A home in Houston, TX, with residential landscape lighting

Making Your Home Presentable With A Houston Outdoor Lighting

Posted by Robert Huff on

6 Key Tips For A Good Outdoor Lighting In Houston

There is certainly a lot more to outdoor lighting than you might think. When properly implemented, it can shine a light on your home and garden to make it much more presentable at night. When done improperly, it will not only be unnecessarily expensive, but it can turn out to be a complete eyesore and it can cause a lot of neighbor complaints. By knowing what to do and what not to do, you should be able to make the best possible outdoor lighting decisions for your home. Below, you will see some of the key tips that you should be implemented to ensure you are able to get the most out of your outdoor lighting efforts.

1. Outdoor Circuits

When crafting your plan, you should be figuring out the optimal starting point for your circuit. After all, the further you place a light from a transformer, the less bright it will shine. Because of this, you need to avoid overloading your circuit with lights. You want to stick to a maximum of around 100 watts per line. While your transformer should be capable of supporting your outdoor lighting requirements, try to discuss it with a professional electrician before anything.

2. Less Is Typically More

When it comes to outdoor lighting, you should adhere to the philosophy that ‘less is more.’ Because outdoor lighting should be much more subtle in nature, you don’t want to overdo it. You don’t want to light up your back yard and garden as if it’s a baseball park. Instead, stick to the ‘less is more’ philosophy and use the right outdoor light for each feature you are looking to illuminate. For instance, using smaller path lights for walkways, underwater lights for fountains, and more.

3. Aesthetically Pleasing & Safe

Avoid doing anything that is going to put you in harm’s way. Outdoor lighting is meant for the outdoors. Therefore, you want to ensure that you are using the right equipment and not putting yourself at risk for disaster with your wiring and channeling. If needed, it is always recommended to call on a professional electrician to be certain your wiring is safe and effective.

4. Energy Saving

Getting outdoor lighting may seem like an unnecessary expense or addition, it’s not that expensive. Simply find the right types of lighting and find ways to improve your lighting in your backyard and garden at an affordable price. There are plenty of ways you can do so without wasting energy including installing solar lighting. You can also use LED lighting which utilizes a lot less energy than standard bulbs.

5. Think About The Long Term

Having outdoor lighting that is going to be capable of withstanding a lot of the different weather conditions and seasons that it will be put through is key. Because of this, you want to think about your respective climate to ensure that you are choosing the right lighting for your garden. Also, think about the changes to your garden during different seasons to ensure your lighting is going to have a positive effect on the aesthetics of your garden each season. After all, your lighting will essentially become apart of your garden so you should be thinking about how it can coexist.

It’s always worth hiring a professional outdoor lighting designer in order to help you make the right decisions and to ensure your lighting is installed properly. Give us a call or contact us today if you need help with your outdoor lighting and for more pieces of information! Please feel free to visit our blog for more related topics and articles.

Want To Improve Your Outdoor Lighting In Houston? Here’s A Professional Advice

Posted by Robert Huff on

Outdoor Lighting Tips & Advice From Our Lighting Experts In Houston

Part 3

4. Scale

You work out what will suit your outdoor space and consider the scale of the area in question. The size and dimension of your yard will influence the plans and type of lights you will purchase. Your options could be as follows:

  • Post & Pier Mount Lights: The size of these lighting fixtures will differ based on factors such as the number of bulbs. A post-mounted design stands at a height of roughly 7 feet.
  • Front Porch Wall Lights: Setting up a porch wall light, fix it up at about a third the height of the door. If you are thinking of installing two of them, they should be fixed at roughly 1/4 of the door’s height.
  • Ceiling & Hanging Lights: The areas (the patio, deck, or porch) you plan to install the hanging lights should be tall enough to accommodate the fixtures. Therefore, pick a design and style that is proportional to the patio, deck, or porch.

