Effective modern outdoor lighting has the power to accentuate the elegance of your home. It serves a triple purpose in providing useful lighting that lets you utilize your outdoor spaces with safety and ease, in showing off the beauty of your home even in the wee hours, and in detracting burglars.
Entry Way
A well-lit entry way is especially useful because it allows you to identify visitors to your home without putting yourself in danger. It is also more inviting to your family and friends than a darkened foyer. Also, your front door is like a person’s nose. It is the focal point of the front of your home, so it should be well lit. Don’t let the front door be outdone by the fixtures at your garage or secondary entrances to the home.
A well-lit entry way is especially useful because it allows you to identify visitors to your home without putting yourself in danger. It is also more inviting to your family and friends than a darkened foyer. Also, your front door is like a person’s nose. It is the focal point of the front of your home, so it should be well lit. Don’t let the front door be outdone by the fixtures at your garage or secondary entrances to the home.
Exterior Wall Lanterns
Wall lanterns on your home’s exterior are inviting and warm. A flush-mount or pendant fixture that hangs from the porch allows for a comfortable entry way. Single wall lanterns mounted close to side or back entrances help to illuminate the key slot for easier access at night.
Wall lanterns on your home’s exterior are inviting and warm. A flush-mount or pendant fixture that hangs from the porch allows for a comfortable entry way. Single wall lanterns mounted close to side or back entrances help to illuminate the key slot for easier access at night.
When it comes to choosing outdoor fixtures, try to remember that less is more effective. Allow the light itself to speak on behalf of your home. Using low-wattage is often the key to dramatic effects outdoors at night. Low voltage landscape lighting is also a very cool way to illuminate highlights of your property without being intrusive to the eyes.
Driveway & Sidewalk Lighting
Be thoughtful to provide another means of safety and security by lighting up walkways from parking areas and sidewalks to your home entry way. There is nothing more frustrating, and sometimes, unsettling than having your hands full and fumbling through the dark with unsure steps. You already know the likelihood of it being dark when you have worked a long day and stop for groceries on the way home. You know when company arrives that they will appreciate an easy stroll to your door.
Be thoughtful to provide another means of safety and security by lighting up walkways from parking areas and sidewalks to your home entry way. There is nothing more frustrating, and sometimes, unsettling than having your hands full and fumbling through the dark with unsure steps. You already know the likelihood of it being dark when you have worked a long day and stop for groceries on the way home. You know when company arrives that they will appreciate an easy stroll to your door.
STYLE
So many contemporary homes are built with elements of varying architectural styles, rather than one prevailing style like homes of previous generations. This may pose questions concerning the type of exterior lighting fixtures that best suits your home. Identify key architectural features of the house and choose light fixtures that will compliment them. Start with the front door first, and base other selections around this primary feature.
So many contemporary homes are built with elements of varying architectural styles, rather than one prevailing style like homes of previous generations. This may pose questions concerning the type of exterior lighting fixtures that best suits your home. Identify key architectural features of the house and choose light fixtures that will compliment them. Start with the front door first, and base other selections around this primary feature.
WATTS
For modern outdoor fixtures, generally 60 to 75 watts of incandescent light provides sufficient, effective illumination. Higher wattage should be avoided, as it causes glare and distraction rather than highlighting the natural appeal of your home’s façade.
For modern outdoor fixtures, generally 60 to 75 watts of incandescent light provides sufficient, effective illumination. Higher wattage should be avoided, as it causes glare and distraction rather than highlighting the natural appeal of your home’s façade.
HEIGHT
Exterior fixtures should be mounted at a height that is just above eye level. For those who require a precise measurement—try about 66 inches from the ground. If your have wider, taller doors, this height should be adjusted to about 70 inches instead. Do not let the top of the fixture extend beyond the top of the doorway. If space allows, one fixture on either side of the door is almost always appealing. But if space does not permit, one carefully chosen fixture will be great! Install the singles fixture on the same side as the doorknob so that shadows are not cast upon visitors’ faces in your entry way.
Exterior fixtures should be mounted at a height that is just above eye level. For those who require a precise measurement—try about 66 inches from the ground. If your have wider, taller doors, this height should be adjusted to about 70 inches instead. Do not let the top of the fixture extend beyond the top of the doorway. If space allows, one fixture on either side of the door is almost always appealing. But if space does not permit, one carefully chosen fixture will be great! Install the singles fixture on the same side as the doorknob so that shadows are not cast upon visitors’ faces in your entry way.
