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When it comes to choosing lighting for the outside of your home, it’s important to consider whether you need special lights that are suitable for outdoor use. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics, but also of safety and functionality.
Before you start selecting lights for your outdoor spaces, there are a few things you need to know. According to experts, outdoor lights should be outdoor rated and have certain specifications to handle unpredictable weather conditions. The fixtures should have a UL listing and an IP rating to ensure they can withstand damp conditions.
Different types of lights have different requirements for outdoor use, such as incandescent bulbs and flood lights that can be used in covered locations, halogens that need special protection, CFLs that are for indoor use only, and LEDs that require specific ratings depending on their level of exposure.
It’s also important to consider factors like weatherproofing your electrical accessories and using non-metal, non-binding attachments for mounting. By choosing the right special lights for outside, you can enhance your home’s exterior safely and stylishly.
Key Takeaways:
- Special lights for outside are necessary for safety and functionality.
- Outdoor lights should have a UL listing and an IP rating to withstand weather conditions.
- Different types of lights have different requirements for outdoor use.
- Weatherproof electrical accessories and use non-metal, non-binding attachments for mounting.
- Choosing the right special lights enhances your home’s exterior safely and stylishly.
What types of Outside Lighting do you need special lights for outside
When it comes to lighting the exterior of your home, various types of outside lighting serve different purposes. Understanding these types can help you create a well-lit and inviting outdoor space. Let’s explore the different types of outside lighting:
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting provides general illumination and helps create a welcoming atmosphere in your outdoor areas. It ensures that the overall space is adequately lit for safe navigation and socializing. Common examples of ambient lighting include outdoor wall sconces, post lights, and ceiling lights. These fixtures distribute light evenly and cast a warm and inviting glow.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is focused lighting that aids in specific activities or tasks performed outdoors. It is designed to provide ample light in areas where you need it most. Examples of task lighting include outdoor spotlights, pathway lights, and deck lights. These fixtures illuminate specific areas such as cooking or dining areas, pathways, and workspaces, allowing you to carry out tasks with ease and precision.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used to highlight specific features or areas in your outdoor space, adding visual interest and enhancing the overall aesthetics. This type of lighting allows you to draw attention to architectural elements, landscape features, or focal points. Accent lighting fixtures include outdoor wall washers, well lights, and landscape lights. By strategically placing these lights, you can create depth, shadows, and beautiful focal points throughout your outdoor area.
Security Lighting
Security lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing safety and deterring potential intruders. It illuminates key areas around your home, preventing dark areas where unauthorized individuals may hide. Motion sensor lights, floodlights, and security spotlights are common examples of security lighting. These fixtures are strategically placed to cover high-traffic areas, entry points, and vulnerable spots, providing peace of mind and enhancing the overall security of your home.
By understanding the different types of outside lighting available, you can choose the right fixtures to meet your specific needs. The table below summarizes the different types of lighting, their purposes, and common examples:
Types of Outside Lighting | Purpose | Examples |
---|---|---|
Ambient Lighting | Provides general illumination and creates a welcoming atmosphere | Outdoor wall sconces, post lights, ceiling lights |
Task Lighting | Focused lighting for specific activities or tasks | Outdoor spotlights, pathway lights, deck lights |
Accent Lighting | Highlights specific features or areas for visual interest | Outdoor wall washers, well lights, landscape lights |
Security Lighting | Enhances safety and deters potential intruders | Motion sensor lights, floodlights, security spotlights |
By selecting the right types of outside lighting for your outdoor space, you can create a harmonious and well-lit environment that meets both your functional and aesthetic needs.
Considerations When Buying LED Outside Lights
When purchasing LED outside lights, there are several important factors to consider. One of these is the amount of light produced, which is measured in lumens. The light brightness, on the other hand, refers to how bright the light appears. The appropriate lumens and brightness levels will depend on your specific outdoor lighting needs.
For example, path and step lighting may require 12 to 200 lumens, while outdoor LED flood lights may need 700 to 13000 lumens. Choosing the right level of brightness ensures optimal visibility and safety for your outdoor spaces.
Another consideration when buying LED outside lights is the kelvins and light color. Warm white lights create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for outdoor areas such as patios and gardens. Neutral white lights provide a bright and clear illumination similar to natural daylight, making them suitable for areas that require good visibility, such as driveways and walkways. Cool white lights offer a crisp and sharp lighting that highlights details and colors, ideal for accentuating architectural features or outdoor art installations.
The mounting options and size of the outside light fixtures should also be taken into account. Wall mounts, pole mounts, and ground mounts are common options, and it’s important to choose a mounting type that matches the existing light or desired location. Consider the size of the space and the desired coverage when selecting the appropriate size of the fixtures.
Additionally, don’t forget to consider outdoor light features that can enhance functionality and energy efficiency. Photocells allow the lights to automatically turn on and off based on ambient light levels, saving energy and ensuring your outdoor spaces are always well-lit. Motion sensors detect movement and trigger the lights, providing added security and deterring potential intruders. Dimmers offer flexibility in adjusting the light intensity, allowing you to create different moods and ambiance for your outdoor gatherings.
By carefully considering these various factors – including lumens and light brightness, kelvins and light color, mounting options, and outdoor light features – you can make an informed decision when buying LED outside lights for your home. Enhance your outdoor spaces with the right lighting choices, creating a welcoming and well-lit environment for both functional and aesthetic purposes.