5. Maintenance

If you will have maintenance concerns and want to keep your power bills low, then solar-powered lighting systems are the way to go. As for wattage, then consider the glass-shaded bulbs that have 75 – 100 watts. If the bulbs are exposed, go for those that are below 60 watts.

Fortunately, most outdoor lighting features are designed to endure wet or damp conditions, which is another issue worth considering. The wet-rated ones are suitable for areas that are directly exposed to rain and wind. The post lights, wall lights, and motion sensor lights should be rated for wet locations.

The lights rated for damp places can be ideal for installation in areas like pergolas, patios, and other sites that are not directly exposed to rain or moisture. Hence, outdoor hanging lights are rated for damp locations.

6. Cost

With so many designs, types, sizes, and styles of outdoor lighting solutions available, it is expected for the prices of these fixtures to vary significantly. To determine the amount you will spend, you should browse different lighting fixtures and compare their costs. Keep in mind that whatever is cheap might not necessarily be a money-saving investment, and the quote prices might not include the installation costs.

Think of the amount of energy the bulbs will demand and how this will impact your ongoing costs. Furthermore, remember to check the durability of the lights to determine how often you will replace them, then factor this into the costing of your outdoor lighting.

7. Power

While solar power can be a cost-effective option, it might not suffice for your entire outdoor lighting system. Some patios, decks, and porches are best powered with electricity.

Nonetheless, you can keep the energy demand at a minimum by picking low voltage fixtures. For this, you can work with bulbs that operate at 12 volts and are easy to install or replace.

Conversely, you can opt for line voltage lighting with works with lights that use 120 volts. For this, you will have to include some safety features like a conduit and junction box to protect the wiring.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today if you need a professional lighting designer with your outdoor lighting design. Missed the first issue of this article? Click here!

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Want To Improve Your Outdoor Lighting In Houston? Here’s A Professional Advice

Posted by Robert Huff on

Outdoor Lighting Tips & Advice From Our Lighting Experts In Houston

Part 2

2. The Variety Of Fixtures To Pick From

  • Path Lights: Path lighting is one of the common elements in landscape lighting designs. The bulbs are often mounted on small posts or available as a post with built-in lights and capped with a diffuser. You can use path lights to frame out your garden and even spread out down the paths and driveway. You can install them around a pond or lining the edges of your garden.
  • Ceiling Lights & Hanging Lights: They both are classified and hanging lights and are best suited for damp locations where they are not exposed to wet conditions. You can install them as a featured light or integrated them into a surface since they often have a brighter illumination. You can find hanging and ceiling lights in an array of style options and brightness levels.
  • Wall Lights: They are a common feature in the front and back porch areas of most homes. The lighting features can be mounted vertically on the surfaces and tend to be durable and offer an attractive illumination. That is why most outdoor wall lights are used as decorative installations that provide an accent or ambient light that is not blinding. Consider them if you want something to light up your porch or patio.
  • Post Lights & Pier Mount Lights: They are light fixtures mounted on posts or top of a structure for an overhead illumination. You will find these installed on fences, gates, entries, and even around a decking. Since the pier-mount or post lights are fixed in exposed surfaces or sections, what you pick should have an excellent wet-rating meaning they can withstand rain, moisture, and various weather conditions. The pier mount lights are somewhat similar to the post lights, but they are meant to go on top of walls or columns.
  • Landscape Lights: With the landscape lights, you will have to work with fixtures that provide a low illumination. They will have a low wattage; thus, they must be set up in a small voltage system independent from the ceiling and wall lights. You can combine spot, path, and floodlights to create a layered illumination. The spotlights can be used to highlight various landscaping elements like trees, bushes, sculptural details, or unique features of the building. You achieve a seamless presentation, ensuring the good lights are recessed into the ground so that you achieve some uniformity in your hardscape and landscape setting.
  • Deck & Step Lights: The deck and step lighting are installed directly into the hardscapes, working as an accent and safety features for architectural details and stairs in the dark. You can opt for them if you need fixtures that radiate entertainment spaces or down stone walls.

