BACKYARD LIGHTING
Effective implementation of backyard lighting can accomplish several things for your yard's visual appeal and value of your home. The right design will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard while also improving your home security and making your outdoor living space more fun and functional to use on those nice evenings after the sun has set.
Why Use Outdoor Lights?
There are four main reasons to use backyard lights, including things like patio and deck lights. The types of lighting you choose will vary a bit depending on which of these four reasons is your main priority for installing outdoor lighting.
Functionality
Outdoor lighting helps illuminate areas of your yard enough so that your yard, deck and or patio are easier to use at night. This can allow you to expand your usable living space to the patio or deck.
Safety
Lights can also be used to illuminate certain areas of your yard like pathways or steps so they are safer to use after the sun has set.
Appearance
Using landscape lighting techniques can really enhance the appearance of your yard at night. Good use of yard lights and landscape lights can provide a distinct aesthetic appeal that makes your home feel cozy.
Security
Increased security is another important reason to use outdoor lights. By adding light to dark areas of the yard, especially entryways, you can help deter unwanted visitors.
By using a combination of outdoor lighting styles you can benefit from all four of these and in the mean time add value to your home. Good design and accent lighting can be a big asset when it comes to valuing your property.
Backyard Lighting Ideas
There are a number of ways to use backyard lighting but what works best for your yard will depend on the size, layout and landscaping of your property; of course your main reason for adding outdoor lighting will have a big impact as well. Solar lighting makes a nice addition to many yards. Some have found a mix of outdoor solar lights and low voltage lights to be a good combination. Solar lights still work even during a power outage, but low voltage or led lights may be more consistently reliable in areas that don't regularly get a lot of sunlight, plus they don't require that much power.
Mixing a few different styles together can help create an attractive look. Using a blend of things like lanterns, tiki torches, post lamps, patio umbrella lights, rope lights, step lighting, tree lights, walkway lights and other accent lights can create a layered look. But be careful not to over light or choose too many different styles or it will start to look messy. Choose a couple types of fixtures that match the style of your home and yard but that also provide the functionality you want from them.
Using landscape or garden lighting can help enhance landscaped areas of your yard so you can appreciate them both during the night and during the day. Landscape lights can accent specific features in your yard, while some of the unique garden lights available can make your garden areas look more alive and festive at night.
Good use of patio or deck lighting can make these outdoor living areas more functional and cozy during the evening and night hours. Incorporating a wall or security light by the entryway can also make them safer and less tempting to a possible intruder.
Backyard Lighting For Special Occasions
You may have a general, every day backyard lighting design, but for for special occasions you may want to add something new or simply adjust what you have. Using specific backyard lighting for a party or other event can really bring your backyard to life while also increasing visibility for the guests who aren't as familiar with the landscaping and layout of your yard.
There are a wide variety of theme specific string lights that can be perfect if you are adding backyard lighting for a party. Whether you go with theme based lights, white lights or festive colored lights you can easily find something that is perfect by shopping online if you can't find what you want locally.
If you don't already have them walkway or pathway lights can also be a good idea. They help illuminate the walkways just enough to make them safer but they can also enhance the appearance of your yard.
Source:
Backyard Lighting by Jen
Article: Backyard Lighting
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