How Bright Should My Outdoor Lights Be?

Brightness is measured in lumens. For outdoor lighting, the number of lumens needed depends on what the light will be used for. A floodlight should be brighter than a porch light, for example, and a porch light may be brighter than garden or pathway lights.One lumen is the equivalent brightness of a single candle from 12 inches away. Outdoor lighting typically ranges from 50 to 300 lumens depending on the purpose. Some floodlights may be much brighter, up to 20,000 lumens in some cases. You don't want your lighting to be too bright, or it may cast harsh light into your home — or worse, disturb your neighbors. You also don't want it to be too dim, or it may not illuminate everything you want to see.Most outdoor fixtures use LED or halogen bulbs since they're the most weatherproof. Because LED bulbs are designed to produce more light using fewer watts of power, be sure to check the lumens listed on the package, rather than trying to figure out the brightness based on the wattage.

Do I Need Special Bulbs for Outdoor Lights?

The biggest consideration when it comes to outdoor lighting is weather exposure. Bulbs that may be exposed to the elements need to be rated as such. This means typical indoor bulbs won't work well in uncovered outdoor light fixtures. Lighting may be rated as safe for damp or wet conditions.Damp-rated bulbs and fixtures are safe outdoors in covered locations such as overhead lighting on a porch or covered patio. They can also be used in humid indoor environments such as a bathroom or greenhouse.Wet-rated lighting is safe when exposed to the elements and can be used for garden lighting or along pathways. Using damp- or indoor-rated bulbs or fixtures in places exposed to rain or high humidity may result in the bulb degrading or shorting out due to moisture.

How Do You Pick an Outdoor Light?

Choosing outdoor lighting depends on where or how you plan to use the light, the aesthetic design of your house or garden, and your own personal style preferences. There are many features to consider with outdoor lights, including:Intended use: Is the light meant to create soft ambiance for your patio? Is it meant to illuminate your whole yard for security purposes? Do you want something small to help you see your walkway at night? Each of these purposes requires slightly different lighting equipment.Architectural style: Outdoor lighting can be wall-mounted, hung from above, or freestanding. Freestanding lights also come in a variety of heights ranging from a few inches tall for pathway lighting to lampposts several feet tall for illuminating a garden. Consider what style will look best with the architectural design of your home or garden.Durability: Some outdoor lights are designed for more extreme conditions than others. A light on a covered porch may not need to be as durable as a floodlight or garden light that's exposed to any and all types of weather.Color and material: Lights can also come in a variety of colors and materials. Consider what colors will coordinate with your siding, or whether a metal fixture might match your porch railing.