The first goal of every homeowner is to love their home. The second goal? To increase the property value of their home. Many homeowners don’t know that a few simple changes can seriously affect their home’s value. The right outdoor upgrades can increase curb appeal and help boost property value. Some upgrades require more financial investment, while others require more sweat equity. Let’s take a look.

Outdoor Upgrades for the Entry

People can’t help but notice your home’s entry. Since the entryway is often the first impression, it makes sense to put some effort into the appearance. Start simple by cleaning up the entrance and making any repairs necessary to the railing, steps, posts, or columns. Next, refresh with paint. Choose a complementary color to the siding or brick of your house for the front door. If you have shutters, a fresh coat of paint on these is good too. Consider a new paint color or stain for porch flooring and rent a power washer to get your sidewalk clean. You’d be surprised by the difference a good power washing can make! Finally, updated outdoor lighting fixtures complement your home’s color and style. Upgrading your entry can be a weekend project with massive positive effects. 

Install Home Uplighting 

Uplighting can elevate your home and show off its best assets. By using high-quality fixtures installed by a professional lighting company (hey, that’s what we do!), you can give your home a high-end look. The key to uplighting is to make sure you use enough lights and space them properly. Uplighting is also a great feature as it can highlight holiday decorations. You can decorate for every holiday and make sure your lights are focused on the wreath or other decorations you have placed. The before and after difference uplighting can make is significant. A home can go from dark to the star of the neighborhood. 

Create Outdoor Rooms

An easy update and upgrade to your outdoor living spaces is to create defined areas for different functions in your backyard. Just as the interior of your home has rooms for various functions, so can your outdoor space. How about a designated lounge area with comfortable pillowed furniture? And a dining area adjacent to the outdoor kitchen will make your exterior feel like a home outside your home. You create perimeters with outdoor screening, potted plants to form defined spaces, and landscaping with perennial plants that form dividing walls. Great outdoor lighting can help define areas and create the perfect ambiance.

Plant More Trees

Trees add value and appeal to both front and backyards. When planting in your front yard, be mindful of where you plant. Give plenty of space between trees and hardscaping, walkways, and the home’s exterior as roots can interfere with your foundation or sidewalks. Smaller flowering trees can be perfect for adding color and interest. In your backyard, the shade a tree will provide once grown can be a significant selling point for buyers, especially those with pets or children. Landscaping with mature trees can increase your home value significantly if you can afford to bring in fully grown trees. These homes tend to sell quicker and at a much higher price. 

Clean Up The Landscaping

You don’t need to do a major landscaping overhaul to increase your home’s property value. Small changes can make a big difference. Grab some trimming shears and get those overgrown bushes into shape. Spend a weekend weeding, then put down fresh mulch for a drastic improvement. Stick with dark brown or black mulch to create a pop of contrast. Install a few spotlights to show off the best landscaping features at night, like trees or shrubs. These changes can translate into big value when selling, almost 3% higher on average. That may not seem like much, but it can be a big chunk of change depending on the size and value of your home.

Keep Things Neat & Organized

This may seem like a no-brainer, but if toys, sports equipment, or gardening tools are strewn about, curb appeal goes way down. Invest in outdoor bins or garage storage to keep these things out of sight. This can be an excellent task to get your kids involved with, since half of the stuff is theirs, anyway! Use a label maker to make things easier for you to find once sorted and organized. A great organization system also can inspire others to see how the outdoor space can be maintained and kept looking clean and manicured. 

Light Walkways for a Welcoming Glow 

Another outdoor upgrade that can be inexpensive but offers a great return on investment is pathway lighting. Good pathway lighting beckons visitors to the door and creates a sense of welcome. It also is a safety feature that ensures your guests can make their way to your front door without harm. Walkway lights come in many different styles to complement your home. Stick with traditional pathway lights or add a bit of whimsy and color to your walkway. Whichever you choose, it will add instant value to the exterior of your home. 

Increasing your home’s property value through outdoor upgrades can be as easy as a few DIY weekend projects or can involve bringing in professionals to do the heavy lifting and hard work. Whether you implement a few or all the suggestions above, they are guaranteed to elevate the look of your exterior and help you garner interest in your home. The result is getting the most money when and if you place your home on the market to sell! We’re always here to help with outdoor lighting projects to enhance curb appeal and make your home its best. Get in touch today!

We all do what we have to do to make it through St. Louis winters of gray and sludge and not-quite-snow weather. One of the things we do is dream about spring. Imagine the warmth of the sun, the gentle breeze, the sounds of kids laughing, and the beautiful possibilities of a brand-new spring garden waiting. Don’t make the mistake that so many other people make, though: gardens are not just for daylight hours. Plan in some fabulous garden walkway lighting, and you’ve got a magical adventure for the evening, too. Plus, it will be easier to show Aunt Betty that you’re better at growing tomatoes than she is. 

Define Garden Walkways, Lighting Comes Next

You’re a smart garden planner, so you’ve already thought about paths through your garden area. (If you haven’t, don’t worry. We’ll wait here while you go adjust a few things.) 

Pathways are important for all gardens. Whether you’re growing prize-winning veggies or showing off seasonal blooms, or some combination, you need to reach plantings to care for them. That means well-placed pathways are important. 

