What is the Best Outdoor Lighting?

Outdoor lighting serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Properly illuminating your outdoor spaces allows you to fully utilize and enjoy them day or night while also providing safety and security. With so many lighting options now available, choosing the best outdoor lighting may seem daunting. However, understanding what makes lighting effective as well as your needs and preferences will help guide you to select fixtures that enhance your home’s exterior beautifully and practically.

Lighting Basics – What to Consider for Your Outdoor Space

Several key factors determine what constitutes the best outdoor lighting for your particular needs. As you evaluate fixtures and make decisions, keep the following in mind:

Intended Use and Location

Consider how you want to use each area. Task lighting for garage work, accent lighting to showcase architectural or landscaping details, security lighting, general illumination for pathways, and ambient lighting for entertaining all have different lighting requirements.
Fixture placement impacts effectiveness. Analyze site lines, traffic patterns, seating arrangements, and hazards to position lights strategically.
Certain types of fixtures work best in specific locations. Factor in environmental elements like weather, dust, moisture, and accessibility for maintenance.

Light Intensity and Distribution

Match light brightness and spread to the size of the space. Use low wattage bulbs in small areas and higher wattages to sufficiently illuminate larger spaces.
Direct lights downward to reduce glare. A mix of downlighting and uplighting often provides ideal visibility.
Layer multiple fixtures with different intensities and spreads for versatility. Brighter lights paired with mood lighting allows adjusting ambiance for different occasions.

Light Color

Color temperature measures light on the Kelvin scale. Lower temperature bulbs emit warm yellowish-white light. Higher temperatures give off bright cool blue-toned light.
Warm white light in the 2700K-3000K range creates inviting ambiance. Cool white around 5000K feels more energizing.
Consider how color rendering affects the appearance of surfaces, foliage, skin tones, clothing, food, etc. under the lighting. High CRI (color rendering index) bulbs render colors most accurately.

Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

LED technology offers the most energy efficiency, longevity, and eco-friendliness. ENERGY STAR-rated LED fixtures consume 75% less energy on average than incandescent bulbs.
Solar-powered lights absorb sunlight during the day to illuminate automatically at night. They’re ideal for installations lacking electrical connections.
Opt for fixtures made from sustainable materials like recycled metals and wood. Also look for companies committed to environmental responsibility.
Use timers, motion sensors, and dimmers to avoid unnecessary lighting and reduce energy consumption. Smart technology allows controlling lighting remotely via phone apps.

Aesthetic Appeal

Choose fixture styles and finishes that coordinate with your home’s existing architecture and decor. Styles range from rustic to modern.
Factor in how lighting integrates into landscaping. Up-lights shining on trees or pathlights tracing winding garden paths contribute ambiance.
Consider the fixture’s visual impact both powered on and off. During daylight hours, sconces, lanterns, and posts still function decoratively.

Budget

Assess overall costs including fixtures, wiring, installation, and ongoing bulb replacement and maintenance. LED technology provides long-term savings but higher upfront cost.
Opt for hardwired fixtures if possible for versatility and convenience over portable solar-powered options. However, hardwiring often requires hiring an electrician.
Mix affordable low-voltage landscape lights along paths and perimeter with splurge-worthy statement pieces like an elegant chandelier on a covered patio.

Ease of Installation & Maintenance

Look for durable materials like galvanized steel that resist weather deterioration and cedar that naturally withstands moisture. Avoid fixtures with plastic components.
Check that outdoor-rated fixtures have ingress protection ratings signifying levels of water, dust, and particle resistance. IP65 is the minimum rating for outdoor fixtures.
Consider the complexity of the installation such as the wiring involved and ease of replacing bulbs and other components when necessary.

By considering these factors before selecting fixtures, you can create cost-effective outdoor lighting tailored to your specific needs that not only illuminates beautifully but also withstands the elements long-term.

