Positioning your outdoor lights strategically can create an inviting space, but poorly positioning them can have the opposite effect. So, where exactly should outdoor lights be placed on a house? This article takes an in-depth look at where you should place your lights and why it matters.
Why Install Outdoor Lights?
Before you decide where to place your outdoor lights, it’s important to understand why they’re an important purchase to begin with. Outdoor lights not only enhance security, but they also help brighten dark spots around your property, making it safer to walk around at night.
But positioning your outdoor lights correctly takes some forethought. You don’t want to overlight your home’s exterior, but you also don’t want to leave patches of dark spots. To get an idea of where to place lights, walk around your property. This will help determine what kinds of outdoor lights you’ll need to purchase and where you should place them. Here are some ideas on where to put your lights.
Front Porch or Doorway
Lights on your front porch or doorway are important for two reasons. It illuminates the area, and it allows you to see who’s at your front door.
When you install lights on your front porch or doorway, aim for an ambiance rather than a spotlight. In addition, angle the lights away from any doors or windows, as this can affect visibility. One way to create soft lighting is to install two lanterns with frosted glass on either side of your door, placed above eye level (or roughly 66-72 inches from the ground). And to achieve soft lighting, use 40W LED bulbs or 120V lanterns. If you have a large porch, consider adding a ceiling light as well. This will throw soft light into the dark corners.
Garage and Driveway
One of the best ways to light up a garage and driveway is to place a 7-8 foot lantern at the entrance of your driveway. You can also install outdoor lights on either side of the garage as well as along the driveway. Just be sure to point the lights away from the driveway itself so they don’t blind drivers pulling into your property. If you want a more natural look (instead of an airport runway look), space the lights about 10-15 feet apart and stagger them so they’re on alternating sides.
Another way to illuminate your driveway is to place a light in a tree and aim it downward so it gives off a soft, ambient glow. Consider motion-sensor lights, too, as they’ll turn on only when a visitor (animal or human) approaches.
Patios
Wondering where to fit pendant lights? Patios can be the ideal space for colorful pendant lights or even a chandelier. If you opt for a chandelier, hang it 7 feet above the ground so it’s not in anyone’s way. Use pendant lights to create a festive atmosphere, and add small lights next to seating areas to push the visibility up a notch. Just remember to safely position your lights so guests and family members aren’t tripping over them.
If your patio is a place to hang out once the sun goes down, think about insects. Many insects are attracted to lights, so it may be a good idea to switch to yellow-toned bug bulbs. Bug bulbs give off light in the 650 nm (yellow) range, which many insects can’t see.
Pathways
If you’re worried about people walking safely in your garden at night, install pathway lights along your garden path or near steps. You can use low-wattage bulbs to create a soft, warm glow. Place the lights on the edge of your steps or pathway so they brighten up the path without getting in the way. You can use recessed lighting too, as these lights blend seamlessly into your landscape design.
If you have a long path, install lights every 6-8 feet to ensure no area of the path has dark spots, and stagger the lights so you’ll get a more interesting look. You may want to combine pathway lights with accent lights to highlight features along the path, such as sculptures, plants, or trees.
Want more options? Try the moonlight effect. This involves placing a light in your tree and aiming it downward so it creates a moonlight effect over the path. Lastly, pay special attention to pathways that curve or change elevation. You may want to add a little bit more light in these areas to enhance safety.
Architectural Features
Lastly, don’t forget about your architectural features. Are you particularly proud of the water fountain or sculpture you shipped in just for your garden? You can use a spotlight or floodlight and position it just above the feature to illuminate it. Alternatively, you can create a dramatic backlit effect by positioning the light between the wall of your house and the object.
Fort Myers Mister Sparky Electricians
When it’s time to install outdoor lights on your property, turn to the electricians at Mister Sparky. Whether you need task lighting for your outdoor pool or ambient lighting for your flower bed, our Fort Myers team is here to help.
We’ll not only give you professional insights on where to place your lights, but we’ll also ensure that your electrical system can handle the additional load. If we need to make electrical adjustments, our electricians will take care of it so your system can support the higher amperage. This step is important as it ensures you don’t overload your circuits or electrical panel.
Our electricians also remain informed about the latest technologies when it comes to outdoor lighting. That means we can help with motion sensors and smart technology, giving you greater control over your lighting system, even when you’re not at home.
Besides installing outdoor lights, we maintain and repair them too. If you’re having trouble with your lights, don’t put up with any malarky. Call Mister Sparky instead. We’re prompt, professional, and efficient.