3. Safety & Security Concerns

As you plan the outdoor lighting design, consider how it will help enhance safety and security. You must understand your location so that you can formulate the ideal lighting system that might include Wi-Fi controlled LEDs and even motion sensor capabilities. Your primary focus should be on the entry points like the main gate, driveway, front door, and garage.

The motion sensors will help alert you of any movement, especially when you combine that feature with bright bulbs. Such a set up can help ward off intruders. When you have such concerns, you will benefit from the following options:

  • Dusk To Dawn Lights: They are fitted with photo sensors that trigger them to turn on and off when the sun’s light fades, giving way for the night. The fixtures are what to get if you need a system that lights up automatically and when required.
  • Motion Sensor Lights: The lights turn on when triggered by nearby movements; hence, they are best applied as security lights. You can install them in areas that have high traffic. Moreover, the best models of these lighting fixtures allow you to set the angle and range of the motion sensor, with these features varying from one model and design to the next.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today if you need a professional lighting designer with your outdoor lighting design. For the rest of this article please click here.

Want To Improve Your Outdoor Lighting In Houston? Here’s A Professional Advice

Posted by Robert Huff on

Outdoor Lighting Tips & Advice From Our Lighting Experts In Houston

Part 1

You can use outdoor lighting to bring your exterior facades and your yard to life. You can install fixtures for illuminating the landscape, added security, or creating a dramatic effect that enhances the aesthetics of your outdoor space. While such an installation might be somewhat a straightforward affair, much of what it entails makes this fall under the purview of an experienced landscaping architect.

Consider working with a professional that understands how the outdoor lighting works and how to integrate it with a building and its surroundings. It is not just about knowing how to find and make the most of the sweet spot between light and dark, but also taking advantage of shadows and using contrasts to create intriguing illumination solutions that make spaces look exciting.

To make sure you start on the right footing, you should work with a thought-out design that will guide your choices and ensure you achieve the desired results. Keep in mind that the fixtures you install will not only light up objects and surfaces but also add some drama to them, making them stand out.

For instance, the security lighting can light the entryways and paths leading to the house, but they can also be used to highlight the architectural features of your home. Hence, identify the areas you can shine a light on and find the most suitable lighting solutions for each. While doing this, try to understand the various types of fixtures available, comparing each against the other to come up with the perfect lighting plan. Also, think of the security levels they provide as well as their maintenance demands.

Such issues are addressed in the following guide, which aims to help ease the process for you when trying to figure out what to pick and the different ways you can illuminate your outdoor space.

1. Types Of Outdoor Lighting

  • Task Lighting: Your design plan should start with the task lighting, which will brighten up the entrances and pathways. You need to install these lights to help with safety and security in your outdoors. Options include deck lighting, pathway lights, step lights, among others. If the fixtures are installed in an area where it will be exposed to the elements, consider getting those with an excellent wet-rating. Moreover, ensure the light fixture is suited for the outdoor lighting you need.
  • Ambient Lighting: You need these features for your overall outdoor lighting. However, avoid going for bulbs that are too bright. Pick those that lower lumens or wattage; their illumination is adequate for dark spaces that need not be made bright at night. Post lights, wall lights, and any other options that emit a comfortable level of brightness devoid of glare, yet allowing people to see where they are walking will be an ideal choice.
  • Accent Lighting: You can add some drama to your outdoors using accent lights. They help create visual interests that draw peoples towards an object or surface. Take the time to think of your doorway, paths, and landscaping, as well as other features like trees, water fountains, or planting areas when planning how you will illuminate them.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today if you need a professional lighting designer with your outdoor lighting design. Click here for the second issue of this article?

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How To Save Energy On Your Outdoor Lighting In Houston

Posted by Robert Huff on

5 Tips On How To Save Energy On Your Houston Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lights are a favorite for many households. They are great for front and back yard aesthetics and decorations. Besides, outdoor lighting provides the perfect setting for arranging evening parties in your backyard and also secures your home. However, outdoor lighting has a major disadvantage, the amount of energy spent and the related bills. But, as experienced outdoor lighting professionals, we understand that homeowners can utilize outdoor lighting that saves energy, leading to energy efficiency and cost savings.