Popular Types of Outdoor Lighting

With a foundational understanding of what makes lighting effective outdoors, now let’s explore some of the most popular fixture types used in exterior illumination along with their best applications:

Landscape Lighting

Strategically placed landscape lighting highlights the natural features and architecture that make your outdoor area unique. Popular options include:

Path lights – Low-level lights illuminating walking paths provide safety and ambiance. They come in the traditional short spike style or contemporary slim linear silhouettes.
Step lights – Built into risers, these stripe-shaped fixtures cast a glow to brighten stairways. Some have adjustable heads to direct the beam.
Deck lights – Mini recessed lights or simple posts illuminate deck floorboards for safe traversing and decorative flair. Many feature adjustable heads.
Pond lights – Fixtures placed at pond edges or underwater radiate colorful effects across the water. Most have protective waterproof housings.
Tree uplighting – Lights placed near the base of trees shine upward through branches for dramatic results. Silhouettes and textures strikingly emerge.
Hardscape lighting – Grazing fixtures highlight vertical surfaces like walls and fences while washlights bathe flat horizontal planes like pathways in light.
Spotlights & floodlights – Concentrated light precisely accents architectural or natural elements from a distance. Adjustable heads allow focusing the beam.

Security Lighting

Security lighting deters unwanted visitors and illuminates hazards. It should provide excellent visibility and control. Options consist of:

Floodlights – Powerful floodlights intensely illuminate large areas. Motion activated versions react to movements alerting homeowners.
Path lights – Low-level path lighting offers continuous soft illumination vs harsh glaring floodlights.
Step lights – Integrated stair lighting prevents tripping and slip hazards in dim conditions.
Spotlights – Adjustable spotlights allow focusing intense cones of light on vulnerable areas for protective visibility.
Dusk-to-dawn lights – Photocells automatically activate fixtures at dusk and deactivate at dawn, providing convenience and reliability.

Task Lighting

Dedicated task lighting aids with essential household duties. Position these lights where you need visibility for:

Outdoor cooking and dining
Gardening and yardwork
Outdoor maintenance and repairs
Recreational activities like grilling, crafts, etc.
Reading and homework

Good task lighting options include:

Pendant lights – Hanging pendant lights center bright illumination directly over tasks. Mini pendants work well in covered outdoor kitchens.
Undercabinet lights – These mount to surfaces like eaves and cabinets to cast helpful downlighting without glare.
Track lighting – Flexible track systems with adjustable spotlights allow aiming light precisely where needed.
Portable lamps – Cord-and-plug fixtures like clamp work lights can move with you providing portable illumination.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting sets overall illumination for an area without glare. It creates soft, inviting mood lighting for entertaining and relaxing. Methods include:

Post lights – Freestanding post fixtures give gentle omnidirectional ambiance. They line pathways and accent yard features.
Lanterns – Decorative lanterns hang or mount to walls washing areas in cozy low-level light. Their classic style fits traditional aesthetics.
Deck lights – Mini recessed deck lights placed sporadically emit understated ambient glow. Dimmer switches allow adjustability.
Uplighting – Uplights placed subtly shine upward into trees for quiet moonlight-effect ambiance.
String lights – Festooning trees and structures with string lights provides magical ambient sparkle. Bulb shape options range from mini globe to oversized Edison-style.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting puts emphasis on architectural details, garden focal points, artwork, and water features. Fixtures include:

Wall sconces – Wall-mounted sconces splash light onto vertical surfaces like house facades. Their upward aim creates shadowing that accentuates textures.
Picture lights – Discreet picture lighting highlights outdoor art installations and wall decor such as framed photos or living wall planters.
Spotlights – Adjustable spotlights focus directional accent beam patterns. Spotlights stand out visually by day as much as by night.
Grazers – Grazing fixtures cast light across textured surfaces like concrete or stucco to dramatically intensify the textures.
Pond lights – Submerged and floating pond lights illuminate water features, creating focal points, especially at night.

