Whether you host family and friends for BBQs, cocktail parties or just like to sit out on your porch in the evening, you probably want to ensure your property’s outside is well-lit. Exterior lighting does more than just transform your space.
Commercial buildings often install exterior lighting in areas with much use. The right light fixtures can provide safety, security, and mood enhancement. For professional services, you can contact Electrician Fort Lauderdale.
When the sun goes down, exterior lighting is what allows us to enjoy outdoor spaces at night. Whether it’s BBQs with friends and family, a good book on the porch, or just enjoying a warm summer evening, having well-lit walkways and outdoor lighting makes it possible to spend time outside after dark without tripping over obstacles or feeling insecure about safety.
For schools, exterior lighting is vital to improving student and faculty safety on campus at night. It’s also an opportunity to add a visual upgrade by highlighting landscape and architectural features on campus. For example, using LED lighting and installing simple controls (like timers and occupancy sensors) can provide significant energy savings while enhancing the overall look of your school’s exterior.
Outside lights come in a wide variety of forms, from classic lamp posts to modern solar designs, so you can find the right one for your property. The type of fixture you choose depends on the area it needs to illuminate, such as a pathway or an entranceway. For pathways, you’ll want to use fixtures that have a narrow beam pattern to avoid shining light into oncoming traffic.
If you’re trying to boost your home’s curb appeal, consider using exterior lights to highlight landscape and architectural features like fountains, ponds, patios, or flower gardens. These statement lights help to make your home stand out from the neighborhood and are a great way to show off your style. Having the right landscape and exterior lighting will not only improve your home’s visual appeal, but it can also increase its value when it comes time to sell. Home buyers tend to see a well-lit home as more finished and ready for them to move in immediately.
Security
There are several security benefits to having exterior lighting. The most obvious is that it brightens walkways for safety purposes, reducing the chance of someone tripping or falling. It can also help deter criminal activity and loitering. Motion-activated floodlights can also be a good choice, as they will automatically switch on when they detect movement and scare away any unsavoury nocturnal visitors.
Exterior lighting can also be used to highlight the style of a home or business. This can make it easy to distinguish features like a garden, pool, water feature, or statue, and can also be useful in highlighting entrances and doorways to the building. A well-lit pathway can also be useful for illuminating stairways, steps, and other potential hazards.
Commercial buildings often use exterior lighting to maximize visibility, space versatility, and security. Various types of outdoor lights can be incorporated to accomplish this, including bollard lights (tall standing lamps), post lights, and floodlights.
Post lights come in a variety of styles that are designed to both uplift the look and complement the design of a property. They are typically located along pathways and driveways, illuminating an ample amount of space without being too bright. Floodlights, on the other hand, are commonly used in areas where a large area needs to be lit, such as atriums or outdoor performance venues.
For homes, exterior lights are often placed to illuminate a pathway to the front door and deter any unwanted visitors. They can also be positioned around decks, patios, and covered seating areas for additional security. It is also a great idea to place them near any valuable items stored outdoors, such as barbecues or outdoor televisions.
Adds Value
Home buyers are often willing to pay more for a well-lit property. According to some surveys, landscape lighting is a desirable feature for up to 20% of potential home buyers. Adding lights to your home can also increase its value, especially if your neighborhood has plenty of homes with outdoor lighting.
Exterior residential lighting adds a great deal of value to your home and is one of the most important things you can do to improve it before selling. Homebuyers will be impressed by the way your home looks at dusk, with the warm glow of the exterior lighting encircling the house and garden areas. The lighting will also illuminate any features of the landscape, such as statues and trees, and create a magical feel to your property at night.
You can also use the outdoor lighting to highlight any architectural features of your property, such as walls and pillars, to make them stand out at night. You can even adjust the lighting to produce silhouettes of plants, trees, and other features of your garden area, which will captivate any visitors to your property.
In addition to highlighting the features of your property, exterior lighting can also make your walkways and pathways easier to navigate at night. This can help your guests avoid tripping and falling over obstacles that aren’t easily visible in the dark. It can also prevent them from wandering into dangerous territory or getting lost on your property. This will help them feel safe and secure when visiting your home at night. The safety aspect of outdoor lighting can make your home more appealing to potential buyers and may help you sell it faster.
Reduces light pollution
Light pollution can have a negative impact on the environment, human health, and wildlife. It occurs in multiple forms, including light trespass, glare, sky glow, and lighting clutter. All artificial lights emit some amount of photopollution, but the main sources are streetlights, lighted signs for businesses and homes, porch and patio lights, spotlights, and searchlights. Light pollution can be visible from miles away, and even satellites can detect cities with dense populations as bright spots in the night sky.
The simplest way to reduce light pollution is by turning off unnecessary outdoor lighting. When possible, close blinds or curtains to prevent glare. Ask your employer to turn off or dim after-hours business signage to avoid illuminating the exterior of buildings that aren’t in use. If your property uses outdoor lighting, choose bulbs with a low Kelvin rating. The lower the number, the warmer the color. Look for energy-efficient options with timers, motion sensors, and reflectors to conserve both money and energy.
Another way to reduce light pollution is to use fully shielded lighting fixtures. This reduces glare and light trespass while also cutting down on wasted energy. It’s important to consider the location of the fixture and the surface it will be mounted on when selecting a fixture type. For example, using a spot light to illuminate a sculpture is a great way to highlight an outdoor feature without adding too much illumination. Spotlights are a great option for this because they have a concentrated beam of light that limits how much illumination is spilled on the surrounding area. Additionally, look for LED lights with adjustable or “dimmable” functions. This will not only save money and energy but also set a more casual mood for your outdoor space.
Adds Interest
When most homeowners think of exterior lighting, they imagine a pair of decorative wall sconces by the front door and perhaps some lights along the walkway or some floodlights for security. While these elements can certainly add some curb appeal, there is much more that outdoor lighting can do to improve your home’s appearance and the functionality of your landscaping.
For instance, well-placed landscape lighting can highlight unique architectural features of your home or special garden elements that create visual interest even after the sun goes down. It can also illuminate a patio, deck, or pool area and provide a cozy ambiance for evening gatherings. A carefully planned and executed lighting upgrade can even enhance the curb appeal of a modest home, making it look more desirable in this buyer’s market.
Another advantage of landscape lighting is its versatility. It can be added in a phased approach, which alleviates the stress of making one big purchase and decision at once. This allows you to get started with a few lights and then gradually add more as your time, budget, and landscape space allow.
If you love spending time outdoors, a well-lit exterior is the perfect complement to your lifestyle. You’ll be able to relax after work in the comfort of your own backyard and entertain guests in a warmly lit setting without worrying about having to move the party indoors because it gets too dark. Whether you’re dining under the stars, hosting a barbecue, or having a romantic evening with your significant other, a beautifully lit landscape can set the stage for a memorable experience.