The other use of pathways throughout the garden is to enjoy all that hard work you’ve done. You can meander through herbs and vegetables and flowers, by yourself or with a friend. Or with that annoying neighbor. Or with your dog. In any case, pathways don’t quit functioning when night falls. In fact, we think that garden walkways get pretty darn magical at night. And with a little well-placed garden walkway lighting, you’ll think so, too. 

The Basics of Garden Walkway Lighting

The type of garden you have determines a lot. What kind of light fixtures will work best? How many will you need? Where should you put them? 

There are many questions, and honestly, we can’t tell you all the answers. We can give you some pointers, though. 

• Choose fixtures that fit in with your garden. If you’re cottage-core, own it. If you’re a minimalist who grows perfectly trimmed bonsai, be that. If you like a traditional flower garden with shrubbery, do you. And choose fixtures that fit into your style–and your garden–for a beautiful effect that you’ll love. 
• Use the right fixtures in the right places. There are different kinds of outdoor lighting fixtures. Spotlights point up, so you’d use them to highlight bushes, beds, trees, and various garden features. Walkway lights point down, so they help people to see where to put their feet. Don’t put a spotlight where you need a path light, and vice versa.
• Do get creative and go for the magic. Knowing the type of fixtures doesn’t mean you can’t get a little playful with them. Walkway lights can create a soft glow among flower beds. Colored lights can make your garden’s water feature an entirely new experience at night. Bistro lights can create the perfect feel for a hidden little bench in the garden corner. 

Plan  Your Garden Walkway Lighting Now

Here’s the thing with lighting: it’s really going to be much better if you install it (or call us, of course) before your garden is full of plants. So if you take the time to plan out the garden walkway lighting before you plant the garden, it’s genius. Get in touch when the weather starts to warm and you’re ready for a consultation. We’ll help you light up your garden for perfect warm nights. Imagine how good that will be. 

You’re walking up to your front door after a long day, ready to relax. But you trip on a crack in the sidewalk, then fumble around blindly trying to fit your key in the lock. Suddenly you’re feeling frustrated and far from relaxed. Maybe it’s time to make coming home a better experience with these walkway lighting ideas.

Basic Tips for Good Walkway Lighting

Okay, let’s talk about walkways around your home for a moment. They are the unsung, overlooked heroes of outdoor spaces. They move you safely from driveway to door, from front porch to back deck, from pool to fire pit. They direct visitors to the best parts of your garden and favorite outdoor spaces… and keep them away from those scraggly bushes and that pile of logs.

Without good lighting, however, those hard-working walkways can only do half their job. So let’s start with some basic walkway lighting tips. 

• Match the walkway lights to the walkway. This seems so obvious that it’s stupid, but think about it. A walkway can be a simple path or an elaborately landscaped and edged one. So, choose fixtures that make sense for the walkway. Taller, elaborate fixtures that fit in along a brick pathway by formal landscaping will look ridiculous on a simple stepping stone path down to the fire pit. 
• Use the right amount of fixtures. Yes, we hear the very next question: what’s the right amount? Well, it’s simple. The right amount is enough to provide adequate light along the entire walkway. You may need to put fixtures closer together than you anticipate, or stagger them on alternating sides of the walkway. If you have other light sources nearby, such as landscape spotlights or wall lights, you may not need as many fixtures on the walkway.
• Skip the cheap solar kits for lighting your walkways. They sound great, they really do. And going solar would be fabulous. But these lights just don’t quite live up to our expectations. They produce a very weak light, and they rarely last more than a season. If you need extra lighting for a party or event, they’ll do the trick. But don’t depend on them for your long-term walkway lighting. 

A Few of Our Favorite Walkway Lighting Ideas

Evenly spaced fixtures on both sides of the walkway

Choose your favorite walkway fixtures and install them along both sides of the pathway with equal spacing. So, you might have a pair of fixtures every 18 inches or so. This is a good idea for walkways that are wider and need a bigger wash of light to cover the entire path.

Evenly spaced and staggered on both sides

A slight alternative of the above: instead of putting fixtures directly across from each other, stagger them. This idea will require fewer fixtures and create an alternating pattern on the pathway. 

Make the fixtures a focal point

Most of the time, walkway lights are meant to blend in or to bring attention to the path itself or the nearby landscaping. You can be as different as you want to be and go for walkway lighting fixtures that demand to be noticed. Taller, ornate fixtures, placed close to the path, should do the trick. Clear landscaping and keep the grass trimmed so they’re not overwhelmed by foliage. 

Intersperse fixtures in landscaping along the pathway

For more of a cozy cottage feel, shift your walkway lights back a bit. Instead of placing them right by the walkway, push them back a little into the landscaping that edges the pathway. Intersperse them among the flowers and bushes for a gentle, meandering feel. You’ll still want to use enough fixtures to create adequate light, of course. 

Use tall walkway lights among shrubs   

This walkway lighting idea is rather self-explanatory. Use taller walkway lights. Put them among shrubs. You can do this along walkways and pathways and sidewalks and so on. You can also put walkway lights through landscaped beds and areas where you need a little more light, but don’t want to make a big deal about it. Classy. 

Use wash lights (also called step lights) on walls alongside a path

Get ready for some walkway drama. Wash lights are mounted on walls or walkway railing, and they provide a horizontal wash of light along the surface. Pair these, strategically placed on landscaping walls or rails that run alongside paths, for lighting that feels immersive yet gentle. You didn’t know lighting could feel that way, did you? 

