Outdoor Lighting Tips

Add some attention-grabbing fixtures to your garden and backyard by installing spotlights or LED lighting. Proper lighting can actually help take the beauty of your garden up a notch. Many people use their garden or backyard to entertain friends.

With spectacular lighting, your guest will be raving about how good your decorating skills are.
Most people feel daunted with the task of incorporating outdoor light bulbs simply because it needs careful planning and consideration. Unlike indoor rooms with lights that are relatively easier to arrange, outdoor lighting has to be strategic so you will get the over-all look you are aiming for.

Factors To Consider When Installing Outdoor Lights

Before installing random LED lights in your backyard, make sure you mull over the following factors first:

1. Over-all design of your outdoor space

Aside from the garden, you also have to consider your patio, porch, balcony or deck. These are part and parcel of your outdoor design. You would want the lighting in these areas to complement the lighting in your garden or backyard space.

Depending on the type of outdoor space you have, there are a variety of lighting options you can choose from. Simple balconies or limited patio spaces might not have a room for more elaborate lighting. With that being said, opt for decorative type of pendant lights. Basically, these are functional but stylish types of hanging or ceiling lights. You often find these installed above kitchen islands or peninsulas or kitchen tables but there are also outdoor types of pendant lights that are perfect for small balconies. They give off a cosy effect.

Aside from the ceiling pendants, also install simple wall mounted lights. The lantern type of wall lights can inject a bit of romance in your outdoor space. This should be perfect for intimate or romantic occasions. You can opt for the miniature wall lights if you do not want them to diminish the look of the pendant lights during the day.

For your garden, strategic placing of spot lights and bulbs is essential. Beam lights are great for those who are frequently entertaining outdoors at night because they give off a great amount of light ideal for outdoor setting. LED lights also works because the light they emit is significantly brighter than standard light.

2. Energy Consumption

Most lights today are energy efficient. But since you want to illuminate your backyard all night long not only to make it look attractive but also to avoid burglary problems, you would want something that does not consume a lot of energy. Choose eco-friendly and energy-saving types of lights.

3. Safety

You would not want children roaming around your backyard to touch your lighting fixtures. Look for lighting fixtures with mounted and encased features. They should also be resistant to outdoor wear and tear especially during the winter season.

4. Process Of Installation

The process of installation is always the critical part for outdoor lighting. Wiring them correctly is critical if you want it to work properly. In general, the farther the fixtures are to your outdoor lighting transformer, the less light it is going to emit. So if you want proper illumination, you should install lights no more than 100 watts. If you are thinking of installing 10 lights powered by 20 watts of energy each, you can try making some sort of tee connection. Use a thicker gauge wire to prevent the voltage from dropping.

Always allot an extra wire length when you are hooking them up. This way, you can still move them if you decide to change the lighting layout. Start laying out the lights first. After that, set the wires. Do not bury the lines yet. After installation test it out first at night. In case you do not like something, you can move it first. Bury the lines after you have settled on the design.

A large transformer might also be better because it leaves more room for more lights. So if you are incorporating 400 watts of lights in your backyard, try purchasing larger 600-watt transformer. It also helps if it has an integrated timer and photocell. This way, you can set the lights to turn on at the designated time.

Now that you know the importance of outdoor light bulbs, start finding the right lighting fixtures that can improve the look of your backyard or garden. led lighting or spotlights can give a dramatic look to your outdoor setting.