1. Pick LED OR CFL Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs fitted on the front yard are mostly left on for the entire night, meaning a lot of energy is used up. Instead of using incandescent on your front porch, we recommend you switch to light-emitting diode (LED) or compact fluorescent lights (CFL) bulbs.

2. Use Timers With Your Lights

Your electricity costs will drop significantly if you set your outdoor lights with a photocell to sense daylight or a motion sensor, or both. By doing this, your outdoor lighting will only be turned on when it is necessary. We advise that you avoid using CFLs with sensors since the sensors will reduce the life of your CFL lights. The electrodes in a CFL are negatively impacted by each instance of starting voltage which leads to gradual deterioration and eventual breakdown. The key factor that influences the longevity of a CFL bulb is the number of times that it is turned on. On the other hand, LEDs cope perfectly when used with sensors.

3. Always Clean The Lights

Ensuring that your outdoor light fixtures and bulbs are always clean will prolong their life. Any dirt that settles on the bulbs will absorb light and reduce the efficiency of your lights. To clean your lights, turn them off to allow the bulbs to cool, then spray them with a cleaning spray before wiping them with a microfiber cloth.

4. Solar Lighting Fixtures

The sun will do you a huge favor on saving the energy consumption of your outdoor lighting. Though Houston experiences rain in some periods, the majority of the days are sunny. So, make maximum use of the sunlight, and experiment with outdoor solar lighting. Solar lights are designed in several unique styles and perform effectively when used to line pathways to your house or the driveways.

5. Twinkly Lights

Twinkly lights radiate a welcoming ambiance and warm glow that is perfect for patios. The common twinkly string lightings have LED and solar versions, besides, LED lights to consume 50-80% lower energy than incandescent bulbs. This assists them to have a longer life and remain cool, which also helps in reducing fire risk.

In the Houston landscape lighting field, Robert Huff Landscape Illumination has more than 3 decades of experience. Based in Houston, TX, we are a fully insured and licensed lighting company that also provides outdoor lighting within Austin, TX. Our warm commercial lighting and outdoor home lighting team in Houston will liaise with you to deliver a customized lighting layout that is effective, affordable, and beautiful to look at. We guarantee a superior level of professional service and responsibility for every project we handle. Throughout every stage of our service, we will provide quality that will transform your ordinary home into a magnificent place.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

Knowing How Our Outdoor Lights Are Wired In Houston

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Tips For Wiring Your Houston Outdoor Lights

Like other types of light, most outdoor lights need electricity to operate. That electricity is usually provided through wires. Having said that, there is no need to panic about your outdoor space getting overrun with wires. Most wiring for outdoor lighting runs underground, meaning that you won’t even see the wires after they are in place. Any above-ground wiring is usually designed to blend with the surrounding area so that it isn’t noticeable at a glance. Read on to get some helpful tips on wiring outdoor lights.

Every lighting situation requires a unique solution when it comes to wiring. For instance, the type of lighting that you choose for a pathway will usually be a lot different than what you choose for a driveway. The section below outlines some of the most popular ways to wire outdoor light fixtures.

Understanding Transformers

If you use transformers to power your outdoor lights, each light fixture is wired to the transformer. The wires themselves can either be above or below the ground. The transformer is then plugged into an outdoor outlet. Below is some more information so you can get a better idea of how these devices operate.

Transformers help your lights work in one of two ways: they either use a photocell or a timer. Transformers that operate on a timer are designed to automatically turn the lights off or on at specific times of the day. Transformers with a photocell, on the other hand, automatically detect the level of light outside, turning the lights on when it gets dark and shutting them off when it gets light. Transformers like these are popular for use in ponds.

