We often put a lot of thought and effort into designing the indoor lighting systems of our homes, but the exterior is often forgotten. Outdoor lighting is a great way to enhance your home while increasing security at the same time. The best exterior lighting installers know just how much quality exterior light installation can transform a home.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about outdoor house lighting.
How to choose exterior house lighting
Choosing the right outdoor lighting is a very personal thing. However, you should remember a few crucial things regardless of the types of outdoor lighting you choose.
- Ensure lights are IP-rated (water resistant) for outdoor conditions.
- Choose lights that are energy-efficient, such as LED or even solar-powered lights.
- Consider motion-sensor lights for added security.
- Ensure all commonly used outdoor spaces are well-lit.
- Work with professional exterior light installers.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of your exterior house lighting, but let’s look more closely at different parts of the home.
Tips on planning your exterior house lighting installation
One of the biggest tips we can offer in terms of lighting your outdoor spaces is to consider lights with motion sensors. Many outdoor lights come fitted with dusk to dawn motion sensors, meaning they’ll turn on during the night if there is movement, but they won’t turn on and waste power during the day. In addition, you must ensure outdoor lights are IP-rated for their area. For example, you need specific lights if you want them to be completely waterproof. Let’s look more closely at lighting the different outdoor spaces around your home.
Lighting around the front door
When planning an exterior light installation for your front door, there are a couple of things to consider. Firstly, you need to ensure that your light illuminates the lock, as this is the trickiest part of getting inside when it’s dark. But it should also illuminate any hazards, such as steps.
You’ll also need to consider how well the entire front door area is lit up. If you have cameras or modern intercom systems by your front door, there needs to be enough Iight available to identify visitors.
Exterior light installation for outdoor entertaining areas
All outdoor entertaining areas are different, whether it’s a deck, balcony, patio, larger alfresco dining area or even a pool. However, one great tip for lighting these spaces is to keep lights lower, roughly at chair level. This ensures guests don’t get bright lights in their eyes.
Alternatively, overhead lights are also good for outdoor spaces, and there are plenty of designs to choose from. Depending on the size of your area, hanging or track lights can give a classy effect. Aside from that, just remember to place adequate lighting in the spaces that need it, such as near a BBQ or around steps and other hazards.
Lighting stairs and pathways
If you have steps or pathways around your home, having these illuminated at night is a good idea. Smaller dim lights are more suitable for stairs as they won’t create glare. Position them low so that they light up the steps, rather than everything else around them.
It’s a good idea to consider motion sensors for staircase and pathway lights, because you may not want these spaces illuminated permanently. Keep these lights simple, but always ensure you use professional exterior lighting installers.
Garage or carport lighting
When you arrive home at night, your car lights generally offer enough light to get into your garage or carport comfortably, but what about when you leave the car? Make sure you have ample light to guide you from the car to the house. It’s also a good idea to install lights above the garage door for extra security. This also helps if you happen to arrive home at night without your car.
You might also consider some classy post lighting at the end of your driveway. This makes it easy to identify the turn-off for yourself and visitors. All homes are different, so where you position outdoor lights will vary, but this is where the advice of an outdoor lighting electrician is invaluable.
What are the benefits of landscaping lighting?
You may not spend a huge amount of time outdoors in the evening, but that doesn’t mean outdoor lights aren’t important. In fact, landscaping or garden lights have some benefits you may not have considered.
Increased property value
If your garden is neat and tidy and nicely landscaped, adding some lights can improve its visual appeal and increase the home’s value. By expertly positioning lights throughout the garden, you can create some wonderful effects that buyers are going to love. For example, illuminating garden pathways and installing small lights amongst the gardens is a fantastic way to enjoy our outdoor spaces at any time of day and night.
Garden lighting adds a sense of luxury to the home, which is appealing to buyers. Even if they’re not avid gardeners, seeing a nice landscaping job with accent lighting throughout gives homebuyers the feeling that the home is well cared for.
Safety and security
It’s an unfortunate reality of modern life that we need to consider security around our own homes. Unwanted visitors can enter through the front, the side or the back of your house, so any lighting in those areas is an excellent deterrent. Unless it’s a targeted break-in, most burglars are opportunistic. They won’t risk sneaking through a well-lit backyard when other dark homes are in the area.
There is also the safety aspect for yourself and your family. If you do need to go outside for any reason in the evening, landscaping lighting is a great way to illuminate any hazards in the area. So, more than just looking great, garden lights are a key safety and security measure for the modern home.
Energy-efficiency
One of the best things about outdoor lighting is that running it doesn’t cost much. Firstly, if you choose LED lighting, it’s far more efficient than other lighting types and lasts longer. Secondly, most outdoor lighting only operates at night. Some people may like their outdoors permanently illuminated overnight, but most people choose lights with motion sensors. As such, the lights rarely operate at all, making them an extremely energy-efficient safety and security measure.
Increased home comfort
Finally, let’s not forget the fact that you want your home to be your personal slice of paradise. A place you can enjoy all year round in comfort and relaxation. Many people put a lot of effort into their gardens, so why not light them up? Sitting on your back deck at the end of a long day is a lot more pleasant with a nicely illuminated garden to watch over.
When considering landscaping lighting, always choose licensed and experienced exterior lighting installers. This helps you avoid buying cheap, dodgy products and also allows you to design and plan your lighting more professionally.
Exterior house lighting maintenance and longevity
One of the best things about outdoor lighting is that it lasts for a long time – provided you buy quality lights. Most exterior lighting installers, such as the team at Sorted Electrical, can recommend the best lights for your application, ensuring they are long-lasting and rated for outdoor weather conditions.
LED lighting is preferred, as it lasts a lot longer than its counterparts. This means there is virtually no maintenance for outdoor lights. All lights have a working life and may need to be replaced occasionally, but replacements are rare with LED lighting. Plus, by choosing quality lights that are designed to be outside, you won’t need to clean or maintain them much at all.
Your professional garden lights electrician in Brisbane
If you want to upgrade your outdoor spaces with beautiful exterior lighting, look no further than Sorted Electrical. Whether your needs are for security or purely aesthetic, we can design and install an outdoor lighting system that meets your unique requirements. We also handle all other types of residential work, such as outdoor ceiling fan installation, smoke alarms, security lighting and much more. We service all of Brisbane, including Carindale, Bulimba and Chandler, so call us today for all of your exterior light installation needs.
