7 Best Types of Outdoor Lighting for Your Home
Outdoor lighting plays an important role in your home's exterior, from improving safety and security to keeping the outdoor activities going long after dark. If your home's exterior is dark, or you're relying on a single porch light to do all the heavy lifting, it's time for an update. To help you narrow down what kind of lighting you need or what will work best for your home, our Durham electricians are sharing some of the best types of outdoor lighting.
Exterior Lighting to Improve Security
Exterior lighting around your home is one of the most effective ways to prevent break-ins and burglary. After all, burglars want to enter your home, sight unseen, and make a quick escape, and if the area is well-lit, their chance of being spotted goes up significantly.
Motion Sensor Lighting
As the name suggests, motion sensor lighting comes on when someone or something is in the sensor's path and creates ample illumination. Not only is this good for keeping thieves away, it can provide light at night for quick outdoor tasks like taking out trash.
While the standard, simple lights that come on when motion is detected are effective, there are more advanced options available. The Ring Floodlight Cam has extra-bright lights, motion activated camera and two-way audio and night vision. You can connect this to your Ring app and activate the built-in siren if you're concerned by what or who you see on the camera.
Improving Safety Around Your Home
Whether you're getting home late from work or taking the dog out at night, a dark yard can be dangerous. While you may not think too much about tree roots, broken concrete walkways, or the toys left outside by the kids during the day, at night, they become dangerous tripping hazards that could lead to serious injury. Light up the outside for safety with these options:
Porch Light
Porch lights are generally standard at both front and rear doors, but it may be time for an upgrade. Older fixtures may not put out the proper amount of lighting, or you may want to save energy with a smart light that you have connected to a timer or that you can turn on via a smartphone app.
Path and Walkway Lights
Line your sidewalk or the area around your porch or driveways with attractive, effective walkway and path lighting.
Stair Lights
Placed on the rise or off to the side of the steps on your deck or front steps, stair lights minimize the risk of you or a guest tripping and getting injured.
Both walkway and stair lights are available as solar-powered options, but for more reliable, brighter lighting, a low-voltage, wired option may be the right one for your home.
Functional & Attractive Outdoor Lighting
If you want to extend your living and entertaining areas outdoors and use your porch and deck after dark, lighting is key. Fortunately there are a variety of great options that will make your outdoor spaces more comfortable and attractive.
String Lights
String lights aren't just for Christmas Trees anymore! These soft, low-voltage lights create a cozy, intimate setting that is ideal for evenings gathered around the fire pit with friends.
Ceiling Fans
If you have a covered porch, make it more comfortable by having a ceiling fan installed. This will keep a pleasant breeze going even on hot, humid evenings, and the air currents can even make it less hospitable to mosquitoes (the bane of every outdoor gathering!) as well as providing adequate lighting.
Outdoor Sconces
If you have a deck, columns, or posts around your porch or backyard, these offer you an opportunity to install gorgeous, functional sconces or electric lanterns.
Contact Us for Outdoor Lighting Installation in Durham
If you want to add functionality, curb appeal, and value to your home, having permanent outdoor lighting installed around your home is a great place to start. Regardless of what type of lighting you choose, don't try to rely on extension cords or DIY installation, hire a professional electrician who can get the project done safely and correctly.
From ceiling fans on covered porches to pathway lighting lights the way to your door, we can provide you with the illumination solutions you need. Call us today for a free quote on exterior lighting installation and other electrical needs at (919) 382-0832 or fill out the form below to get started.