Wiring The Lights To A Switch

Nothing is quite as satisfying as turning on a light switch and having your whole outdoor space light up. Wiring your outdoor light fixtures to a switch inside your home is a great option. There are a couple of different methods that you can use to accomplish this. The first is to wire the lights directly to the switch. The second option is to wire the lights to a transformer that is plugged into an outdoor outlet. The switch inside your home provides power to the outlet, which turns on the transformer and activates the lights. With this option, you can either turn on the lights manually or you can wait and allow them to turn on automatically when the sun goes down.

Solar Lighting

Solar lights rely on the sun upon for power. They do best in extremely sunny conditions. One of the greatest things about lights like these is that they don’t require any wiring. Typically, they have LED bulbs, which means that they use very little energy. That makes them a lot more practical than halogen bulbs for solar applications.

The Downsides To Solar Lighting

While solar lighting is easy to install, it does have some drawbacks. For one thing, the lights themselves lack the brightness of lights that are powered by electricity. This usually has to do with where they are placed. Lights that aren’t directly in the sun won’t get as bright as lights that are located in sunny areas.

No matter what type of lighting you opt for, adding outdoor lights can brighten up your home.

Lighting Up Your Exterior Space

When properly installed, outdoor lighting can enhance your home, making it much more beautiful after dark. When incorrectly designed, however, it can look a little bit garish and overdone. The key to lighting the outside of your home is to use a light touch, only placing lights in the most important areas. If you need help designing your outdoor lighting, reach out to Houston Window Coverings today.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

Ideal Things To Do To Correctly Investing In Outdoor Lighting In Houston

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7 Tips To Help You Get It Right When Investing In Houston Outdoor Lighting

With summer now here with us, you most likely are gearing up to enjoying the great outdoors. Your backyard may become your favorite place to chill in when you are at home or when hosting your friends for lunch or dinner. Therefore, the fun should not stop when the sun sets because you do not have any outdoor lighting.

When investing in the outdoor lights, keep in mind that the lighting options are not created the same. Moreover, setting up the lights involves more than installing them on the walls or hanging string lights from the roof. You should strive to create an elegant ambiance, and this demands that you choose the right lighting fixture.

1. Include These Types

When planning the lighting, you need to account for three basic types: task, ambiance, and accent. That means you need to pick the right kind of lights for each of the three. The task lighting will be the lights you install to illuminate the walkway, deck, driveway, patio, and the security lights. The ambiance lighting will be what you fit on the walls, posts, and string from the roof. As for the accent lighting, you will be working with lights that enhance your landscaping; this can include options such as spotlights.

2. Calculate

Before heading out to buy the outdoor lights, you should know how many fixtures you need and which kind. For this, you will need to get a pen and paper and do some calculations. You will take the square footage of your yard and multiply it by 1.5 to estimate the required total wattage. Therefore, a 100sq. feet area will need 150watts.

3. Make Your Pick In Advance

After doing your calculations and figuring the wattage, you then will focus on the type of lighting fixtures you need. You will take into account their size and installation position before you go to buy them. You will need to draw a template of the layout on paper and use it to determine the placement of each light. For instance, for the patio at the back or the front porch, you will position the wall lights a height that is one-third that of the door.

4. Use LEDs

LEDs that the best investment when it comes to lighting up your backyard. The lights are cost-effective, less energy demanding, and last longer than the incandescent or halogen bulbs. Moreover, LEDs need little to no maintenance.

5. Seek Inspiration Inside Your Home

If you feel lost when figuring out the layout plan for the outdoor lights or what to pick, you can get some idea from inside your house and the arrangement of your outdoor space. Look at the garden and how the pathways flow, consider the size and design of your patio and then image what lighting fixtures will accentuate them. If you are thinking of creating a lit area of your outdoor dinners, then get some inspirations from your dining or living rooms.

6. Use Subtle Light For Entertainment Areas

Bright spotlights will be a distraction to your guests when they are seated enjoying their outdoor meal. As such, you should consider installing lamps with a soft glow. Subtlety is the name of the game when it comes to lighting up the outdoor dining areas, and the lights should be installed to give indirect lighting. Pendants, ceiling fans that have light kits, and lanterns are excellent options worth considering.

