First impressions are everything, and exterior lighting is a great way to add curb appeal to your home. The entry, porch, pathways and garage are all places where lighting can make a difference. From attractive wall mount fixtures to landscape lighting a variety of options are available which will add beauty, safety and security to your home.

      Wall mount lights or lanterns are a popular option for the external entryway and a great place to start. These decorative outdoor fixtures can be mounted adjacent to the front door and come in myriad styles and finishes. Besides lighting the entryway, they can also be used to flank the garage door or illuminate a porch or deck. There are many styles to choose from and a variety of sizes are also available. Some manufacturers even group fixtures by collection, so it’s easy to coordinate matching items.

     Thoughtful placement of outdoor fixtures can highlight structural details like window frames, decorative trim or stonework. Positioning lights close to the wall will create a grazing effect, which reveals the texture and color of the home’s exterior. Wall mount lights can also bring out texture by creating dramatic shadows. Use down-lights or ceiling mount fixtures to focus light in specific areas, like the doorstep. Step lights can be used to illuminate a staircase leading up to the home, which creates a nice visual effect as well as enhances safety.

   Bulb choice is another important factor to consider. Clear bulbs should be installed in fixtures with clear glass, while frosted bulbs work best in fixtures with frosted or translucent glass. Rather than using one fixture with a high-wattage bulb, another option is to spread light evenly with several fixtures and lower-wattage bulbs.

   Even before you reach the house, there are other outdoor areas where lighting can play a key role. Consider shedding light on a pathway or driveway for instance. Pathways can be lit with path lights positioned close to the ground or with post lights at a higher level. While post lights will illuminate a broader area, path lights focus the light where you need it. Make sure to create an evenly lit walkway, by spacing path lights no more than 8 to 12 feet apart.

     If you have any further questions about exterior lighting please give us a call or stop by during our regular business hours.