The best techniques for lighting a home’s exterior usually aim for a happy medium.
Nothing accents the unique features of your home or yard like a carefully planned outdoor lighting design. But how do you plan your lighting without knowing where to place your lights? The best techniques for lighting a home’s exterior usually aim for a happy medium. You want enough light to provide safe passage to your door and security against uninvited visitors. while also highlighting your home’s architecture without overwhelming it. Here are a few tips to help turn your landscape into a well-lit oasis.
Consider Your Design Options
First, you’ll want to consider your lighting options based on functionality or aesthetics. As you survey your property, think about how you intend to use your outdoor space. Do you like entertaining and need good general lighting on pathways, patios, and/or decks? Or do you just want to come home to a nicely lit, inviting landscape after work? After all, the design aspect of your layout is just as important as the function. When planning your layout, consider what areas need lighting for safety or practical use and what would look great accented or highlighted at night.
Add Light in Layers
A combination of spotlighting, ambient lighting, uplighting, and downlighting throughout your landscape creates an artistic and well-balanced lighting scheme. To help you decide on a particular lighting plan, walk around your house at night with a flashlight to verify the best placements for your lights. This is also a great opportunity to experiment with angles and see the different effects of uplighting or downlighting. Remember to illuminate the most trafficked areas in your yard to serve practical needs and to vary the lights’ placement and beam angles to create curb appeal.
Pick a Matching Style
Is your home more traditional or modern? Ranch or American Colonial? The style of your lighting should match your home to pull everything together. Don’t use a modern, abstract wall sconce for a traditional home or ranch lighting for a contemporary home. Find styles that work well with other elements in your yard. Match colors and materials or find suitable complements. In doing so, you’ll shine a light on what is already beautiful and add to it.
Maintenance
It’s also essential to pick lighting fixtures that complement your home’s maintenance needs. To ensure your lighting lasts for years, choose fixtures made with durable materials that can withstand the elements. Metal outdoor lighting is an excellent option for heavy rain or snow areas. If you live in a region with high winds, consider using outdoor lighting designed to stay in place during gusts. And regularly clean your fixtures and replace bulbs to ensure your outdoor lighting always shines bright.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about how to best prepare your outdoor lighting and landscape for spring and summer, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.
Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne. In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.