Use spotlights to highlight landscaping alongside a path 

If you’ve done the work (or spent the money) to have beautiful landscaping around your house and yard, you should show it off. Otherwise, you’re cheating your guests and yourself out of a visual delight. Place spotlights to light up that gorgeous seasonal bed. Highlight the hostas. Show off your favorite trees. Be smart with the spotlights, of course. They should never be aimed at the walkway unless you want to blind yourself (or your guests). 

Create a magical effect with bistro lights or string lights over the path

Bistro lights are just magical. If you put them over your patio, suddenly it feels like you’re eating in a Parisian cafe. If you string them around your fire pit, the s’mores taste better and the kids argue less. If you hang them around the pool, you’ll start to feel like a mermaid. Why not bring the same magic to your walkway? Use nearby trees, or install poles, and hang bistro lights across the walkways you love the most. Everyone else will love them, too. 

How to Handle Walkway Lighting Ideas

Now what? Well, you can take any of these walkway lighting ideas and get right to it. Or, if you want some help, get in touch. We’re friendly folks who know all there is to know about walkway lights, and we’d love to bring your best ideas into reality. Let’s schedule a consultation and get your walkways lit. 

Want to make your home look and feel better? It’s time to improve the outdoor lighting. Not only does it enhance safety, but it also adds great curb appeal. Lighting makes your home look more polished and feel more welcoming. Here are some tips that have a big impact on the way that people see your house.

1. Add More Fixtures

Most homes have some outside lighting, but it’s often lacking. One way to improve outdoor lighting is to add a few more fixtures in key locations. If you have a ceiling-mounted porch light, add a wall-mounted fixture on each side of the front door. Put pathway lighting along the side of the house to lead the way from one area to another. Take a look at the dark spots and shadowy areas, and notice where a few more fixtures would make a difference.

2. Create Uniformity

Uniformity happens when you have the right amount of fixtures, spaced at the proper distance from each other. It’s also important that they are angled correctly, and that the bulbs match in temperature and intensity. This allows the light to “wash” over your property, giving it an even glow that looks fabulous. When you see a great home with great uplighting, it’s because there’s uniformity from the lights. Home uplighting is a sure way to improve outdoor lighting.

3. Upgrade Old Fixtures

Don’t let your outdoor lighting make your home look dingy or outdated. Upgrade old fixtures that are broken, worn, or inadequate. Even replacing one or two fixtures can make a big difference. Newer fixtures also have LED bulbs with lower energy usages, so you’ll be improving your home’s efficiency too.

4. Choose Complementary Lighting

Light fixtures come in all shapes, sizes, and finishes. As you add and upgrade lighting, choose the design that compliments the style and color of your home. For a contemporary home, choose sleek lines and modern shapes. If your home has traditional décor or a cottage-rustic vibe, pick light fixtures with an antique or more ornate look. 

5. Install Bistro Lights

Bistro lights and other string lights can improve outdoor lighting by creating a great cafe-like ambiance. You can hang bistro lights from tree to tree, at the corner of a house, over a patio, or around an outdoor seating area. They create an elegant yet cozy look. When you create intimate spaces with smaller light sources like these, you can enjoy special outdoor spaces anytime.

6. Use Dimmers and Adjustable Light Bulbs 

Dimmers and adjustable light bulbs let you create a different lighting ambiance for different moods. Dimmers allow you to adjust the intensity of adjustable light bulbs. You can soften the mood for a quiet relaxing evening, or turn the lights up for a big celebration. Some adjustable light bulbs allow you to adjust the color of the bulbs, as well.

7. Automate Your Lights with Timers 

Timers are a simple way to improve outdoor lighting. They’ll reduce the energy cost of lighting and prevent excess light pollution. There are very simple, mechanical timers as well as advanced timers you can control via smartphone apps. Both will ensure that your lights come on and off at the right time. We love helping our customers design the perfect lighting systems for their home, or upgrade what they already have. Get in touch today to schedule your consultation and we’ll help you improve outdoor lighting for your home.

A home is more than just four walls and a roof. Sure, it provides shelter from the elements – but that’s not all it does! A home should be an inviting place to relax after a long day of work or play. With thoughtful lighting design both inside and outside your home, you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere that gets you through the gray days of St. Louis winters.

Home lighting design is about more than choosing which light fixtures are best for your house; it’s about creating the right mood in every room. 

What Is Home Lighting Design? 

A home lighting design is a layout, or plan, of how you’ll ensure the rooms inside your house and the outdoor living spaces look their best. You consider what lighting fixtures to use, where to place them, how far apart they should be, and the brightness and temperature of each one. You also need to consider the technical aspects, such as how much power is required to run the lighting and where the wiring should be.

Interior Home Lighting Design

Interior home lighting design usually involves choosing the main lighting source for each room. Then you’ll consider accent lights. It can be a bit tricky–many people just stick a ceiling fixture in the middle of the room and call it a day. But thoughtful interior home lighting design can really enhance how much you enjoy using each room. Consider the mood you’d like to set. How much light do you get through the windows? What time of day do you typically use each space?  

If home interior home lighting design is your area of expertise, then you may not need help for this project. However, if it’s something that intimidates you or simply isn’t your strong suit, you can get help from an interior designer or home lighting specialist. 