7. Think About Security

Lastly, remember that outdoor lighting is not just about enhancing the aesthetics of your yard. They also should help secure your home. Given this, you need fixtures that will ensure that all entry points are well lit. For instance, you can install wall lanterns on either side of the garage and a single lamp above the main door to light up the front porch. You can fit spotlights on the eaves of your roof at selected sides of the house that are in the shadows.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

Great Suggestions To Plan & Purchase Your Houston Outdoor Lighting

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A Complete Guide To Planning & Purchasing Outdoor Lighting For Your Home In Houston

When designing lighting for an outdoor space, it is important to not only think about how it will look but also how it will function. The information below will help you purchase light fixtures that not only enhance the appearance of your home but also help you get more out of your outdoor space.

Three Benefits Of Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting provides a number of advantages. Understanding these advantages will help you come up with an effective plan for your lighting needs. Here are three benefits that this type of lighting provides:

1. Create A More Beautiful Home

Outdoor lighting can have a dramatic impact on how attractive your home is from the street. Small touches like path lights or post lights can go a long way toward making your home seem more inviting. To get the best results, choose more than one area to install the lighting. Creating layers of lighting like this add depth and character to your outdoor space.

2. Add A Sense Of Cohesion To Your Home’s Exterior

Carrying the same style of lighting throughout your entire landscape can help unify the space, creating a consistent look that enhances the appearance of your home.

3. Create A Safer, More Secure Home

When designed correctly, a good outdoor lighting plan will enhance your home’s security and make your outdoor area safer after dark.

Selecting Lighting For Your Outdoor Space

Outdoor lighting comes in a wide range of styles, each suited to different applications. Some of the most popular options are listed below.

Wall-Mounted Lights

Suitable Locations: Decks And Porches, Outdoor Patios, Entrances, Near Garage Doors

These light fixtures are designed with a flat back that allows them to be mounted directly on a wall. They are typically mounted near entryways or in other areas where extra light is required. With many attractive design options available, these sturdy lights are ideal for lighting up the exterior of your home.

Ceiling-Mounted Lights & Pendant Lights

Suitable Locations: Porches Or Patios With Roofs

These outdoor lights are designed to be mounted on a ceiling, making them a great choice for porches or patios with roofs. Even though they can withstand damp conditions, they shouldn’t be mounted in locations where they are exposed to the rain.

Pier Mount Or Post Lights

Suitable Locations: At The End Of Sidewalks Or Driveways, Decks, Patios

As you might guess from their name, a post light is designed to be attached to the top of a post. These lights are typically rated for wet locations, meaning that they can be placed in areas that get direct rain. That means that they can be installed in unprotected areas like at the front of the driveway or near the edge of the sidewalk.

Each light fixture has unique post requirements in terms of both size and style. When shopping, always read the post requirements carefully.

Pier mount lights are similar to post lights. The primary difference is that they are meant to be installed on top of walls or columns rather than posts. In some cases, you can purchase adapters for post lights that allow them to be installed on walls or columns instead of standard posts.

Security Lights

Suitable Locations: Near Sidewalks Or Garages, Close To Entrances, In Out-Of-The-Way Areas Like Alleys

To enhance your home’s security and to create a safer outdoor environment, security lights with built-in motion sensors are the way to go. When activated, these lights flood the entire area with light, helping to drive any potential intruders away.

From a safety standpoint, lights with motion sensors can also be beneficial. For instance, mounting a light that turns on automatically near an entryway makes it easier to see where you are going so you are less likely to trip.

Landscape Lighting

Suitable Locations: Flowerbeds, Gardens, Close To Water Features, Near Trees And Shrubs

Low-voltage landscape lights operate independently from your other outdoor lighting. Path lights, spotlights, and floodlights can be placed in strategic locations around your yard to enhance your landscaping, drawing attention to key focal points in your yard.

