Lighting around your home’s exterior enhances safety, security and curb appeal—creating a welcoming atmosphere during the day and a beautiful scene at night.
Landscape lighting can be as simple as a single wall fixture or as dramatic as a fully designed lighting display. Today’s fixtures and bulbs come in an impressive variety of sizes, shapes, styles and colors. Quality also varies widely, ranging from basic plug-and-play kits commonly sold at big-box stores with limited warranties to professional custom designs that can achieve any look you want.
Thanks to advances in wireless Bluetooth technology, the internet and Wi-Fi, controlling your lighting has never been easier. Many systems allow you to manage your lights from a smartphone, desktop or laptop. With the right setup, you can turn lights on or off, schedule them to operate automatically, and even adjust brightness levels to create the perfect ambiance.
There are many types of landscape lighting fixtures to choose from, each designed for a specific purpose. Popular options include path lights, uplights, floodlights, wall-wash lighting, lamp posts and recessed lighting built into masonry walls along walkways or around pool decks.
An effective lighting system doesn’t have to be elaborate. Well-placed path lighting can look attractive during the day while providing important safety at night. Often, just a few strategically positioned fixtures can make your home far more inviting. For a more dramatic nighttime effect, uplighting can highlight architectural features, trees and shrubs. Many homeowners also integrate security lighting—such as floodlights and video doorbell cameras—into their landscape lighting plans.
If you’re considering a new lighting design, upgrading an existing system or simply repairing fixtures and bulbs, start by exploring your options. Browse online for inspiration or take an evening drive through your neighborhood to observe how other homes use lighting to enhance their properties.
Whatever direction you choose, safety should always come first. If you enjoy do-it-yourself projects, installing basic lighting can be a rewarding experience. But if you’re unsure about working with electrical systems, it’s best to consult a professional. When used properly, electricity is a powerful tool that can safely and beautifully illuminate your home.