Exterior Home Lighting Design

For home lighting design that creates a safe environment, then exterior home lighting design is the best place to start. It’s hard to feel cozy if you don’t feel safe. You can’t light up every square foot of your house at night, but you should be able to see it well enough to move securely from parking to entry. Entryway lights, pathway lights, and landscape lights enhance security, give practical illumination, and provide a warm welcome. Home uplighting can create a great visual effect all the way to the street.

Interior Lighting Tips And Ideas For A Cozy Feel

Think soft. For a cozy home lighting design, forego the bright overhead light and go softer. Overhead lights can be harsh and unflattering. Install accent lighting which can eliminate the need for the overhead fixtures. Wall-mounted sconces and lamps bring in the light without an overpowering glare. 

Use fixtures that are dimmable so you can adjust the lights with mood and activity. Seasons, time of day, and the weather have a big effect on what kind of lighting feels cozy, too. What seems comforting on a bright fall afternoon will seem too dim and depressing on a gray winter evening. 

Exterior Lighting Tips And Ideas For A Cozy Feel

When it comes to home exterior lighting design, you have so many options. To create a cozy atmosphere, start by defining outdoor spaces. You may have a lounging area on the deck and an outdoor kitchen with a dining space nearby. Perhaps there’s a fire pit in the backyard. Maybe you want to make better use of that bench in the garden or the swing on the porch. 

Think of each outdoor space as a room, and design the lighting for each “outdoor room” that will make it feel defined. Here are a few ideas: 

• Create a perimeter around a fire pit seating area with walkway lights.  
• Hang bistro lights over the outdoor dining space.
• Use spotlights to illuminate landscape features near a sitting area. 
• Use wall-mounted lights on your home’s exterior for the patio and deck. 
• Use lights to create a visual line of separation and sense of being enclosed. 
• Wall wash lights on hardscaping can eliminate shadowy areas around landscaping.

Choose fixtures that complement your home’s colors and style. Think of the exterior home lighting design as one big picture, then break it into separate “outdoor” rooms and design a good feel for each one. If you’re working with a professional outdoor lighting company, avoid any that only offer predefined systems without any customization. Your home is unique, and creating the right kind of look and feel with exterior lights is important. We love working with our customers to create the perfect home light design for feeling cozy at home. 

You work hard to make your home look great. Then the sun sets–earlier and earlier as the winter wears on–and all that hard work disappears into the dusk. You need great outdoor lighting to make your home look its best into the night. But a residential outdoor lighting system is different from a few haphazard lights installed in your landscaping or around your front door. A system is a complete design. The result of a good design is a cohesive, finished look that increases curb appeal and makes your home look steller, anytime. 

Components of a Residential Outdoor Lighting System

The different parts of an exterior light include fixtures, lamps or bulbs (which are typically included with the fixture), a transformer, wiring, and connectors. 

The transformer is typically the most expensive component, but it won’t do to be cheap when it comes to the transformer. It must be powerful enough to run the entire outdoor lighting system. If you try to get by with a smaller transformer, you may have big problems if you add more fixtures later or want to run temporary lighting displays for the holidays.

LED bulbs are by far the best choice for exterior lights, which may include spotlights, deck post caps with integrated LEDs, string or rope lights, pathway lights, and security lights with motion sensors. A permanent residential outdoor lighting system is hardwired to the transformer and can be set up with an automated timer. Some DIY fixtures and systems may be cord-mounted or solar-powered. Just be aware of the quality differences. Most DIY solar systems or cord-mounted systems are really not meant to last more than one season. If you only need a temporary lighting system, that’s fine. If you’re looking for something more permanent–a long-term addition to your home–then invest in a high-quality outdoor lighting system that will last and look great. 

Getting the Right Number and Quality of Fixtures 

One of the main items to consider when designing an outdoor lighting system is how many fixtures you’ll need for your home. People tend to underestimate. Professionals know that the right spacing for fixtures is what creates that polished look. For example, it’s often better to put fixtures closer together and at a lower intensity for a uniform look in home uplighting.

Consider these factors:

• How large is your exterior space? 
• Do you want to install home uplighting? 
• Are there certain parts of your landscape you wish to highlight? 
• Where are there shadows or dark areas? 
• What type of paths and walkways are around your home? 
• Do you have exterior stairs that need lighting? 
• Do you need to create a perimeter around any outside spaces?

Spacing the Lights in a Residential Outdoor Lighting System

The number of fixtures you need will depend on the area of your home and outdoor spaces and how far apart you space the fixtures. So, how far apart should you space the lights? Well, it depends on the function of each light and on the final look you want.

For residential lighting, the spacing between lights varies a lot, depending on what type of light you’re installing and what the function of the light is. Fixtures could be anywhere from 2 to 20 feet apart. We hate to keep saying, “It depends,” but it depends. You may want fixtures closer together near a pathway, and further apart to illuminate landscape features and trees. 

With residential exterior lighting, you can also choose how bright each light should be. The style of the fixture is also a factor. If you have a very bright bulb with a wide spread (area of coverage from the light), you can space it out further. If you’re using a fixture that creates a narrow beam, such as a spotlight, you may need to place the lights closer together for the desired effect. 

There’s a lot of subjectivity when it comes to a great design. After all, it’s your house. How do you want it to look? We love helping our customers design the perfect residential outdoor lighting system. Get in touch if you’d like a free estimate on a lighting system for your home. 

