Outdoor lighting can greatly enhance a home’s beauty and functionality, adding visual appeal and practicality to the outdoor space at night. There are various types of outdoor lighting to choose from, each with unique features and best-use areas.

The goal you aim to achieve with the lights will play a huge role in the lighting options you choose. Read along to learn more about the options you can choose from, as well as some tips and factors to consider when choosing the best lighting for a home.

Floodlights

Floodlights are excellent options for directional lighting. They can cover a wide area of around 120 degrees and are often mounted on poles or the exterior of a building. They are best used for illuminating large outdoor spaces such as yards, driveways, and sports fields.

They offer perfect security and visibility at night and can also be used to highlight the exterior of a home or other structures. You can pair them with security equipment, such as motion detectors, in your yard for optimum security.

Spotlights

Spotlights are similar to floodlights but cover a narrower area of 45 degrees. They are best used as ambient lighting or to highlight specific features of a landscape, such as trees, water features, and statues.

Spotlights are a great way to add visual interest and drama to an outdoor area, as you can direct it at specific points to draw the eye. For instance, you can use them to create a downlighting or uplighting effect on a tree or create silhouettes of plants on a flat surface like a wall.

Inground Lights

As the name suggests, inground lights are installed in the ground and produce a downward light beam. They are best used for illuminating pathways, walkways, and steps for safety and aesthetics.

They create an uplifting effect of beautiful silhouettes and mysterious shadows, aggravating the visual appeal of the space. It’s best to use LED lights that won’t require constant replacement, to reduce maintenance needs.

What Should You Consider When Choosing Outdoor Light Fixtures?

With the numerous outdoor lighting options available, you need to narrow your needs and the functionalities you desire to be able to choose those that best suit your home.

The Purpose of the Lighting

The main reason for the lighting will guide you to the best option. Do you want it for security, to enhance your landscape’s aesthetics, or for functionality, such as illuminating walkways and steps?

When aiming to improve the safety of a staircase area, inground lights may be an excellent option. On the other hand, floodlights could be your best choice for improving the security of your outdoor yard.

The Style of the Home and Landscape

The outdoor lighting should complement the style of the home and the surrounding landscape. For example, a modern home may benefit from sleek, minimalist lighting, while a traditional home may look better with more classic, ornate lighting. Choosing lighting that enhances the home’s overall appearance and landscape is important rather than detracting from it.

Cost of Installation and Maintenance

It would be best if you considered the installation and maintenance costs, as this can affect the feasibility of the lighting plan. LED lighting, for example, might be more expensive upfront but can save money on energy costs in the long run.

Brighten Your Outdoor Space With the Best-Suited Lighting Options

Outdoor lighting is an essential aspect of enhancing the beauty and functionality of a home when looking to remodel your backyard. There are various types of outdoor lighting to choose from, each with its best-use areas and interesting features.

By considering the purpose of the lighting, the style of the home and landscape, and the budget at hand, you can choose the best lighting plan for your home. You can work with backyard remodel companies to ease the process and fulfill the aesthetic needs of your home with minimal hassle. Contact us today for professional assistance in redesigning your backyard.