Statement & Decorative Lighting

Make an impact with decorative statement fixtures that function as exterior design elements. Options include:

Pendants – Oversized pendant lights work as standalone sculptures. Drum-shaped or spherical pendant fixtures make dramatic statements.
Chandeliers – Grand, ornate chandeliers become the centerpiece decor element on a covered patio or front porch.
Lanterns – Decorative lantern posts lined along a drive or pathway contribute ambiance and style. Many designs like gas and electric lanterns authentically replicate historical fixtures.
Marquee lights – Vintage-inspired marquee and theater lights add retro flair. The colorful bulbs and neon accents make them especially effective for parties.
Flame lights – Flame light fixtures mimic flickering fire and candlelight effects. Their unique shapes range from abstract blobs to slender tapering forms.

Best Outdoor Lighting Fixtures by Application

Now that we’ve reviewed the most common categories of outdoor lighting, let’s examine some of the best specific fixture styles and models to consider for different exterior spaces:

Driveways

Adequately illuminate long driveways and wide garage entrances for navigation safety and security.

Tall post lanterns – High-reaching freestanding lampposts project light widely down the full driveway length. They make impressive statements flanking drive entryways.
Bollards – Low standalone bollard fixtures light driveways with subtle charm. Their downward throw eliminates glare.
Straight & curved driveway lights – Lining the driveway edge with continual lighting provides consistent visibility. Curved driveway styles follow winding paths.
Inground spotlights – Recessed spotlights focused down the center of the drive concentrate directional beams for distance visibility.

Pathways and Walkways

Guide visitors safely to your entry with pathway illumination focused on major routes.

Bollard lights – Freestanding mini bollards placed sporadically illuminate winding paths effectively with short-range downward throw.
Step lights – Practical linear step lights integrated along stair risers prevent tripping on stairs and terraced routes.
Path lights – Stake-mounted path lights aim down lighting key walkways clearly. They come in adjustable and fixed-angle versions.
Moon lights – Subtle moonlights shine upward from pathways, creating understated ambient glow for a serene feel.

Patios

Create an inviting entertainment oasis and extend daytime use into the evenings by lighting your patio properly.

String lights – Draped overhead, patio string lights establish magical ambiance. Opt for durable outdoor-rated versions. Incorporate lighting into pergola or trellis structures.
Rail lights – Low-profile rail lighting integrated into deck railings emits helpful but subtle safety lighting without impeding views.
Recessed deck lights – Miniature in-deck lighting recessed between floorboards adds twinkling flair underfoot without glare. Use accent lighting sparingly.
Lanterns – Mount decorative lanterns or sconces to walls and posts surrounding the patio for soft omnidirectional lighting.
Spotlights – Strategically aimed spotlights illuminate focal features like gardens beds and water features surrounding the patio.

Pools

Proper pool lighting enhances ambiance during evening dips and provides critical visibility for safety.

In-water lights – Waterproof lights installed at varying depths in the pool wall provide magical rippled effects on the water’s surface.
Decorative floaters – Floating luminaires like glowing balls and lighted lily pads make fun decorative accents. Some have interchangeable colored lenses.
Underwater spotlights – Spotlights aimed up from the pool floor or steps spotlight swimmers and amenities for safety.
High-mount wall lights – Wall sconces aimed down and spanning the pool deliver even light distribution across the entire water surface.
Low-voltage deck lights – Low-voltage mini deck lights recessed into the pool surround avoid glare while adding ambiance.

Backyards and Gardens

Outdoor lighting allows enjoying garden beauty day or night while also aiding plants’ growth.

