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Outdoor lighting is an excellent way to improve and elevate your backyard, walkways, gardens, patios, and other exterior areas. The right backyard lighting fixtures can not only add ambiance to your surroundings while enhancing your home’s curb appeal, but also provide critical illumination for evening use as well as for safety and security.
But all outdoor lighting isn’t created equal — both in terms of form and function. In this blog, we’ll share key considerations in outdoor lighting design. We’ll also highlight common outdoor lighting types like wall-mounted fixtures and string lights, along with providing backyard lighting ideas, patio light ideas, and other decorative outdoor lighting ideas to help you create a stylish and well-lit exterior lighting plan.
Designing an Outdoor Lighting Plan
Effective outdoor lighting can do everything from illuminating the walkways leading to your home to deterring would-be criminals. And that’s just its functional potential.
Exterior lighting can also help create beautiful outdoor spaces that reflect your personal taste, showcase the beauty of your home and property, and create an inviting environment for family and friends.
However, in order for outdoor lighting to reach all of its potential, you must first ask (and answer) some basic questions, starting with: What are your goals for the space? Because as with all good design, form serves function.
For example, perhaps you’re looking to create an outdoor dining space where you and your guests can enjoy meals together long after the sun goes down.
Or maybe your goal is to highlight certain architectural features, gardens, or other exterior elements.
And then there’s the space you’re working with. For example, if you’re illuminating a porch or other structure, wall-mounted fixtures like sconces may be an optimal solution. For lighting walkways and pathways, meanwhile, lantern posts and recessed solar path lights may be more appropriate.
Three Outdoor Lighting Ideas
By now, you should have a better sense of your lighting needs and goals. Here, we’ll identify three popular types of outdoor lighting, along with ideas for integrating them into your outdoor lighting plan.
1. Chandeliers and other outdoor ceiling lights
We often think of chandeliers for the glamour they contribute to indoor spaces like dining rooms, bedrooms, and foyers. However, they can have the same impact in outdoor areas like covered decks and porches. If you’re looking to amp up the drama for a truly unforgettable outdoor space for entertaining, then a dazzling chandelier will deliver — and then some.
There are several variations on this theme that may be more appropriate, depending on factors like your personal design style and the characteristics of the space.
For example, if you prefer a more modern or minimalist look, consider a hanging pendant light instead of a chandelier.
Or perhaps you’re working with a lower ceiling but still want to make a statement? A bold semi-flush mount or flush mount lighting offers a low profile with a high potential for impact.
Finally, if you’d like to promote air circulation in an outdoor space during the sweltering days of summer, exterior fans create a captivating breeze.
2. Sconces and wall lanterns
If your outdoor space lacks a ceiling or other form of overhead structure, sconces, and wall lanterns are excellent alternatives to hanging lights. Affixed to a porch wall, fence, or garden wall, these fixtures provide essential illumination as well as an element of design.
Sconces and wall lanterns are also excellent additions to entryway areas. For example, flanking your front door with a striking pair of wall lanterns safely welcomes visitors to your home while adding character and curb appeal.
One of the most exciting things about lighting today is the breadth and depth of offerings. The takeaway? Whether your personal style is more modern and minimalist or classic and traditional, you can find a fixture that speaks to your taste and desired aesthetic for your space.
3. Pathway lighting
When installed at regular interviews along walkways and outdoor stairs, landscape lighting in the backyard is an important practical safety measure. However, it has the potential to be much more than that.
Available in many forms from subtle built-in downlights that offer a gentle glow on dark nights to post lights that also add daytime charm by complementing your home’s facade, they directly influence the look and feel of your backyard.
Further versatility is offered thanks to the availability of solar-powered lanterns, LED path lights, and other outdoor lighting options.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor patio lighting ideas, the perfect ceiling light for your deck, or the best landscape lighting for your home, Fashion Light Center is your go-to for an elegant and extensive selection of outdoor lighting fixtures from the world's leading lighting brands for all interior and exterior areas of your home.
To arrange for your exterior lighting consultation or to discuss another lighting concern, contact the FLC team today.
