The Different Types of Outdoor Lighting

By: Hogan Hererion

Walk through a neighborhood on a weekend afternoon and you are likely to see homeowners outside tending to their yard. The hours that go into maintaining a yard can be exhausting, but they are necessary to keep everything looking it's best. Often times, people look for additional ways to accentuate the features of their yard, without creating additional maintenance. The best way to enhance the look and feel of your yard is by using outdoor lighting.

There are two basic functions of outdoor lighting. First, outdoor lighting allows areas to be well-lit, making them safe and functional for homeowners and their guests. This is the most practical use of outdoor lighting, as these lights make it possible to have late night grilling, bonfires and get-togethers. Outdoor lighting can also light up driveways and walkways, making it safe for visitors or coming home late. For warm summer nights, outdoor lighting can provide a soft glow for swimmers or those who are fishing off a dock.

The second function of outdoor lighting is to enhance the natural beauty of your yard. You can direct attention to trees, shrubs or a garden. Outdoor lighting is also a great addition to add to your front yard, making it look crisp and clean.

Choosing the outdoor lighting that is right for you can be overwhelming since there are so many different types to choose from. Deciding if you're using your lighting for functional or imagery purposes will help you decide which type of lighting is right for you.

One of the most practical, easiest outdoor lights to use are solar powered lights. These lights use the sun's rays as their power source instead of electricity. Because of this, solar powered lights can be placed just about anywhere in your yard, making them the most practical of the bunch. Just remember to put them in an area where they will have regular exposure to the sun.

Floodlights and spotlights are also quite popular and give off a strong beam of light. Because they are so low to the ground, they work great to accentuate the natural features of trees and shrubs. The only difference between the two is that floodlights have a wide beam, while spotlights have a narrow beam.
If you're looking for safety, then motion-sensor lights are the way to go. These lights can be set to different levels of sensitivity. They startle strangers who may be wandering onto your property or cast a beam of light when an animals passes through. Motion-sensor lights are also great ways to light up your entrance for a late night out or unexpected company.

Many people find themselves spending an excess of time lounging in outdoor areas such as a gazebo or enclosed deck area. For these purposes, light fixtures are a must. Outdoor lighting can be tricky in these areas, so it's best to hire a qualified electrician to work with this type of lighting. These lights can be high or low voltage, each one having their differences. High-voltage lights work well to light up a room and require an additional circuit. Low-voltage lights are easier to work with and can provide soft glows of light while illuminating handrails or outdoor seating.

For those of us who enjoy being in the water after dark, submersible lights add a soft glow to the water. Not only can submersible lights be used in pools, but they can also be put in ponds, fountains or hot tubs. They do a great job of illuminating the depths of the water, making it possible to see underwater where you normally could not.

The best part about outdoor lighting is that it is an affordable, easy way to update your outdoors. Most outdoor lighting is inexpensive and can be quickly installed. There is little maintenance, except for the occassional straightening of a light that has toppled over after a long winter. They come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home or garden.