Outdoor Lighting Wirecutter - Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Outdoor Lighting: Illuminate Your Outdoor Spaces with Our Top Picks

Outdoor lighting transforms your property into a captivating and inviting space, enhancing safety and extending the enjoyment of your outdoor areas. To help you select the perfect lighting fixtures, we've compiled a comprehensive guide covering essential aspects of outdoor lighting, including fixture types, light distribution, installation considerations, and our top recommendations for various outdoor spaces.

1. Fixture Types:

Spotlights: Focused beams highlight specific areas, such as sculptures or trees. Floodlights: Broad beams illuminate larger areas, such as driveways or patios. Path Lights: Low-profile fixtures guide walkways and define paths. Bollard Lights: Upright fixtures provide ambient lighting along pathways and driveways. String Lights: Festoon-style lights create a festive atmosphere in outdoor dining areas.

2. Light Distribution:

Uplighting: Illuminates objects or structures from below, casting dramatic shadows. Downlighting: Directs light downward, providing functional illumination for walkways or steps. Path Lighting: Focuses light on the ground, creating a safe and well-lit path. Ambient Lighting: Provides general illumination, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

3. Installation Considerations:

Power Source: Determine if you need wired or solar-powered fixtures. Placement: Consider the height, spacing, and direction of light projection. Safety: Ensure fixtures are weather-resistant and have proper grounding. Professional Installation: For complex wiring or high-voltage fixtures, consider hiring an electrician.

4. Our Top Picks for Outdoor Lighting:

Best Spotlight: Kichler Landscape Accent Light Best Floodlight: Philips Hue Outdoor Floodlight Best Path Light: Hinkley Path and Area Light Best Bollard Light: Hinkley Bollard Light with Motion Sensor Best String Lights: Twinkly Festoon String Lights

5. Setting the Mood with Outdoor Lighting:

Create a Focal Point: Highlight a feature of your landscape with spotlights. Enhance Ambiance: Use ambient lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Improve Safety: Use path lights to illuminate pathways and walkways. Increase Security: Floodlights provide bright illumination to deter intruders.

6. Energy-Efficient Outdoor Lighting:

LED Fixtures: Highly efficient with long lifespans. Motion Sensors: Turn lights on only when needed, reducing energy consumption. Dimmable Fixtures: Adjust light levels to save energy and create different moods.

7. Conclusion:

By considering the essential aspects of outdoor lighting, you can create a well-illuminated and inviting outdoor space. Whether you're looking to enhance safety, extend the enjoyment of your outdoor areas, or simply create a beautiful ambiance, our top picks will help you achieve your lighting goals.