Lighting is a critical aspect of outdoor living. Outdoor lighting is more than adding wall sconces or floodlights to your patio or yard. To make the most of your outdoor living space, you need a lighting plan. Here are a few ideas you can use.

Setting the Right Mood

Soft lighting with subtle shadows is a good idea. You can also use festive lighting which is not overpowering. Don’t use very high wattage unless you can dim the lights. However, you can have brighter lights in the eating, meal prep and parking areas. Install softer lighting in sitting areas.

Ensuring Safety

Proper outdoor lighting makes your outdoor spaces safer. Landscape lights along walkways, stairs and landscape walls can help you avoid injury. Lighting over the grill or meal prep can help you cook well and avoid injury. Adequate lighting around entrances can improve the curb appeal of your home as well as make it safer.

The Options

Make the lighting decisions early while planning your outdoor living space. That allows you to install the required electrical lines or switches without having to retrofit later, which may prove expensive.

• String Lights: String lights can make your outdoor space more festive.
• Overhead Lighting: You can include recessed or hanging light fixtures under porches. Pendant lights and chandeliers can help you create an outdoor room.
• Landscape Lighting: Path and landscape accent lights make your outdoor spaces more ethereal, especially when the light filters through the foliage.
• Fire Features: Firepits, fire bowls, fire tables, and outdoor fireplaces can light up your space with a warm glow. You can also add low-voltage lighting near your fire features to boost lighting.
• Water Features: Lighting can add to improve the aesthetic of pools, fountains and any other water features.

Hardscape Lighting: You can choose from multiple types of hardscape lighting, such as lamp posts, wall lights, step lights, pillar sconces, and paver lights.