Outdoor lighting – finding the perfect system for your needs

by Groshan Fabiola I try to cover as many topics as I can

Outdoor lighting is an essential part of any property. It boosts the safety of the place, and it creates a beautiful and stylish atmosphere. If you are looking for a solution to make your property look appealing and inviting during nighttime, then you should carefully choose the outdoor light. It’s recommended to install strong lights that allow you to see during dark nights, but it’s important their brightness to mix with the interior lighting leaking through the windows.

Outdoor lights have to be strategically installed so their illumination to be directed towards the dark spots of the driveway, road and yard. Here are some basic rules you should follow when you design the exterior lighting system for your property.

Determine the perfect size of the light fixtures

Exterior lights should have a reasonable size. They are created to illuminate a certain area of ground, but they don’t have to be so big to make the property look like a dwarf. They should complement the buildings and outdoors. When choosing the lighting system you have to make sure that it suits the style of the property.

Their size and model is highly influenced by the place where you install them. For bright streets and driveways, bigger lanterns are the right choice. If you want to install lighting fixtures on your porch, or on the sides of the doorway, then it’s advisable to opt for decorative lanterns. Your house is the main factor that should influence your decisions when choosing light fixtures.

The style of the lighting fixtures should match the aesthetics of the property

Your personal preference and the architecture of the property are the most important factors in finding a model of lighting fixtures that will complement the look of the overall space. There are countless designs and styles you can select from, varying from classic exterior lanterns to rustic, and even minimalist ones.

Power the lighting system with solar energy

Lighting a large area can generate extensive expenses. You can operate your exterior lighting system on solar energy to cut down the costs and to protect the environment. The moment you choose to work with solar power, you no longer have to worry about high-energy bills and wiring. Most of the lanterns used to light exterior spaces can be powered by solar energy, so if this choice sounds appealing you should check for this eco-friendly alternative.

LEDs and CFL lights are other alternatives to traditional powered lanterns. Do thorough research before making your choice.

What material do you prefer?

Different materials are used for different models of outdoor lanterns. Most of the providers offer outdoor lighting fixtures made of copper, brass, aluminium or ceramic. It’s advisable to get in touch with a company experienced in offering customised exterior lights. Their consultants will check the site, and will make recommendations that would meet your budget, material preferences, and style preferences.

Select the colour

When choosing exterior lanterns to light the space surrounding a building, it’s advisable to select a colour that complements the overall scheme of the property. If the building is painted in a nude colour, it’s advisable to opt for black fixtures. If the walls of the building come in a warm tone, then gold or bronze fixtures are perfect. It’s essential the outdoor lighting lanterns to blend with the other design elements of the property.

Most of the times, bespoke exterior lights are the best choice. Work with a provider that offers lighting fixtures that can be easily updated later.

Choose durable lighting fixtures

All providers state that they offer products that can withstand weather if properly maintained, but their durability often varies, according to the materials used to manufacture the lanterns. While some companies focus on the aesthetics of the lighting fixtures, others make sure they deliver products that withstand hard weather conditions, and meet their clients’ style preferences. Bespoke solutions offer you the possibility to decide the material used for manufacturing the lanterns and the model of the end-product. It’s always advisable to opt for robust materials because the lamp posts will last longer than the ones made from other materials.

The geographical area where your property is located, and the placement of the outdoor lights are other important factors in determining the material used to manufacture the lights. As you can imagine, warm climates and sheltered spaces do not wear and tear the lanterns the same way exposed and cold areas do.

Types of exterior lighting you can choose from

It’s advisable to explore all the options before selecting the outdoor lighting system you will install.

Decorative lighting

Nowadays all outdoor lighting fixtures are looking stylish. If in the past you could choose from a limited number of outdoor lanterns, nowadays you can select from an extensive range of models, and if none of them meets your preferences, you can even design them. Today, outdoor lights come in numerous decorative looks, from simple, minimal ones, to intricate and rich designs.

Outdoor wall lighting

If you don’t want to install lamp posts, you can opt for wall lighting. Actually, when installing an outdoor lighting system, people combine different types of fixtures to enhance the benefits. They use standing lanterns to light the streets and driveways, wall lights to flank doorways, and security lighting to boost security.

Most of the wall lighting models are created to withstand extensive weather exposure, and depending on the climate where your property is located you should choose ones that tolerate moisture, UV and extern factors exposure.

Security lighting

Some areas surrounding your property require high security, and exterior lighting can prove quite helpful. You should install security lighting in places like stairways, garages, decks, driveway, exterior paths, and other spots that are hidden from view from indoors. Collaborate with a professional security company to offer guidance on how to install security lights.

Landscape lighting

Landscape lighting requires plenty of planning before actually installing the lighting fixtures. You have to integrate in your lighting system: path lights, recessed ground and well lights, deck and step lights, and other types of outdoor lamps that make the outdoors look cosy and secure.