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?