Small Outdoor Lighting Changes That Increase Safety and Add Drama

Small Outdoor Lighting Changes That Increase Safety and Add Drama

At one time outdoor lighting was an afterthought in home building or remodeling projects. You might have a light over the door and a couple thrown up at the corners of the house. Today, however, homeowners have a wide variety of outdoor lighting options in style, placement, and lighting effects created. Lighting is not only considered a safety feature, but is an essential part of your house's appearance.

Downlighting: These lights are aimed downward at steps or a walkway for safety purposes. You can have a line of small stake lamps line a walkway or driveway, which come in solar varieties, eliminating the need to run an electrical wire. Downlighting is often installed over a barbeque or under a built-in bench.

Uplighting: A dramatic lighting effect, uplighting focuses attention on features of your house or yard. If you want to highlight an arbor, statue, or fountain, uplighting is the way to go. Even a beautiful tree or an architectural feature can make a good focal point.

Bulbs: There was a day when outdoor lights had to use incandescent bulbs. Nowadays energy-saving CFLs are available in a variety of wattages, and many will last up to 10,000 hours. LED lights are also beginning to enter the residential market. One LED fixture can use only 3.7 watts and have a life expectancy of 90,000 hours. Some even come with 20-year guarantees.

Natural Appearance: The trend today is toward unobtrusive fixtures and creating natural-looking light. Simple designs and bronze fixtures are popular for their organic look. You can conceal lights under rocks and bushes, or hang them in trees. Some lighting plans are designed to mimic the soft glow of moonlight, using a combination of uplighting and downlighting.

Computerized: Outside lights care are now programmed to go on automatically, even when you're not home, for added safety. Organize lights into different zones operated with computerized controls. For instance, install brighter light over the barbeque and softer light on the patio, with highlights on a tree or architectural feature.

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