Outside lighting can make a great difference in the way your house looks. In fact, it really defines the vibe. Does your home stand out? Or does it fade into the shadows? Of course, every homeowner has their own preferences and styles. Our goal is to make sure you have the best information so you can make the best decisions. 

So, there are a few basic facts to know about outside home lighting: the process, the pricing, and the myths. Having this knowledge beforehand can make a huge difference in your design and decisions. Fixtures are a big part of your outside home lighting system. In this guide, we’ll take a look at wall-mounted fixtures.  

Wall-Mounted Fixtures for Outside Home Lighting

What are wall-mounted light fixtures?

You guessed it: wall-mounted light fixtures are fixtures which mount to a wall. They’re also called sconces. They’re versatile and commonly used in home exterior lighting and for hardscaping. You probably have many wall-mounted fixtures inside your home. Wall-mounted fixtures meant for outside home lighting are designed to withstand temperature changes and are fairly resistant and sturdy. 

Since they come in many different styles, wall-mounted light fixtures can also enhance the aesthetics of your home’s exterior. Of course, if your wall-mounted light fixtures are cracked, dirty, improperly installed, or haven’t been updated in a decade, they are probably detracting from your home’s aesthetic appeal. Fortunately, wall-mounted light fixtures are not one-size-fits-all. You can upgrade with outside wall-mounted light fixtures that are a perfect match for your home’s exterior. 

The quality of the fixture is also very important. Good quality fixtures are made of better materials and will last for many years. DIY outside wall-mounted light fixtures are made of cheaper materials, ranging from plastic to aluminum. Contractor-quality fixtures are made of long-lasting materials, with designs to protect the bulbs inside from damage. Look for fixtures made of marine-grade aluminum, stainless steel, or brass for a great look that lasts. 

Types of Outside Wall-Mounted Light Fixtures

There are two main types of wall-mounted fixtures. From these, there’s a plethora of designs, styles, and finishes. 

Flush Mount Sconce 

Flush mount sconces do not have an arm separating the sconce from the base plate. The base plate is what is mounted to the wall. So a flush mount sconce is flush with the wall, which creates an unobtrusive profile. You’ll often see flush mount sconces with minimal and modern designs. 

Great places to use a flush-mounted sconce: 

• In small spaces, such as a doorway with very little wall space around, or in a corner.
• In space with lots of action, such as the exterior corner of a garage or patio. Flush-mounted sconces don’t stick out from the wall, so you’re less likely to damage one with a basketball or ladder.
• As accent lights with another main light. At the front door, you might use a ceiling-mount light as the primary light source and a flush mount sconce on either side of the door. 
• Under a low ceiling. The light beam can be directed downward, and with their minimal, slim design they look good even when mounted where the wall and ceiling meet.
• On a hardscaping wall when you don’t want to direct attention to the fixture itself.

Bulkhead lighting is a type of flush mount light fixture. They have a nautical feel and work well in homes with a more industrial, modern aesthetic. Since their design is quite sturdy, they work well in high-traffic areas such as the back porch or workshop.

Wall wash lighting fixtures often flush mount. This type of light is used to create a horizontal wash of light on an exterior wall or hardscaped surface. These indirect lights help create ambiance and comfort by eliminating spooky, dark areas and gently highlighting nearby landscaping. 

Semi Flush Mount Sconce

When you think of a sconce, this is probably the type of fixture which comes to mind. Semi-flush mount sconces have an arm which connects the sconce to the base plate. There’s space between the light and the mounted plate. The arm may be short or long, hinged in the middle, decorative, or stout and blocky. 

Great places to use a semi flush mount sconce: 

• As primary light sources at the front entrance. Pick a style which complements your home’s exterior and mount a fixture on either side of the door for a striking entryway look. 
• Over an exterior door. If there’s no ceiling and little wall space, a semi flush mount sconce can provide the right amount of light angled downward over an entry. 
• On either side of a garage door. Use a larger semi flush mount sconce as both a decorative and functional element for the garage entry. 
• On the patio wall. Install semi flush mount sconces along the patio wall to provide ambient light for the area.
• At exterior corners. Semi flush mount sconces look great on exterior corners near walkways or outdoor living spaces such as a deck or porch.
• Around the outdoor dining space. Bring the look of a dining room outside, with the right amount of formality or casual chic appeal. 

Barn lights are a classic style of semi-flush mount sconces. However, classic does not mean outdated. Barn lights fit well with a cottage, country chic, or farmhouse rustic aesthetic. With the right finish, they can even work well on a more contemporary home’s exterior. 

Lanterns are a well-known type of semi-flush mount sconces. They are often used as front porch light fixtures and come in a variety of styles and finishes. 

Spotlights send beams of light to highlight landscaping features or areas. They’re also used for home uplighting. The arms allow them to be angled perfectly for each use, and they can be adjusted when needed.  

Floodlights are high-intensity beam lights that illuminate a large area. They are usually used for sports or work areas, or as security lights with motion sensors. 

Outside home lighting makes a huge impact. Since the exterior of your house is the first impression, make it a good one. The right wall-mounted fixtures will create a polished, warm, and welcoming appearance. Get in touch for a free consultation. We love helping our customers find just the right look for their homes.  

We spend a lot of time working to make our homes as beautiful as possible. A beautiful home in the daytime can continue to look great at night with the right lighting. However, with so many options, it can be difficult to determine the best outdoor home lighting solutions for your needs. 