Choosing Outdoor Lighting That Is Sized Correctly

Wall-Mounted Lights For Front Porches

The wall light that is installed closest to your front door is usually one of the primary focal points after dark. With so much at stake, it is important to choose a light that is sized correctly. Here are some tips that should help:

  • If you are installing a single light fixture, choose a fixture that measures about a third of the total height of your front door.
  • If you are installing two separate light fixtures on either side of the door, you can choose fixtures that are much smaller. Typically, fixtures that measure about a quarter of the door’s height are appropriate, although you may want to go with slightly bigger light fixtures if you have double doors on the front of your home.
  • One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is choosing a light fixture for their entryway that is undersized.
  • If you find a light fixture that you like, try cutting out a piece of paper in the same size and shape. Tape it to the wall next to your door. Then walk out to the front sidewalk or street to see if the size is appropriate.

Ceiling Lights

For overhead lights, the size of the light fixture should be proportional to the size of the space.

Hanging lights should only be used in areas where there is enough overhead clearance.

In spaces where the ceilings are lower, flush-mount ceiling lights are a better option.

Pier Mount or Post Lights

The size of the fixture usually depends on how many light bulbs it uses.

Post-mounted lights typically measure about 7 feet (84 inches) tall.

Avoid Adding Too Much Lighting

When it comes to outdoor lighting, less is more. Low wattage bulbs are usually the best choice for outdoor spaces. Avoid exceptionally bright bulbs since they can be too harsh when used outside the home. Our outdoor light fixtures either come with their own bulbs or include helpful recommendations regarding the best type of bulbs to use.

Overnight & Security Lighting

Evaluate the outside of your home after the sun goes down. Are there any areas that are poorly lit? If so, installing sturdy lights could deter thieves or intruders.

Lights with motion sensors automatically turn on when anything moves near them. This makes them the perfect choice for security lighting. They also are beneficial when mounted near walkways since they make it easier to see where you are going.

Dusk-to-dawn lighting usually comes equipped with photosensors that are designed to detect how light or dark it is outside. This allows the lights to automatically turn themselves on or off, depending on whether it is day or night. The benefit of using lights like these is that you don’t have to think about turning them on or off yourself.

You can also find dusk to dawn lights that incorporate motion sensors in their design. Fixtures with these features come in a wide range of styles for outdoor spaces.

Choosing Lighting That Is Properly Rated For The Location

Light fixtures for outdoor use are typically either rated for damp or wet locations. It is important to understand how these ratings differ.

Wet location light fixtures can be used in areas where they will be exposed directly to rain or other types of inclement weather. Most wall-mounted lights, motion sensor lights, and post lights are wet rated.

Damp location light fixtures, on the other hand, should be used in areas where they are not directly exposed to rain or other types of moisture. Examples of these types of lights include hanging lights or ceiling lights.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

Lightscaping In Houston; Why Light?

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The Age Old Question – Why Light?

One thing that lighting designers will often end up asking their clients is “why light”? You might think that the answer is obvious, but there are actually numerous things that you might want to achieve through lighting. That’s why a professional lighting designer is going to want you to clarify your needs and intentions.

You see, there is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to clarifying a brief. The responses that can come back from that question can be surprisingly varied. It’s important that a lighting designer is able to understand exactly what the homeowner is looking for. If they produce something that isn’t in line with expectations, then they have failed the client, and no professional wants that to happen.

Homeowners have a number of different requirements and intentions. Some may be worried about keeping their home secure. Some might want a certain ambiance or to make their outdoor living area look nicer. Another motivation could be safety, especially for those who garden late at night, or who have a large garden that they want to be able to navigate after dark.

There are many other possible reasons for wanting more lighting, however, ambiance, safety, and security are the ones that crop up them most.

