From beauty to security, outdoor lighting serves many purposes for illuminating your home’s exterior. Outdoor light fixtures aid in safety, security, architecture, and landscaping.
Whether you want to brighten your deck at an outdoor party, illuminate a pathway for safety, or provide a soft exterior glow to enhance curb appeal, use our outdoor lighting guide to direct your choice.
There are many different types of outdoor lighting to utilize. Lights in your entry provide a beautiful curb appeal and an added safety element, while lights in covered seating areas brighten up an outdoor entertaining space.
- Adds elegant curb appeal
- Enhances security and safety
- Provides added interest to architectural details
- Utilize outdoor spaces at night
Outdoor Ceiling Lights
Ceiling lights mount flush against the ceiling and cast downward illumination. These fixtures are great for optimizing light without taking up space.
Ceiling fans are a great choice for covered seating spots. They provide the dual function of cooling the air and brightening the space.
- Perfect for covered porches, eaves, entryways, or gazebos
- Fans, recessed lights, and other ceiling lights come in a variety of styles
- Ideal for spaces with low clearance and no room for wall light
- Great for illuminating outdoor seating areas
Hanging Tip: Ceiling lights should generally be spaced 8 feet apart for ample light in large spaces. Err on the larger size. It’s better to have too much light than not enough.
Outdoor Pendant Lighting
Pendant lights are ceiling lights that include a chain or rod and suspend from overhead spaces. Pendant lights cast downward illumination and can be tailored to best fit into your space.
- Perfect for illuminating patios, covered decks, entryways, and gazebos
- Come in a variety of styles and materials
- Ideal for adding a dramatic flair to spaces with high ceilings of 8 feet or more
- Made to withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions
Hanging Tip: Wall lights by the door should measure anywhere from ¼ to ⅓ the height of your front door and should be mounted slightly above eye level to illuminate without any harsh glare to the eyes. Generally, this will be from 5.5 feet to 6 feet off the ground. When placed along the same wall, consider 8 feet to 10 feet between fixtures.
Outdoor Wall Sconces
Outdoor wall lights mount on any vertical surface and cast a downward or upward illumination to brighten shadowed spaces. A common outdoor fixture, wall lights are a durable and attractive way to light your home and backyard spaces.
- Perfect for porches, decks, garages, or on either side of a window or entryway
- Styles include sconces, lanterns, and more for ambient light
- Ideal for highlighting doors and home numbers
- Easy to install and maintain over time
Hanging Tip: Pendant lights should be ⅓ the height of your front door. They are best hung in spaces where the ceiling height is 8 feet or more. For entryways, center the pendant about 6 inches above the door.
How to Power Your Lighting System
Solar
Drawing its energy from the sun, solar-powered lights are a great way to reduce energy costs and bypass outdoor lighting fixtures that involve wiring.
Plug-in
Plug-in lights are simple to use with a power outlet and extension cord. However, there will be an exposed cord you may want to secure or conceal.
Hard-wired
Hard-wired lights connect directly to the electrical wiring in your home, bypassing the need for exposed cords. However, you may need the help of an electrician.
Other Lighting Considerations
Motion Sensors
Motion-sensor lights turn on when movement is detected and are a great energy-saving option, as the lights deactivate if no additional movement triggers the sensors. These are often used for security around a garage.
Timer
Lights can also be placed on a timer to ensure they do not consume more energy than needed.
Dusk-to-Dawn
Dusk-to-dawn lights have a light sensor that detects the rising and setting of the sun, only activating in the nighttime hours.
What Bulbs To Use for Your Outdoor Lighting System
Outdoor-rated LED bulbs are a popular option for lighting fixtures. While they cost more upfront, they last considerably longer than other bulbs and don’t contain hazardous materials if broken.
Another popular option is incandescent light bulbs. These bulbs are less expensive than LED options and provide a soft warm glow. However, they are not as energy efficient and need to be replaced often.
What Materials to Use for Your Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting fixtures will generally be made from a range of durable materials to last through various temperatures and weather conditions.
When exposed to light, heat, cold, and moisture, your outdoor lighting needs to remain functional and provide a beautiful aesthetic.
Look for outdoor lighting futures that are non-corrosive and UV resistant. If your light will be exposed to wet weather, look for a UL Damp Location or Wet Location rating.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Lighting for Your Space
1.
Consider Your Space & Needs
What areas and locations around your house need lighting? Do you need outdoor lighting for your patio and seating areas? Or entry and pathway lighting to aid in security and guide you at night?
Do a walkthrough of your space and decide what your needs are and the appropriate type of lighting for each space.
2.
Consider the Brightness of the Area
Wattage and lumens need to be considered for your outdoor lighting and depend on the size of the space you are lighting and the size of the light fixture itself.
The larger the space you need to illuminate, the higher the wattage.
3.
Consider Materials & Care
Make sure that the lighting fixture you choose is a quality material that won’t degrade when exposed to the elements. Also, consider the placement and if it will be easy to maintain over time.
4.
Consider your Design Style
Outdoor lighting comes in many styles and finishes to match your design preferences. Choose a look love by blending your lighting into your decor or letting it stand out from the rest of your design.
Brighten Your Home’s Exterior With Quality Outdoor Lighting
Whether you’re highlighting architecture, providing added security, or brightening spaces for entertaining, outdoor lighting makes an impression that brings a home to life. Browse our curated collection of outdoor lighting fixtures designed to fit your home and needs at furniture.com.