FAQ About Outdoor and Garden Lighting
Lighting is not only essential inside the home; it can serve a myriad of purposes outside the home too. From illuminating the path to your front door to decorating your garden with something fun and whimsical, outdoor and garden lighting not only brightens your outdoor space, but can make it safer too.
What type of outdoor lighting system do I need?
If your front walkway lacks lighting, consider landscape, walkway, or fence post lights for safety when coming home at night. If you're decorating your backyard or patio for a party or the holiday season, look for outdoor string lights or garden stake lights that can add ambience. Some lights even double as decorative garden sculptures, featuring fanciful shapes and characters that light up in the dark.
Where should I place my outdoor or garden lights?
Garden lights and stake lights need to be staked into the ground -- in your yard's grass or your garden's soil. Some path and landscape lights sit flat on the ground, making them an ideal addition to a stone path or wooden deck. When laying out path lights, alternate them on either side of the walkway to provide sufficient illumination that's not overbearing. If you opt for solar fence post lights, look for ones that will fit onto your fence posts.
What features should I look for in exterior lighting?
When shopping for garden or patio lights, consider these features.
Power options
Batteries and solar energy are 2 common sources of power for outdoor lamps and garden lights. Solar-powered lights offer an eco-friendly way to illuminate your outdoor space, while battery-powered lights provide reliable radiance even when sunlight is scarce. Many outdoor lights operate on solar-powered rechargeable batteries, so you don't have to replace the batteries once they're drained.
Motion sensor
If you're installing outdoor lights for security, look for a motion detection feature. These types of lights will turn on when they detect motion -- whether it's your daughter coming up the front steps or your cat running down the walkway.
Timer
A timer can turn your outdoor lights on and off at scheduled times. Whether for security or peace of mind when it starts getting darker, timed lights can help preserve energy and keep your outdoor space well-lit when needed. Some solar lights automatically turn on when the sun goes down.