Winter has arrived, and with it comes shorter days and longer, darker nights. As homeowners, we often prioritize the interior of the house when it comes to lighting, but the property’s exterior is just as important. Adequate outdoor illumination boosts safety and security and enhances the beauty of your home and landscaping. Here are a few inspiring ideas to improve exterior lighting and create a welcoming and cozy outdoor space.
Tips to Improve Exterior Lighting
1. Pathway and Step Lighting
Pathway and step lighting are essential for guiding guests safely through the yard, especially in the winter. With so many types of pathway lighting available, from solar light posts to recessed lighting, you’ll find a style that works for your home. Install lighting to illuminate the steps and any elevation changes, making sure there are no tripping hazards.
2. String Lighting
String lighting has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s no surprise. String lights are versatile, affordable, and easy to install, adding a warm glow to any outdoor space. Drape lights on trees, around the patio, inside a pergola, or along the deck railing for a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
3. Improve Exterior Lighting with Floodlights
Floodlights are a fantastic solution for illuminating a broad outdoor space area, such as the side yard, pool deck, or playground. Floodlights can highlight beautiful landscaping or water features. With LED floodlights, you don’t have to worry about a costly utility bill; energy-efficient options emit minimal heat and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
4. Accent Lighting
Accent lighting highlights unique features in your outdoor space, such as sculptures, fountains, trees, and flower beds. Use floodlights, spotlights, or solar-powered stake lights to create focal points in the garden. Accent lighting adds dimension and depth to the landscaping, allowing you to showcase your natural surroundings.
5. Motion Sensor Lights
Motion-sensing lights are a fantastic solution to make your space look occupied, even when you’re not at home. They also boost security by powering on to illuminate movement in the yard, helping to deter intruders. With motion-detecting fixtures, the property will be well-lit whenever you arrive home after dark. Install motion sensor lights to cover dark areas of the yard and the entry points to your home.
Invest in adequate exterior lighting to improve your home’s safety, security, and curb appeal. Various options are available, whether you prefer a soft, warm glow or bright, fluorescent lighting. The above ideas will help you illuminate your property and create safe, cozy, and inviting outdoor spaces this winter.
360 Home Inspections provides inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in Northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.