Explore These Top 5 Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Getting in the pool or firing up the grill can be fun and relaxing activities for the backyard, even when it's dark outside. With the proper lighting, one can enjoy these outdoor pastimes with guests late into the night. Safety lights, landscape lights, and accent lights can all create a welcoming atmosphere that can enhance the garden's appearance.

Safety lights, landscape lights, and accent lights can all create a welcoming atmosphere that can enhance the garden's appearance.

Let's consider some popular backyard lighting ideas.

Security lights

Security lights deter would-be burglars and keep animals at bay. They are often powered by a standard 120V electrical outlet and can be installed in areas with tall eaves or above a garage. These lights are usually mounted on the home's exterior walls or siding and automatically turn on and off via motion-detection sensors. 

Path lighting

A path lighting system lights up the walkways while accentuating the backyard's attractive features. For instance, it can be installed along the main walkway or before a decorative element, like a flower bed. Depending on the type of light, the system can be powered by a low- or high-voltage transformer. The 15 V option requires a transformer to convert the house's current to 12 volts from 120 volts. A good electrician can install path lighting correctly.

String lights

Soft, low-voltage accent lights are ideal for creating a warm, intimate atmosphere for entertaining. String lights commonly create this effect, and they can be placed almost anywhere when enhancing the outdoor space.

Ideally, outdoor string lights should consist of durable and waterproof materials. They should also feature remote control capabilities to be mounted anywhere. It's essential to ensure that string lights remain safe even when raining heavily.

Outdoor sconces

Wall-mounted outdoor lights accentuate the backyard and illuminate areas where shadows form. They are mountable on any vertical surface, such as the interior of a pergola or above stairs. Opt for wall-mounted lights with an open-bottomed design to maximize their light output. If there is limited wall space, consider semi-flush-mounted outdoor lights. These units can be placed on a wall using a narrow arm.

Lanterns

A lantern is a soft accent light placed in an outdoor setting to highlight architectural details or decorative elements. It can also be mounted in the vicinity of a back door to bring out the details of an arched window.

While they can accentuate patio decor, battery-powered tabletop lanterns are also great for entertaining. To provide attractively diffused illumination, they can be placed near various outdoor objects such as bowls of snacks and beverages.

Consult an electrician

When placing patio lights, it is crucial to ensure that they are suitable for the outdoors. A certified electrician will be able to pick lamps that can withstand rain, dust, and snow.

ACT Electric performs quality, licensed and bonded work at affordable prices for both residential and commercial jobs. From troubleshooting to whole-house electrical renovations, their primary concern is the comfort and safety of their customers. Give them a call at (480)986-1722 today!