Outdoor Lighting Ideas From Subtle to Statement Making

March 1, 2024|Design, Outdoor Lighting Trends, Tips

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to create an inviting outdoor space with lighting that flatters your home’s architecture and landscaping. Outdoor lighting can be both beautiful and functional, but it’s important to plan it carefully to avoid common mistakes. A lighting professional can help you design a system that meets your needs and budget.

Strategic outdoor lighting can:

Boost Curb Appeal: Welcoming front yard lighting enhances your home’s exterior and increases curb appeal, potentially adding value to your property.
Expand Usable Space: Backyard and patio lighting lets you enjoy your outdoor space for longer in the evenings, perfect for entertaining or relaxing under the stars.
Create Ambiance: The right lighting temperature and fixtures can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your outdoor areas.

Easy Outdoor Lighting Tips for Any Budget

Even simple changes like choosing the right color temperature for your bulbs can make a big difference. Here are some expert-approved outdoor lighting tips to get you started, no matter the size or budget of your project:

Highlight Architectural Features: Use path lights or spotlights to accentuate walkways, driveways, and architectural details of your home.
Uplight Trees and Plants: Strategically placed outdoor lights can cast dramatic shadows and showcase the beauty of your landscaping.
String Lights for Ambiance: String lights draped over a pergola or patio can create a magical and inviting atmosphere.
Solar Lights for Easy Installation: Solar-powered lights are a low-maintenance way to add subtle light to pathways and flower beds.

WAC LED Inground Well Light

Outdoor Lighting for Subdued Sophistication

A little lighting goes a long way. In fact, outdoor lighting can be subtle and discreet to let other elements in your front or back yard shine. Use it to create or enhance your desired ambiance with a few well-placed fixtures.

Light Bulbs That Enhance Ambiance

Even a simple thing like changing out the type of light bulbs can make a noticeable difference in your outdoor spaces. Bulbs that impart a warm and matte cast of light are best for the outdoors where you want to keep things more relaxed and inviting.

Light bulbs are rated in kelvins, and a good range for outdoor light bulbs is between 2100K -2700K. Lighting showrooms carry specialty light bulbs, including outdoor-rated bulbs that can withstand the elements.

“Light really affects people differently, and I think [ choosing the correct kelvin temperature ] is an important step in the process of selecting your lighting that often times gets overlooked,” says Cassie Smith, sales associate at Richard’s Lighting in Alabama.

Hinkley Sutcliffe Lantern

Gas Lanterns and Lamps for a Nostalgia Aesthetic

Gas lanterns and lamps are reminiscent of candlelight homes and streetscapes of times gone by.

“Gas lanterns are gorgeous for a soft and welcoming glow,” says Debbie Sturgeon, sales associate at Richard’s Lighting.

Today’s gas-powered fixtures are refreshed and modern for the 21st century, and available in a variety of styles to complement your home’s architecture. Install them along exterior walls or next to exterior doors for an inviting look. Mounting gas lanterns on post tops is a charming way to accentuate a pathway or deck, or blend with landscaping.

Statement-Making Outdoor Lighting Ideas

While lighting is often a supporting player in your front or back yard, it can also become a prominent feature in your outdoor oasis. Depending on your home’s exterior, hardscapes, and landscaping, bold lighting can show off certain architectural features, walkways, trees, and plants.

Look-At-Me Landscape Lighting

Elevate your front yard with landscape lighting that accentuates your home’s exterior. “Landscape lighting would be an area where you can be most dramatic,” adds Sturgeon. Highlight trees, shrubs, or even potted plants with low-voltage LED uplights. Place pathway lighting along walkways, driveways, and stairs.

WAC Lighting LED Step and Wall Light with Clear Lens – 120 Volt

Outdoor Lighting Takeaways

Outdoor lighting makes your home look warm and inviting even after the sun goes down. The types of lighting and fixtures you choose will depend on your home’s architectural style, yard size, and the features you wish to illuminate. You’ll also want to consider functional-oriented lighting to safeguard your home and prevent injuries.

Working with an expert at a Lighting One member showroom is a great way to start planning a new outdoor lighting layout for your home!