Does your back porch light seem too dark? Is your front entryway not as inviting as you’d like? Adding new exterior lighting can dramatically transform how you experience your home at night. Updating outside fixtures can bring new life to your outdoor area and boost your curb appeal. Selecting the appropriate size, color, style, amount of illumination, and mounting height must all be considered. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to choose exterior lighting fixtures when enhancing your home’s exterior spaces.

What to Consider When Selecting Outdoor Light Fixtures

  • Size – You want to strike a balance between a light that illuminates a large portion of your space but doesn’t dominate the entire exterior. The size you choose will depend on the location. A side yard or driveway may be best suited for a larger light, while the lights flanking your front door should be smaller and more ornamental.
  • Color and Style – Next to size, opting for light fixtures that coordinate with your existing style scheme will help improve the overall aesthetic. If your home has brass fixtures or doorknobs, pairing these elements with light fixtures that have a similar finish creates a complete look.
  • Illumination – The goal of exterior lighting is to brighten a space without going too far. Side yards, driveways, or garages can use brighter bulbs or utility fixtures to maximize illumination. Porch, front door, and back decks can get by with smaller fixtures and softer, more dimmed lighting to create a cozy atmosphere.
  • Mounting Height – The height of the lighting fixture is critical for achieving the desired effect. For most wall-mounted lights, going eye-level is aesthetically pleasing. This is anywhere from 66 to 72 inches above the floor for most front doors, entries, and garage-mounted lights.

How to Choose Outdoor Lighting Fixtures for Your Home

In addition to the above considerations, the type of light used will make a big impact on how your outdoor light look and function. Now we’ll look at some of the lighting types available and when and where to use them.

  • Post Lights – These standalone fixtures work well for illuminating walkways or marking your yard’s perimeter.
  • Outdoor Wall Sconces – Intended to light up front doors, stoops, and entryways, these lights work well to flank the front door or illuminate a side entry.
  • Outdoor Chandelier – These larger, more ornamental fixtures can be used in a covered deck with extra space to spare.
  • Outdoor Table Lamp – Best used for open patios or back porches, these lights can be moved and dimmed as desired to create the perfect mood.

Need Help Installing New Outdoor Light Fixtures?

Depending on your design and needs, you may want to install new outdoor lighting fixtures. Particular wattages require a fixture that can handle the output. If you’re adding security lighting, you may need to wire some new fixtures in strategic places. If you want to expedite the process and ensure all of the wiring is done safely, give us a call and tell us about your project.

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