When selecting exterior lighting, the primary starting point for homeowners is to develop a design goal – what is the purpose of the lighting? Are you looking to highlight key design features, draw attention to a portion of the property, or create a well-lit entryway? From safety lighting to ambient lights for entertaining, exterior lighting defines your style, personality, and priorities. A professional architect can help you to sections off distinct areas and provide the lighting solution that best meets your goals.
Categories of Exterior Lighting
Task Lighting: Task lighting for illuminating pathways and entrances after dark is the primary goal for most homeowners. Task lighting includes pathway, deck, and step lights to ensure safe passage for family and friends. If the light fixture is exposed to the weather, a wet-rated fixture specifically identified as outdoor lighting will be necessary.
Ambient Lighting: A common error that homeowners make is utilizing too bright of a bulb for exterior areas. A bulb with a lower wattage or a lower lumens output is usually adequate after dark. Outdoor wall or post lights are the most common for ambient lighting and give off a comfortable level of brightness without glare. Ambient lighting is also known as general lighting.
Accent Lighting: Accent lighting infuses drama by creating visual interest, such as highlighting trees or garden beds. Accent lighting typically utilizes spotlights or floodlights to achieve its effect.
Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
Landscape Lights: Landscape lighting uses low voltage, connected through a system distinct from wall and ceiling lights. Path, spot, and floodlights can be combined to create a layered lighting effect. Spotlights often illuminate trees and attractive sculptural accents or unique architectural details.
Path Lights: The most common type of landscape lighting is small posts with a built-in light. Path lights can illuminate a walkway or driveway, surround a pool for night swimming, or be utilized to frame a feature in a yard.
Wall Lights: The time-honored front or back porch light may be mounted on virtually any vertical outdoor surface. Wall lights are resilient and durable for outdoor use and create a desired aesthetic. Outdoor wall lights are generally used for decorative purposes on patios or porches, offering ambient or accent lighting rather than bright illumination.
Post Lights & Pier Mount Lights: Post lights are fixtures that mount on top of posts and are commonly installed at entries, gates, fences, or deck structures. Post lights are generally “wet rated,” meaning they are designed to function well even with direct exposure to rain and moisture. A pier mount light is similar in function to a post light but is installed on top of columns or walls instead of posts.
Deck and Step Lights: Deck and step lights are installed directly into the property’s hardscape or decking. They are used to showcase architectural details, offer safety and security in dark areas, and facilitate safe walking and climbing.
Exterior Lighting for Safety & Security
There are exterior lighting solutions that help enhance outdoor security. The front door, driveways, and garage are the most essential areas that can be protected with options ranging from Wi-Fi-controlled LED light bulbs to motion-sensor lights with distance controls.
Dusk to Dawn Lights: These exterior lighting fixtures feature photo sensors that turn on and off automatically as the sun rises and sets. These lights are low-maintenance and are only utilized when needed.
Motion Sensor Lights: Motion sensor security lights are an ideal solution that provides a bright, flood-like light that helps scare off unwanted visitors and intruders. Sensor lights are triggered by nearby movements, making them an excellent option for high-traffic areas of the property.
JTL Architects Has the Expertise You Need
While exterior lighting often falls under the purview of landscape architects, the architects who design your custom home are the perfect team to help you identify lighting needs. The professionals at JTL Architects have the knowledge, experience, and inspiration you need to create a residential property you love – from the inside out!
