Types of Exterior Lighting
March 15, 2012
•IADT Tampa, Interior Design
• 0 Comments
If you’re designing, updating, or redecorating your house, then adding new interior lighting is crucial. But what about exterior lighting? The way you light the outside of a business or home has a big impact on a structure’s atmosphere, not to mention its safety.
Implementing effective exterior lighting requires careful planning. By adding exterior lighting, you can:
- Illuminate paths and doorways
- Increase safety
- Highlight the landscape
- Improve curb appeal
- Draw attention to specific features
- Add aesthetic value
- Create atmosphere
If you want to achieve any of these objectives, explore the various types of exterior lighting and how they can be used.
Accent Lights
Accent lighting is used to call attention to certain outdoor features. Usually accent lights point upward to shine on flags, flowerbeds, holiday decorations, or even the house or building itself. Often the source of the light is hidden, although it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes accent lights become backlights if they are used to cast interesting shadows.
Down Lights
Floodlights, or lights that point downward instead of up, are usually reserved for functional use. Most often, down lights are placed on porches or other spots around the house for safety, especially if they are set to activate through a motion sensor to deter intruders.
Path Lights
Path lights can be aesthetic as well as functional. They can brighten walkways or stairways to increase safety and atmosphere. Usually path lights are low-voltage to minimize energy costs and cast a warm glow. Solar lights are frequently used as path lights to further reduce energy consumption and eliminate the hassle of wiring.
Specialty Lights
Specialty lights usually have a very specific purpose, whether they are intended to be useful, aesthetic, or both. Some examples include:
- Submersible lights, which illuminate pools and ponds
- Torches or lanterns, which light gardens, path entrances, or poolsides
- String lights, which are most commonly used as Christmas lights, but can also serve as fun deck or porch decorations
- Decorative fixtures, posts, and sconces can be used for any lighting purpose to create a particular mood or style.
This article is presented by IADT-Tampa. Contact us today if you’re interested in developing marketable knowledge and career-relevant skills with an industry-current degree program from IADT-Tampa.