Let’s take a look at the benefits of outdoor lighting and some types of lighting to consider. 

Why Are Outdoor Home Lighting Solutions Helpful? 

Curb Appeal: A well-lit home will have impressive curb appeal. Select the right kind of lighting to ensure that you draw attention to the best features of your home and landscaping. This will make your home stand out at night. 

Safety: Beauty isn’t the only purpose of adding lights to your home. Lighting enhances safety around your home. Ensure adequate lighting on paths, steps, and walkways to help prevent trips and falls. In general, the goal is to have plenty of light for navigation. 

Security: Effective outdoor lighting will also provide better security. Lighting is known to be a strong deterrent to crime. Additionally, lighting is important for optimizing security cameras at night. 

Inviting: Outdoor home lighting solutions also help make your home more inviting. Guests will feel more comfortable and welcome. Well-designed lighting creates ambiance for outdoor gathering spaces and night-time socializing. 

What Outdoor Home Lighting Solutions Should I Consider? 

The best fixtures depend upon your goals and personal style. Let’s take a look at some of the options that can help provide your home with the many benefits that come with effective outdoor lighting. 

Ceiling-Mount Fixtures

This is an important type of light to employ, and one that you will typically use in very specific spaces… You know, spaces that have a ceiling. So, areas like a portico entryway, porch, or outdoor gazebo. Ceiling-mount lights are often used over the front door and other entrances. There are many different styles on the market, so it’s no problem to find a light that matches your home’s aesthetic. 

Wall-Mount Fixtures

Wall-mounted fixtures are versatile. Some people may put one on each side of an entryway instead of using a ceiling-mount fixture. Or you might use a combination of ceiling and wall lights. Other great uses: in the garage, on the poolhouse, and landscape walls. for these types of lights is the garage. Wall-mount fixtures and sconces can range from quite ornate and elegant to sleek and modern. 

Spotlights

Spotlights are some of the most versatile lights used in outdoor home lighting solutions. They can have multiple effects depending on where they are placed. They can create uplighting which makes your home absolutely pop at night. If you want to create neighborhood home envy, this is the way. 

Spotlights are also used to highlight landscape and architectural features. If you have a statue, tree, patio, or other feature that you love, a spotlight will ensure it continues to be a focal point, even at night. Moderation is important; you can’t spotlight everything. 

Flood Lights

Flood lights are a specific type of spotlight designed with a high level of brightness and wide range. They’re useful. They’re also very, very bright. This makes flood lights perfect for security (think motion sensors), for clean-up after a party, and for work or play that just won’t stop when the sun goes down. If you’re still on the driveway after dark–for another game of basketball or to finish that oil change–flood lights are there for you. 

String Lights

String lights are a personal favorite for outdoor home lighting solutions. These small lights can be strung from your home to a nearby pergola or tree to create a cozy aesthetic. These are best used for backyard gathering spaces like patios. The great thing about string lights is the ambience they provide, creating a romantic or relaxing atmosphere. Of course, they’re also a key element in outdoor holiday lighting–but they can really go all year-’round. 

Bistro Lights

Bistro lights are another type of string light; however, bistro lights have much larger bulbs. This means they produce greater illumination. They are great for stringing near gazebos, over fire pits, or around outdoor dining areas. Bistro lights will really add to the welcoming nature of backyard and side yard spaces. They add a special ambiance that takes a casual meal outside to a whole new level.

Pathway Lights

An important consideration for your home outdoor lighting solutions, pathway lights enhance safety and make your home more inviting. Ensure that your home looks “finished” and your guests can see walkways clearly, even on dark nights. Walkway lights can also be used to create perimeters or to highlight small landscaping areas. 

Get Started with Outdoor Home Lighting Solutions

Creating the perfect outdoor home lighting solution is a great way to invest in your home. It’s an investment to improve safety, security, and curb appeal. With a wide variety of different styles and types, you will be able to create a welcoming climate for guests, illuminate key areas, and highlight ornamental features. The choices can be a bit overwhelming sometimes. That’s where we come in. Get in touch to schedule a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, help clarify your goals, and design the perfect outdoor lighting system for your home.

LED lights are the best residential outside lighting option because they’re long-lasting, energy-efficient, and cost-effective. LED light bulbs consume only a fraction of the electricity that traditional halogen or incandescent light bulbs use. As a homeowner, you will save money and reduce your environmental footprint by using LEDs.

Lighting accounts for up to 20% of residential electricity usage in some areas, so homeowners can make significant savings simply by using LED bulbs for all residential outside lighting. If you’re using older fixtures, you may be able to upgrade the bulbs without changing fixtures. If you get a new residential outside lighting system installed from OLS, it will use LED bulbs… and you will benefit.

LED vs Incandescent Lights

Honestly, we’re not sure why anyone uses incandescent bulbs anymore. 

• LEDs come in a variety of colours and wattages, so they work in any outdoor (or indoor) space. 
• LEDs are mercury-free lights that do not release pollutants into the air. 
• LEDs use about half of the energy required for an average incandescent bulb.
• LEDs cost more than incandescent light bulbs; however, they are much longer-lasting and can reduce the electricity bill by a considerable amount over time.
• LEDs also emit less heat, making them safer to operate and more cost-effective.

