7 Tips for Choosing Outdoor Lights

The outside of your home is the face, carrying the style and functionality you’ve chosen. Without outdoor lighting fixtures, however, your home will fall dark at night. Additionally, it will make it hard for you and your guests to leave or enter your home after dusk.

When you have guests over on a nice night, you’ll most likely want to entertain them outside. Not having sufficient outdoor lighting means you’ll have to go inside once sundown occurs, but it shouldn’t be that way!

If you’re ready to choose your new outdoor lighting setup, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Safety First

Outdoor light’s number one priority is to illuminate a safe pathway in and out of your home when it gets dark. This is emphasized if you (or frequent guests) are elderly or have children. Placing lighting fixtures along the parking areas and walkways will light up all the steps for you and your guests to take, negating any accidents.

Having lighting installed around your garage windows and other doors is also a good idea, as it can deter any would-be intruders.

Add Home Automation

Additionally, you should consider a home automation system. Home automation means you can come home to a fully illuminated house without thinking about it!

Prioritize Style & Ambiance

When installing new lighting, safety and functionality are most important, but the style you choose comes at a close second! Whether you want a bright pathway or entertain guests in your backyard at night, the type and ambiance should be considered.

Let’s say you just built a stunning new patio in your home, complete with a canopy and patio furniture. It may look nice during the day, but what about the prime time of a Coachella Valley night? With your setup, it’s only right to do it justice.

Choose a lighting style that fits your tastes and situation. Create that backyard oasis while showing a safe pathway to your home all at the same time.

Find Your Lighting Requirement

Before going out and buying lights for your home, you should calculate the number of lights you'll need in your space. All you have to do is multiply the square foot of your garden by 1.5, giving you the wattage you need in your area.

Also, you'll have to get your hands on bulbs with specific watts depending on how dark the area is. For instance, if your driveway or landscape is very dark, you'll need to buy lights with higher wattage.

Or, if you're feeling fancy, then you can use decorative lighting that has low wattage. This will also save you some money.

Choose Subtle/Soft Outdoor Lighting

Sitting on your porch or outdoor garden should feel relaxing and calming. You don't want harsh and strong lights to ruin your mood. It might be a better idea to choose soft or subtle lights for the outdoor space.

Get your hands on outdoor standing lanterns and dimmer light kits so you can adjust the brightness during cooking. You can also go for small table lamps for your outdoor dining table.

Select Colors That Fit Your Theme

Choosing lights that compliment the overall theme of your home will be more aesthetically pleasing. For instance, a house with a neutral, warm tone will go well with gold fixtures.

Conversely, a darker and warm-toned house will look better with white or paler-looking fixtures. The outdoor lighting will blend well with other design pieces of your home.

Look for Strong and Sturdy Lights

Outdoor lighting should be well-built and sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. Go for specially designed outdoor lighting, which is water resistant and can withstand extreme weather conditions.

The location of your lights will determine the type of light you'll need to buy. If you live in a warm area, your lights won't be subjected to as much damage as those living in harsher climates.

Analyze Your Lights From the Inside of Your Home

This may seem odd at first, but it is a smart approach. You can decide the kind of light you are looking for and where you want to place those lights.

For instance, you can decide the type of lights you want on your patio, driveway, and garden from the inside of the house.

You will have a better and broader view from the inside of the house to the outside. This way, you can better decide the ambiance you prefer for your outdoor lighting.

SoCal Is Your Go-To for Outdoor Light Installation Near Coachella Valley

SoCal Electrical & Lighting is the best option for installing outdoor lighting in your old home or new construction.

We also serve the Coachella Valley with other services, such as custom lighting, electrical troubleshooting, and commercial work. Request an estimate today or give us a call at 760-699-2686!