When it comes to outdoor lighting, most people think of the standard floodlights that are common in driveways and walkways. However, there’s so much more you can do with outdoor lighting to bring your home to life once the sun goes down.
Classic outdoor lighting ideas are a great way to add visual interest and beauty to the exterior of your home. Whether you have a small garden or an expansive lawn, some fantastic lighting ideas will take your property from drab to fabulous.
Apply Moonlighting Technique
For a unique twist on outdoor lighting, try applying the moonlighting technique. This is a simple way to light up your property where it looks like the moon is shining down and creates a romantic and mysterious mood. You can apply the moonlighting technique with either white or colored lights. To use this technique, simply install your lights high up, either on trees or other structures.
Add Lighted Art or Sculptures
Consider adding lighted art or sculptures to your yard for those with a more traditional style. This is especially great for your front yard if you have a space that would benefit from a focal point. There are a wide variety of yard art sculptures that feature built-in lights, including angels, scarecrows, and other whimsical pieces. For more traditional elements, you can add lights wired directly into the piece or with battery-operated lights.
If you have a garden with a fountain or urns, consider adding lights to them or installing a light in the garden. You can also add lights to your mailbox or front door. You can even install lights on your roof if you want to light up your whole property.
Wall Washing Technique
Wall washing is an effective way to light up your home and is excellent for highlighting architectural features, such as your facade, roofline, or an attractive wall. It’s also a good choice if you want to light up a room but don’t want to install lights inside.
Wall washing can work well with low voltage LED deck lights. While you can also use standard incandescent or halogen lights, LED lights will give you the most flexibility when setting up your lights and creating the desired effect.
To achieve a wall washing effect, take note of the angle and distance between the fixture and the feature. For optimal lighting, place the light several feet away from the fixture at a side angle. Floodlights are one of the best lights for a wall-washing effect. Once you’ve installed your lights, you can control them using a wall switch or remote control.
Set Up a Light Wall
Consider setting up a light wall on your property for an eye-catching effect with a modern twist. This is a great idea if you have a large, open space in front of your home and want to create an interesting focal point. A light wall can create a visually stunning display that draws attention and adds a modern feel to your home.
One option is to use a wall of LED panels and control them with a motion sensor, so they come on automatically when someone walks by. You can also set up a light wall using LED floodlights, aiming at your wall to create a striking display.
Use Lanterns in Your Garden
For a romantic, magical feel, consider using lanterns in your garden. You can hang them from trees or place them on the ground alongside your flower beds. There are a variety of different types of lanterns you can use.
These include colored glass lanterns, which add a nice visual effect and can be used to create a theme or style in your garden. There are also small solar-powered lanterns available that can be placed in your garden beds. While these are more functional than decorative, they’re a great way to light up your garden without adding overhead lights.
Install a Fire Pit
A fire pit is a great way to extend outdoor entertaining into the evenings. They’re also very stylish and are a great way to add some visual interest to your yard or garden. You can either install a new fire pit or repurpose an existing space by adding decorative bricks or stones and installing a fire bowl in the middle.
Many fire pit lights are available, including solar-powered lights that are easy to install and cost-effective. You can add decorative lights to your pit or use a fireplace mirror to reflect light into your yard or garden.
Try Color-Changing LEDs
While standard white lights are great, color-changing LEDs will add fun and excitement to your space. There are a wide variety of outdoor LED lights available that offer a variety of colors and options.
They include static or strobe modes, variable-speed color changes, and automated programs. You can use these lights in many areas of your property, including walkways and paths, borders around your garden, and decking.
While color-changing LEDs are a more expensive option than traditional lights, they’re a great way to add some vibrancy to your property. They’re also a great choice if you have children or pets, as they’re easier to clean up if they get smashed or broken.
Use the Uplighting Technique
Uplighting is a simple and effective way to light up your outdoors and is a great way to add visual interest to your property. You can use uplighting in several ways, including highlighting an architectural feature like a roof or wall or adding light to your outdoor furniture.
For architectural features, think about where the light will naturally fall, as this is where you’ll want to place the lights. You can also add a splash of color to your home by placing colored lights along the roofline. While uplighting is better for lighting up a large area, such as your patio or decking, spotlights are excellent for focused light. You can consider mixing the two to get the best of both.
Light Up Your Landscaping
Start by considering where the light will fall naturally. For example, if you have a large tree in your yard, it might naturally illuminate the area below it. Where you don’t have natural light, you can still light up your landscaping by installing path lights on your walkway or installing decorative lights in the borders of your garden.
Try to use light that mimics the natural light from the sun. While incandescent or halogen lights provide a warm light, LED lights are more neutral and provide light similar to natural daylight.
Outdoor lighting doesn’t need to be boring or basic. It’s a great way to add visual interest to your property. You can use outdoor lighting for different purposes, including highlighting architectural features, creating a relaxing space, or extending your entertaining hours.
When it comes to unconventional outdoor lighting, the possibilities are endless. From colored lights to wall washing, there are so many ways to bring your home to life with outdoor lighting.
