Outdoor lighting systems that illuminate your home for security purposes can also allow you to host friends for dinner and drinks on the patio. Whatever your intentions are for providing more light around your home, there are a few tips and tricks for placement and the types of lighting you may want to use.
Outdoor Lighting for Security
If you believe your home is not well lit, begin thinking about the certain places you may want to have visibility at night. You may be pulling up to your dark driveway after a late outing, nervous about someone lingering around your home. To avoid fear and increase safety, place some lights around your garage or at the entrance and sides of your driveway. You can also think about installing a motion-activated lighting system that could deter unwanted guests. If placed properly, these lights are not only functional for safety but can also add an ounce of glamour to your home’s exterior.
Outdoor Lighting for Entertainment / Aesthetics
Inviting friends over for a backyard dinner with no/limited lighting could end up back inside. Some options for exterior lighting are lighted pathways or hanging string lights from trees or other tall structures. Other ideas could be positioning lights at angles toward specific objects like a statue, fountain, or a specific shrub/plant in your garden. The angled positioning of the lights can create a beautiful shadow silhouette. We have many options here at Casual Creations, such as table lamps, and LED umbrella lights that may work for you!
What Brightness Works Best for Outdoor Lighting?
If you’re going to be sitting outside eating dinner, the light you use shouldn’t be overly bright or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, too dim to see the food on your plate. The areas around your table or social areas should have brighter lighting, while objects or places that may not be as invigorating can be left in a lower light setting. When working on lighting for security, whether it be a dark corner of your backyard or the walkway leading to your front door, you can never ask for too much lighting. Especially if you have a surveillance system monitoring your home, you want to have the proper light to be able to see any unwanted activity. Bulbs with ratings of 40-75 watts are ideal for outdoor fixtures, or you may want to consider using LED bulbs. There are many LED options that aren’t a harsh blue. If you want warmer tones, you can find what you want and save money doing so.
Whether you’re trying to add outdoor lighting to your home for better security, have a more comfortable outdoor setting, or both, the team at Casual Creations can help.