All Your Questions about LEDs for Outdoor Residential Lighting

Are LED lights suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. LED lights are generally resistant to moisture and temperature extremes, making them a valuable option for outdoor use. They need to be properly mounted in fixtures, so that the bulb itself is not continually exposed to the elements. This ensures a long life. You’ll also want to make sure your outdoor residential lighting fixtures are installed properly to avoid too much vibration. 

What are the advantages of using LED lights?

Hey, did you see that list up there? LEDs are highly efficient. In fact, the energy efficiency of LEDs is measured by a factor called efficacy which measures how much light you get from an LED for every unit of power put into it. The average efficacy rating today stands at over 100 lumens per watt (lm/W). In comparison, a standard incandescent bulb has an efficiency of just 15 lm/W. The real question here is why aren’t you using LED bulbs for everything? 

LEDs can be used for up to 50,000 hours before they need replacing, which means fewer replacements every year, saving you more money on maintenance costs over time. This makes them an ideal choice for outdoor applications.

Are there disadvantages to using LED lights?

LED bulbs can be more expensive than incandescent bulbs. However, since they have a much longer life and use much less energy, this up-front cost is negligible. (For example, the average lifespan for a 60W equivalent incandescent bulb is 8000 hours, whereas it is 50,000 hours for a comparable LED device.) Some people complain about the quality of light output from LEDs. This is usually due to the early days of LED bulb use. Back then, there weren’t options about the brightness and the temperature of the light emitted by the LED. It could be very harsh and overwhelming. However, that’s all changed now. Your residential outside lighting can be tuned precisely for the perfect level of brightness and light temperature, from cool to warm. 

How long do LED lights last?

LEDs have a very long lifespan when compared to other light sources used in outdoor lighting today. A quality LED light source should last about 50,000 hours or more depending on the product selected and environmental conditions. That’s 13 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Is it safe to use LEDs outside, near an electrical box or cable line?

It is perfectly safe to use LED lights outside near electrical boxes or cable lines. However, you should always check with the manufacturer of your product before installation.

How bright are they?

LEDs are known for their high light output. Fortunately, current LED bulb options which we use in residential outside lighting lets us tune them to just the right look for your home. Brighter is not always better, and we can set the intensity and temperature of each LED bulb to produce the perfect effect. 

What is the difference between LED indoor and outdoor bulbs?

Indoor LED lamps have a high colour rendering index (CRI), meaning that it can provide true colours of objects being lit up by your bulb. Outdoor bulbs have improved water resistance, with many available in rainproof or wet locations. Outdoor LED lights are also available in many light colours, including blue, green, red and yellow.

Indoor bulbs tend to lose their luminosity faster than outdoor bulbs because there is not as much airflow to cool the LED chips.

Do LED lights attract bugs more than other types of lights?

No, not really. Let’s take a look:

• LEDs don’t produce as much heat as other types of lights, and this is why they don’t attract bugs.
• LEDs don’t produce ultraviolet light. Since these types of lights attract bugs, this is why they aren’t as likely to attract them.

How long do LED bulbs last in residential outside lighting?

LED bulbs last for about 50,000 hours. This is why they are a great choice in outside residential lighting. They emit about 80% of their light as usable illumination for your home or garage, which is excellent since it means that only 20% of the energy used by these lights goes to waste. They’re eco-friendly and long-lasting. 

Do LED bulbs work in cold weather?

They work just as well in cold weather as they do in warm weather! In some cases, LED bulbs may even work better in the cold. Because they emit a more consistent light and beam pattern, it will be easier to see outside during winter when there is snow on the ground or heavy precipitation. This can help improve safety around your home.

Can LED lights cause a fire?

LED lights are not more likely to cause fires than any other type of light.

They produce less heat, which means that they’re safer when it comes to this kind of accident. And if the LED bulb is on for a long time, then its components will be even cooler! When there are cases of LED bulbs and fire, it is due to problems with the installation.

Aesthetics of LEDs in Residential Outdoor Lighting

LED lights offer excellent light quality, which is something to consider if your space requires specific types of lighting. They are also available in a wide range of color temperatures. LED bulbs can be used for just about any application you might have.

What brightness should I use for LED lights?

The brightness of LED lights depends on how you plan to use them. If they are for accent lighting, then dimmer is better for an ambient light (rather than a blast of lumens). However, if the LEDs are used as task lighting or security lighting, you’ll want to go brighter. LED light color is also an essential factor since different colors have different brightness values (e.g., blue is brighter than red).

Do LED bulbs all have that harsh blue-white tone?

First impressions really do matter, don’t they? If you’ve been blinded a few too many times by those harsh blue-white headlights coming at you on the road, don’t worry. LEDs have come a long way. There are now LED bulbs available with different color temperatures, including 2700K (warm white), 3000K (yellow-white), 3500K (cooler yellow), and 4000K. 

Are LED lights adjustable?

LED lights are adjustable. You can turn them on and off with a simple switch, dim the light by turning down the knob or change its color temperature. The brightness of LED lighting is also controllable via remote control or automated schedules that you set up with your smartphone app. We love this and we love to help our customers learn how to program their lights for different moods. 

