Upgrading the outdoor lighting for your home and yard may not be at the top of your home improvement “to do” list this Fall, but here’s why it should be. There are, of course, practical reasons including increasing security by lighting dark areas. There are also aesthetic reasons such as creating that much sought after curb appeal. Have you driven by those homes that just have that “wow” factor? Light fixtures are the accessories to your home’s exterior and can help create that warmth that makes your home feel special.
How Do I Get Started?
The first thing you need to do is take stock of your current setup for exterior lighting to determine where your exterior lights are located. Do you have lighting fixtures already installed by the front door, garage or back sliding door? Are there security lights on the back and sides of your home? Do you have pathway or landscape lights? Should you choose to add lighting, be sure to contact your local electrician to do so.
Boosting Security
If you are looking to boost security, certainly make sure you have the most amount of light coming from each fixture. This may look like upgrading your security lights to an LED motion light or by changing out your current fixture bulbs to LED and the highest wattage recommended by manufacturer specifications. While there are options for motion wall lanterns, there are few decorative options and most are not tested for longevity. Instead, consider adding an in-wall timer to your outdoor lights. The LED bulbs will not cost a lot in electricity usage and you’re home can be lit up for as long as you would like at night. Be sure to adjust with daylight changes and daylight savings time.
Curb Appeal
Great outdoor lighting adds curb appeal to any home. Lighting at the front door is one of the first things your guests will notice when they arrive. While a great wreath certainly adds warmth, don’t forget the basics of a front door such as the wall lantern. With various styles, you can update your lanterns to a modern style or you can keep with the character of your home by using a transitional (an updated traditional) style. Whichever style you use, be sure to try to coordinate the fixtures all over your home (i.e. post lantern, garage light, side or back door lights) in the same color and/or collection (fixtures with various mounts, but similar style). This way your lighting choices will look cohesive and intentional.
While we mostly live inside our homes and therefor want our interior spaces to be as comfortable and unique to us as possible – the outside should feel that way too. Soon the warmer weather will be upon us and we will be starting to get outside again. Make sure your home is ready and gives that “wow” factor that you want.
Article written and contributed by: Laura Davis, Owner of The Light Hangar Company: https://thelighthangarco.com/