Path lights – Direct low-level path illumination to highlight winding garden pathways and lead visitors through the landscape unobtrusively.
Step lights – Practical step lighting provides safe visibility on garden stairs and terraced retaining walls.
Spotlights – Spotlights precisely highlight focal points like specimen trees and planters from a distance.
Landscape uplighting – Uplighting aimed upward at trees creates dramatic silhouetting and moonlight effects.
Underplanting – Discreet low-voltage fixtures shining from underneath plants provide soft supplemental ambiance.
Solar spotlights – Self-contained solar spotlights conveniently illuminate garden beds without wiring. Aim to avoid glare.
Hanging & mounted pendants – Mini pendant lights hung from structures and branches or mounted on posts sparkle, mimicking flowers.

Pergolas, Gazebos & Trellises

Incorporate lighting into overhead structures to define the spaces beautifully at night.

Chandeliers – Suspended chandeliers make stunning statements as centerpieces of covered structures. Select outdoor-rated fixtures.
String lights – Weave string lighting through beams and rafters to create a canopy of light overhead. Stagger lines at varied heights for dimension.
Rail lights – Discreet rail fixtures integrated into structures add understated ambient lighting from above.
Spotlights – Mini spotlights aimed down through the overhead framework highlight spaces below without glare.
Sconces – Place decorative sconces or lanterns with uplight elements at posts to accent the surrounding architecture.

Front Yards and Entries

Welcoming illumination improves curb appeal, guides visitors, and adds character to the home exterior.

Post lanterns – Tall lampposts with traditional lanterns lining the sidewalkway and drive brighten yard landscapes uniformly.
Path lights – Low-level path lights discreetly edging the front walkway provide subtle guidance.
Step lights – Elucidate stairs, entry terraces, and porches with integrated step lights to prevent mishaps.
Wall sconces – Articulate architectural facades with decorative sconces flanking doorways and shining light onto exterior walls.
Porch ceiling/railing lights – Mini recessed ceiling and railing lighting add soft glow welcoming guests and illuminating porch steps and seating.

Garages and Sheds

Smartly placed lighting by storage structures deters pests and prowlers while aiding outdoor tasks and maintenance.

Security floodlights – Mount motion-sensing floodlights high on sheds and garage exteriors to activate with movements and provide harsh deterrent lighting.
Wall sconces – Decorative sconces flanking garage doors contribute cheerier illumination for unpacking cars at night.
Ground spotlights – Spotlights mounted low on the structure base aim light exactly where needed by work areas.
Portable work lights – Moveable stand or clamp work lights offer versatility for tasks needing the most illumination like gardening or repairs.
Under-eave lights – Subtle lights mounted high under garage, carport, and shed eaves illuminate interiors when doors are open without glare.

Selecting the Best Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Now that we’ve explored the vast range of excellent outdoor lighting options, here are some final tips for choosing the best fixtures for your unique space:

Take time to analyze your lighting needs and decide which applications are priorities – safety, tasks, accent, ambiance, etc.
Consider expert guidance from landscape designers or lighting professionals if planning a major lighting overhaul.
Choose fixtures suited specifically for wet, humid, and temperature-fluctuating outdoor environments. Seek durable materials like weather-resistant metals instead of plastic.
Opt for LED bulb technology for efficiency and longevity. ENERGY STAR-rated LED fixtures proven to withstand elements are ideal.
Evaluate fixtures when visiting retailer displays or demonstration gardens. Assess real-life performance regarding light brightness, spread, color, and glare.
Purchase the highest quality fixtures your budget allows. Quality optics and construction will withstand years outdoors and offer dependable performance.
Read reviews and research brands thoroughly to assess durability from real customers, especially for online purchases where you cannot see products in person.
Take advantage of lighting technologies like dimmers, motion sensors, and timers to control lighting remotely and conserve energy.
Hire a professional electrician if hardwiring new fixtures rather than using solar power to ensure correct and safe installation.

By picking lighting tailored to your exterior layout and needs, factoring in local climate challenges, and implementing fixtures thoughtfully, you can develop a stellar outdoor lighting scheme. The right lighting illuminates and transforms your outdoor living spaces into both functional and visually stunning enjoying day and night. Your beautiful, navigable, and secure exterior oasis awaits!