Different Types of LEDs for Residential Outside Lighting

There are many different types of LED residential outside lighting. Each type is created to be used at a specific location or purpose. It’s important for you, as a homeowner, to think about the purpose of each fixture. Of course, we’re here to help walk you through the options. Here are a few of our favorites: 

• Bistro lights: String lights and bistro lights are a great way to add lighting or even decorate your home. String lights can be used year-round for picnics in the summertime, special events such as weddings, and for holiday decor. Bistro lights have been seen hanging from restaurant ceilings since 1920s Paris. If you want to up the ambiance and create an outdoor space with feeling, bistro lights will do the job. 
• Uplights: Uplights are a popular choice because they create an elegant atmosphere without being too overpowering. Uplights come in different colours, shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find the perfect choice. It’s important to use enough fixtures to create a uniform look, space them properly, and adjust the angle so you don’t create shadows or dark areas.
• Spotlights: Spotlights are there to bring attention to something specific: a tree, a landscape feature, a bed of hostas, a statue, a hardscaping or architectural feature. Spotlights come in different styles, but they all function similarly because they direct light onto an object or surface. If you use a spotlight on a living feature, it’s important to consider how the living thing will change over time and adjust the light accordingly. 
• Floodlights: These outdoor lighting fixtures emit light over an extremely large area and come in multiple colour temperatures. You don’t want them everywhere–floodlights are about intensity, not ambiance–but in the right place, these fixtures provide exceptional brightness with minimal energy consumption.

Considering everything we’ve said, LED lights are good for outdoor use. They have a long life span, they don’t get hot to the touch and they save energy. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to light your home or business, get in touch and we’ll talk about the options. We love helping our customers design the perfect residential outside lighting system that fits your home, your style, and your budget. 

First, let’s get clear on what hardscaping is: it’s not anything hard, like a tree. In fact, trees are part of the softscape. Confusing? Nah. Here’s the breakdown: hardscaping is any part of your landscape that is non-living. Softscaping is the rest: the plants and horticultural elements–all the living parts–of a landscape. And while warm weather is the right time for a lot of landscaping projects that involve plants, cool weather is perfect for hardscape projects in backyards, hardscape lighting, and other fun additions that will make your landscaping and outdoor spaces even more enjoyable. 

Hardscape Elements for Backyards

Hardscaping includes permanent installations, such as a concrete retaining wall, a swimming pool, a deck, a driveway, or a gazebo. Hardscaping also includes less permanent elements, such as a bench or that light-up reindeer you put in the yard every December. 

Here are a few more hardscape examples that are ideal for backyards: 

• Ground cover such as gravel, mulch, bark, or wood chips: reduce time spent mowing, conserve water, and create a level, weed-free area for outdoor games and play. 
• River rock around a fire pit: reduce the risk of embers spreading and create a natural yet defined look with a level bed of river rock under your backyard fire pit. 
• Paving stones for parking, working, or playing: create an extra parking space, a good spot for big projects, or a place to shoot hoops in the backyard.
• Patio fireplace or built-in barbecue: make the most of the last summer days and cool fall weather with a cozy outdoor fireplace and grill. 
• Lattice or fencing for a privacy screen: enjoy your outdoor spaces without prying eyes, especially when the foliage dies down. 
• Walkway of stepping stones to the pool, patio, or fire pit: make it easier and safer to enjoy all the outdoor spaces in your backyard with an actual pathway.

Cool Weather for Hardscape Projects

Cooler weather–which is anytime between early fall and when the ground is frozen–is a great time to tackle some of those hardscape projects you’ve been thinking about. In fact, even when we’ve moved into true St. Louis cold, there are some hardscape projects for backyards you can still do. You just need to avoid working with concrete once the ground freezes and the temperatures drop. At that point, you probably want to be inside in front of a cozy fire, anyway. 

Cool weather works well for hardscape projects and lighting in the backyard because, well, it’s cooler. If you’re moving a stack of brick or laying pathway stones, it’s nicer to work in cooler temperatures. It’s also easier to work when the foliage is dying back naturally. As vines shrivel and leaves drop, you get a clear view of what needs to be done, and it’s easier to access the places that require work. 

Hardscape Lighting for Your Backyard

Some hardscape projects need lighting to function well, and to be seen and appreciated. For example, there are outdoor light fixtures designed specifically for walls. These lights provide a horizontal wash of light when mounted on a retaining wall, fence, or landscaping wall. They show off the beautiful brick or stone of the wall, and bring attention to nearby plants and natural elements. But it’s a soft glow rather than a blinding beam of light–perfect for highlighting your hardscape projects and creating a beautiful ambiance. 

Other hardscape lighting options to consider: 

• For a backyard play area, consider bistro lights strung around the perimeter and a few spotlights mounted on nearby trees. Keep the games going into the evening. 
• For a fire pit area, use walkway lights to make it safe and easy to move from the backdoor to the fire pit and back again. Bistro lights or walkway lights around the perimeter of the seating area create a defined space. 
• A floodlight can be useful near a work area for projects that continue on into the night; spotlights or uplights create a more targeted beam for lighting up trees and landscaping. 
• Bistro lights strung corner to corner across a paved area, patio, or deck create the perfect ambiance for relaxing. 
• Outdoor chandeliers and entryway lights are perfect for the backdoor, patio, and outdoor kitchen area. 
• Perfectly angled spotlights can show off those beautiful evergreens all winter long. 

Cool weather is a great time to enjoy your backyard spaces in a new way. Take the time to walk around your yard and let the ideas simmer. Then give us a call–we can help bring the perfect lighting to your new hardscape projects in the backyard.