Outdoor lighting is an integral part of any home. Not only does it create a beautifully illuminated atmosphere outdoors, but it also provides some much needed security. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide full of tips, basic rules of thumb, and some lighting suggestions, including pointers to consider when designing an outdoor lighting plan.
To better understand how to look for your ideal outdoor lighting style, we suggest keeping in mind the five basic types of outdoor lightings and how each of them can be used separately or in tandem with each other.
Decorative Outdoor Lighting
Decorative outdoor lighting isn’t just for evening parties. Today, thanks to the wave of material and technological advances, everything from old-fashioned pouch lanterns to fairy lights looks better than ever. Outdoor pendants and wall lights go far beyond the boring old lamps of the past and bring a serious style to the outdoors while providing safety and security to your home.
Outdoor Wall Lighting
Perhaps the most popular type of outdoor lighting is the wall sconce. These new-age outdoor lights are adjacent to the doorway and can be installed wherever there is a wall or wiring. Some provide ambient light, while others provide directional light. There is really a wide range of options that can blend in with the look of your home or provide your own style points. Most outdoor wall lights are resistant to harsh weather conditions but have a nautical finish that can withstand high exposure to UV, humidity and salt, especially if you live in wet or harsh environments. Do make sure you look for these factors when choosing the perfect light.
Security Lighting
Safety plays a huge role when deciding the kind of lighting you’d like to put on the outside of your house. Some areas of your home need more security or security-based outdoor lightings, such as floodlights, recessed lighting, landscape lighting, and solar lighting. Areas such as driveways, garages, decks, stairs and decks,  and some areas of sidewalks and backyards should also be well lit.
Landscape Lighting
What can easily be considered one of the most technical types of outdoor lighting, landscape lights usually require more thought, strategy, and attention to planning than the other lighting styles. You may want to look into hiring a professional for this type of lighting but you can also start it yourself with some basic information. Path lights that light up the pathways to your home, recessed ground lights that give a modern look, and deck lights that light the steps to your home, are all part of landscape lighting.
Modern Portable Lighting
A temporary but super important lighting solution, portable lights such as outdoor table and floor lamps, have become increasingly popular, especially for backyards and front gardens. These lights, flaunting modern designs that can add personality to the area, are convenient and can be used for both illumination and decorative purposes. This type of lighting usually includes wireless portables that can easily be recharged and outdoor lamps, which are perfect to cozy up the space and make it feel more homely.