Lighting for Security

Even the nicest areas can sometimes have an issue with crime, and security lighting is a must to help prevent that. Landscape lighting can make life easier for you from a security perspective since it gives you better visuals yourself, and it also acts as a deterrent to would-be trespassers. Many crimes are opportunistic and if your garden or property is not an appealing target for a burglar, they will be more likely to just move on to the next potential target.

Lighting for Ambiance

Lighting can make it easier for you to enjoy your outdoor space in the evening, and that’s a common reason for people to illuminate their property. It helps to make space look more appealing, and it gives you more control over the ambiance, so you are not held to the schedule of daylight hours in your area. Lighting, if it is well thought out and carefully executed, can be the finishing touch to a wonderful landscaping project.

Lighting for Tasks and Safety

This is the most practical of the concerns. Task or safety lighting is mostly functional, but it can also have an aesthetic appeal as well. If you want to keep your steps well lit so that people do not trip, and make the walk between your door and your fire pit a little safer and easier to navigate, then you will want to spell that out in the brief. Task lighting is important in outdoor kitchens as well, because you need to be able to see clearly and perceive colors when you are cooking.

There are numerous other reasons for landscape lighting, some of which are vastly different from those mentioned here, but if you can identify exactly what the lighting will be used for that will make it much easier for the project leaders to do a good job. Lighting professionals understand that different lights will suit different tasks and you will be much happier with the results that you get from the job if you can help the lighting designer select the best type of light for your intended use, whatever that use may be.

 

 If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

What Advantages Do Residential Outdoor Lighting Services Provide For Me In Houston TX

Posted by Robert Huff on

The Benefits Of Getting Outdoor Lighting For My Houston TX Home

Our team of outdoor lighting specialists is passionate about helping our clients create beautiful lighting systems that illuminate their homes and improve the curb appeal and value of their home. Our clients love the results that we deliver. If you are thinking about adding outdoor lighting, but are unsure of what to look for, you have come to the right place. Addition outdoor lighting will increase the safety and value of your home will increase the curb appeal of your home. Wehn you work with an outdoor lighting Houston tx specialist, you will create an outdoor lighting plan that will ensure your complete satisfaction and have your home as one of the most beautiful homes in your neighborhood.

Increased Safety For Guests With Outdoor Lighting Houston TX Services

Have you ever been walking after dark and rolled your ankle because of a rock or accidentally stepping in a hole? If so, you know the importance of having well-illuminated pathways to your home. When the areas that are commonly traveled by your and your guests are properly illuminated, you will reduce the risk of a fall or injury like a sprained ankle. Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting Houston TX professionals will make sure to give you the best services around town.

Increased Safety from Houston Intruders With Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting helps your home looked lived in. Having efficient lighting around all of the entrances to your home and all areas that are dark will help prevent intruders from coming onto your property and gaining access to your home. Outdoor lighting fixtures along with lighting control automation will make it look like you are home even when you are on vacation, which can further reduce the risk of a break in.

Increase Time Spent Outdoors By Getting Beautiful Outdoor Lights

When the temperatures are pleasant, most people would rather enjoy the Great Outdoors. Unfortunately, if your home is not lit properly, you will be forced to go indoors when the sun sets. Landscape lighting and deck lighting helps to illuminate your outdoor areas, which will allow you to stay outside on those nice summer nights.

Increase Curb Appeal With Outdoor Home Lighting

Homeowners take pride in their property. One way this shows is through effective outdoor lighting. Outdoor and landscape lighting can add interest to your property after the sun goes down. If you are planning on selling your home in the future, you should invest in outdoor lighting now. This will allow potential buyers to see your home even after the sun has set. Furthermore, a well-lit facade is very inviting and can help interested buyers take a second look at your home.

Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting

Residential and commercial outdoor lighting Houston TX specialists understand that outdoor lighting is expensive; however, it offers numerous benefits, including increased security, safety, and curb appeal. If you are interested in taking your home to the next level, give us a call today to see how we can enhance your home with outdoor lighting.

To learn more about outdoor lighting Houston tx services, check out our website & our blog. For any questions or concerns, give us a  Call today.,