Let There Be Outdoor Lights
By the middle of the last century, most people enjoyed well-lit homes, and the light had started to spread outdoors as well. In the beginning, gardens were lit purely for visibility and safety, but once decorative lighting became a reality, there was no turning back. Today exterior lighting provides an exciting way to protect, beautify, and showcase properties, both brand-new and historic.
Simply updating exterior lighting can enhance safety and provide renewed curb appeal for most properties. Technology advancements in low voltage, high-efficiency light-emitting diodes (LEDs) make it possible to increase lighting while creating dramatic nightscapes that are both functional and more cost-effective.
With the constant advancements in lighting and installation challenges, exterior lighting is not always a do-it-yourself project. You would want someone with experience and expertise in addition to a licensed, bonded, certified electrician. Prepare a list of questions and expectations to achieve the most significant impact for the budget. When lightscapes are created with well-placed lighting, a property is showcased, and the results are almost magic; they also add real and perceived value to your property.
With warmer days coming, you’re probably spending most of your time enjoying the great outdoors, relaxing in your garden, or hosting friends for dinner. Don’t let the fun stop once the sun goes down just because your outdoor lighting is nonexistent or inefficient. Not all outdoor lighting is created the same, and it requires more than just putting up a wall light or some string lights and calling it a day. You need to know the types of outdoor lighting, where to place fixtures, how to calculate how much lighting you need, and much more. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy those fun nights even more.
Know the light types
There are three different types of lighting: task, ambient and accent. Ambient lighting sets the mood and can be achieved through hanging lights, post lights, and wall lights. Task lighting includes pathway lights, plus deck and security lights. And you can get accent outdoor lighting with landscape kits and spotlights; they provide drama by drawing attention to plantings or architectural elements. Mixing up these three lighting types ensures that your outdoor space will be safe and cosy with a dash of excitement.
Know your space
Before you start shopping, you’ll need to figure out exactly how much lighting you need so that you know the difference between wiring for low wattage that may be romantic but dim and fully overblown system.
Plan when choosing fixtures
Observe your space and take measurements, so you don’t choose fixtures that are too large-scale. For either the front porch or the back patio, the size of an outdoor wall light should be approximately one-third of the door’s height. For a quick lawn fix, use a landscape lighting kit. These kits typically consist of several ground spot lights strung together on a single cord. Arrange them in a garden to cast dramatic shadows or place them around a patio’s perimeter to set a festive mood.
Know to get LEDs
LEDs are flexible, low-maintenance, and last up to 50,000 hours before you have to change them. However, LED’s are not compatible with all dimmers. If you have a dimmer, make sure that it will work with your LED bulbs.
Know that less is more
When you’re choosing your system, avoid going bright. This is particularly true if you have enough space for outdoor dining. Nobody likes to eat with a spotlight on their face. Go for a restful glow by installing indirect lighting. Dimmers are also helpful by providing the flexibility that can take you from a soft mood for entertaining to a brighter scene when you’re cleaning up.
Take a look from inside your home
This can help you decide on which lighting to choose and how to place it around your yard. Lighting gardens or shrubbery that can be seen from living or dining rooms give a room-expanding view to the outside at night. Think path lighting for garden areas, or use solar outdoor lighting for a quick and easy style update.
Think about security
Outdoor lighting not only provides ambience but can also secure your home. All entry points of the home should be well lit. For added security, illuminate any side of the house in the shadows with spotlights installed on your eaves or use wall lanterns at side doors, windows, and garages.
Whatever your outdoor lighting needs, our team of licensed electricians is available to work lighting magic to your home or outdoor space into the showplace of your dreams.
Contact us today to find out how we can help.
Nigel Adams - Surrey Electricians
Email: info@nigeladamselectrical.com
Tel: 01483 232066
Mob: 07850 268024
