The Benefits of Installing Outdoor Lighting and How to Maximize the Results

​Regardless of if you own a single-family house, a condo, or townhouse, you need to consider all the benefits that outdoor lighting has to offer. The fact is it offers an array of benefits that make it well-worth the investment.
Benefits of Installing Outdoor LightingThere are several benefits offered by the installation of outdoor lighting, including:

• Increase safety after dark: Outdoor lighting makes it easy to get around outside after dark and helps to deter would be criminals.
• Enable wayfinding: Easily see your path from one location to another.
• It’s welcoming: The right outdoor lighting creates a warm and welcoming look around your front door.
• Highlight and add drama: You can enhance interesting architectural or landscape features.
• Create comfortable surroundings: If you have an outdoor entertainment or seating area, outdoor lighting is an invaluable addition.
• Increase home curb appeal: This is beneficial while you live in your home and if you plan to sell.

However, these benefits aren’t just given by installing outdoor lighting. If you want to make the most of the outdoor lights you install, you need to carefully consider and execute your lighting design plan.
Create a Balance Between Aesthetics and SecurityA good way to start an outdoor lighting design is by walking around the house and property with a flashlight at night. Take note of the dark areas that need to be lit up to improve safety, or garden areas that may be lit up for additional beauty or interest. Similar to your indoor lighting, think about the types of outdoor lights that you want to install. Some of the most common options include:

• Light ambient: Used for general lighting purposes.
• Task lighting: Used for performing specific tasks, like cooking and preparing food.
• Accent lighting: Used for highlighting and adding drama for landscape and architectural features.

Keep in mind that some areas may benefit from this lighting, such as your outdoor cooking area, garden area, address plates, patios or decks, path or walkways, garage doors, driveways, steps, the front doors, and more. While you are figuring out where you need light, you should also consider what beam angles are the best. In many cases, direct lighting won’t always be the right option, as you don’t want it in people’s eyes. In many areas, ambient or diffused lighting is going to be the better option.
Get Help from the ProsIf you want to ensure that your outdoor lighting meets your needs and expectations, it may be smart to reach out to the professionals. They can help create a focused landscape lighting plan and even provide installation and maintenance services for the fixtures you choose. Also, by seeking professional help, you can feel confident the desired results are going to be achieved, regardless of the size of your yard or property or the challenges of this process. The fact is that landscape lighting has a lot to offer, so it should be considered by anyone who wants to enhance their yard.