Your outdoor spaces should never be overlooked. They give your home’s first impression, create a welcoming atmosphere, and provide an excellent place to relax with friends and family. You cannot, therefore, undervalue the importance of decorating and styling your home’s exterior in a way that complements the space’s aesthetics and functional requirements as well as your home’s style.
Outdoor wall lights are one of the most effective decorative and functional elements you can use in your yard. That being said, the following are the most important factors to consider when selecting outdoor lighting for your home:
Many outdoor lighting fixtures are made of metal; however, not all metal fixtures are the same. Aluminum is a popular choice among low-income homeowners due to its affordability and durability. Furthermore, the material is rust-and dust-resistant. However, due to oxidation, paint applied to aluminum tends to fade over time. However, powder-coated aluminum is an option that will cost you more money.
While stainless steel looks great in modern homes, it is extremely prone to corrosion and dust. Choose this material only if you have the time and resources to clean and maintain it on a regular basis.
Brass, a copper and zinc alloy, can last for years but has a higher initial investment cost. Although brass is more durable than copper, they are identical in beauty, weather resistance, and color. Copper outdoor lighting fixtures, on the other hand, are less expensive than their brass counterparts.
While large lighting fixtures can add more light to a large yard, they will likely dwarf your home and draw attention away from it. It is beneficial to select a lighting fixture size that complements the other elements in your yard. For example, you should avoid installing fixtures that block the doorway. When it comes to garage wall lighting, choose fixtures that are a quarter or third of the width of the doorframe.
Choosing lights that cover a specific area sufficiently but not excessively is another key to getting the fixture size right. If you want to illuminate your lawn, for example, choose flood lights, you can opt for a vanity mirror with lights.
Floodlights are not the best choice for decorating a pathway; instead, install a few path lights.
There are three types of outdoor lighting installation locations: dry, damp, and wet. Similarly, knowing the difference between them is essential for ensuring the safe installation of your lighting.
Dry-rated outdoor lighting fixtures, which are easily damaged by moisture, are best suited for areas away from dampness, such as covered patios.
On the other hand, damp-rated lights are ideal for areas that do not receive direct exposure to water, snow, or rain. Outside the bathroom window, the outdoor kitchen, and the carport are examples of such locations.
Wet-rated outdoor lights are built to withstand storms, heavy rains, and strong winds. These devices can be installed in pergolas, verandas, and exposed gazebos.
You should also consider the current weather conditions in your area. Installing dry-rated lights in exposed areas of your yard, for example, is not a bad idea if the area receives sunlight for the majority of the year.
Keep in mind that there are numerous outdoor lighting options, and selecting the right one can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
There are posts lights that are installed on top of posts or poles. When shopping for a post light, look for a wet rating to ensure that you get a waterproof product. As for all lights, they are installed on walls or other vertical surfaces. Patios, garages, and porches are ideal locations for them.
