lanterns, there’s an option for every taste.

2. Balcony Lights: Enhancing Small Spaces

Balconies are often overlooked when it comes to outdoor lighting, but with the right balcony lights, these small spaces can be transformed into cozy retreats. Balcony lights not only add to the beauty of your outdoor space but also enhance safety by illuminating the area.

Balcony hanging lights are an excellent choice for this purpose. These lights can be suspended from the ceiling, providing both functional and decorative lighting. When choosing a hanging light for your balcony, consider the size of the space and the level of brightness you need. For a more subtle and romantic glow, opt for softer lighting options. On the other hand, if you need more illumination, go for brighter lights.

3. Outdoor Wall Lights: Create a Cozy Ambiance

If you have outdoor wall lights, you know how important it is to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Wall lights outdoors are perfect for this purpose. These lights can be strung along railings, wrapped around posts, or suspended from above to create a magical ambiance.

To achieve a cohesive look, choose lights for your walls that complement the existing decor. String lights, lanterns, or small pendant lights are all great options. By layering different types of lights, you can create depth and visual interest in your balcony area.

4. Exterior Lights: Essential for Safety and Security

Exterior lights are crucial for ensuring safety and security around your home. These lights illuminate pathways, driveways, and entry points, making it easier to navigate in the dark and deterring potential intruders. Waterproof exterior lights are particularly important, as they need to withstand various weather conditions.

When installing exterior lights, consider placing them in strategic locations such as near doors, along walkways, and around the perimeter of your property. Motion sensor lights are an excellent choice for security purposes, as they only turn on when movement is detected, conserving energy while still providing protection.

5. Outdoor Gate Lights: A Blend of Function and Style

Outdoor gate lights are versatile fixtures that can be used in various outdoor settings. These lights hang from a chain or rod, making them ideal for covered porches, patios, and outdoor dining areas. Outdoor gate lights are perfect for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their exterior while ensuring sufficient lighting.

When selecting outdoor gate lights, consider the material and finish to ensure they can withstand the elements. Options like weather-resistant metals or treated wood are excellent choices for durability.

6. Whispering Homes Lights: Quality and Style Combined

When it comes to choosing the best outdoor lights, quality and style are key considerations. Whispering Homes lights offer a wide range of outdoor lighting solutions that combine durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking for decorative lights for home or practical home lights that enhance safety and security, Whispering Homes has you covered.

With a focus on high-quality materials and innovative designs, Whispering Homes provides lighting options that are both stylish and long-lasting. From hanging lights for outdoor balconies to waterproof exterior lights, you can trust Whispering Homes to deliver products that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Lights for Your Home

With so many options available, choosing the right outdoor lights can seem overwhelming. To make the process easier, consider the following tips:

  • Assess Your Needs: Determine the primary purpose of your outdoor lighting. Are you focusing on safety, security, style, or a combination of all three?
  • Consider Your Space: Think about the areas you want to illuminate. Different spaces may require different types of lighting, such as balcony hanging lights for small spaces or exterior lights for larger areas.
  • Match Your Style: Choose lights that complement your home’s architectural style and outdoor decor. Whether you prefer modern, rustic, or classic designs, there are options to suit every taste.
  • Prioritize Durability: Outdoor lights are exposed to the elements, so it’s essential to choose fixtures made from weather-resistant materials. Waterproof exterior lights are a must for areas prone to rain or moisture.
  • Layer Your Lighting: Combining different types of lights, such as pendant lights, garden lanterns, and string lights, can create a more dynamic and visually appealing outdoor space.

Conclusion: Light Up Your Outdoors with Whispering Homes

Outdoor lighting is an essential aspect of home design, providing safety, security, and style to your exterior spaces. Whether you’re looking to illuminate your balcony with hanging lights, enhance your garden with decorative exterior lights, or ensure security with exterior lights, the right choices can make a significant impact.

By selecting quality products like those offered by Whispering Homes, you can enjoy outdoor spaces that are not only functional but also beautiful. Explore the wide range of outdoor lighting options available at Whispering Homes and light up your home with style and confidence.

How to Light an Outdoor Entryway Home Area

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

Outdoor Lamps for House

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?

outdoor lighting for house

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 

Porch lighting

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

Outdoor Lights for House

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.