There’s no denying the fact that at night, lights set the mood. Lighting up the lanai—or any outdoor area where family and friends gather—is going to completely change the look and feel of the place. Outdoor lighting can be nothing short of mesmerizing and, if you have young children, that bodes well for relaxing before bedtime… just saying.
LED lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting too. Because of the color-changing option connected with wired LED lighting, homeowners are delighted with the results they can achieve. You can completely change things up with a few simple clicks of a remote or by using an app on your phone.
Solar-powered lights work by absorbing sunlight during the day and emitting light at night. They are the best option for saving on energy costs.
We’ve got a few tips to help you decide which type works best for you.
Consider the purpose
Yeah, we know. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine that lights illuminate a space. However, digging a little deeper helps you determine which type of lights you need.
For example, if you’re mainly planning to use the space for relaxing after a hard day’s work, string lights could be the way to go. They emit a soft glow that coincides nicely with kicking back to unwind. You can easily customize your lighting by draping string lights over ceiling rafters or tree branches. Wrapping columns or posts with colorful strings of light appeals to the eye as well.
Lanterns are a popular outdoor lighting choice too. Placed directly on tabletops or hanging on the walls, the soft, flickering light that candles produce enhances relaxation to the point of dozing off from time to time. You aren’t limited to candlelight though. You can purchase solar-powered lanterns. Wired styles are available too.
When you want to illuminate a larger area, floodlights are the ticket. They’re perfect for spotlighting plants or sculptures. They’re also good for lighting up an expanse of the yard or an area that is tricky to traverse in the dark. And, in keeping with lanterns and string lights, can be purchased in solar or wired versions.
Benefits of outdoor lighting
There are several benefits of outdoor lighting that we’d like to run over with you. If you haven’t decided whether to incur the expense of exterior lighting, you may make up your mind to go for it right now.
Enhances visual appeal
Outdoor lighting immediately benefits your home’s visual appeal. Placing lights strategically accentuates your home’s architecture, pathways, and garden features. Lights make your home more inviting. And, making your property more desirable is going to enhance the value of your home in Florida’s always competitive real estate market.
Safety
When the exterior of your home lights up your property, it deters would-be intruders. Well-lit entrances, walkways, and other potentially hazardous areas that are adequately lit make your home safer for you and your family.
When there’s a chance that they can be identified, intruders will keep going rather than stopping to see if there’s an easy way into your residence. A well-lit exterior is the best deterrent.
Energy efficient
We’ve mentioned the fact that LED lighting has a low operating cost which means your bills remain manageable. And, if you choose solar-powered lighting, once you’ve purchased your materials, you’re home-free.
Quite literally, actually, because your carbon footprint is going to be nonexistent.
A resort-like atmosphere
There’s nothing like creating your own backyard getaway spot. Lighting up your exterior allows you to create an atmosphere likened to that of a high-end resort. It’s going to be nothing short of awesome to open your backdoor and step into an atmosphere that reminds you of your favorite spot on Earth.
That’s even more doable if you decide to enclose your outdoor living area using a company that offers customized screens. You can use an image from the company catalog or choose the images from your digital library. The transformation is nothing short of amazing. Imagine stepping out the door and being transported to your favorite place in the world! Even if it’s only recreating the feeling of being there, it will be enough to recreate the mood. Every time. That’s a promise we can stand by.
The dyes used to transfer the images to the screens are treated with added ultraviolet (UV) protection so that images remain vibrant for years to come.
Improves nocturnal accessibility
Lighting up steps and walkways ensures your family and friends will be safer when making their way around after dark. That can’t equate to anything but beneficial!
Customization
We mentioned the versatility of LED lighting as far as color-changing options. Any outdoor lighting allows you to do that though. All it takes is a bit of imagination and preplanning and your home will light up the night in a way that will have people talking…
In a good way, of course.
Low maintenance
Whether you choose LED or solar, your lights are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Moreover, all outdoor construction materials are rated here in Florida to withstand extreme weather and hurricane-force winds.
That means there isn’t much to do once they’re up except enjoy them!
DIY or hire an expert
If you’re using solar-powered lighting, you may decide to tackle the project entirely on your own. Even if you decide to install wired lighting, it’s a project that some homeowners are comfortable with tackling. If you’re not one of them, hiring a professional is your best bet.
Outdoor lighting enhances architecture and creates an enjoyable ambiance that can be changed with the touch of a button if you install color-changing LED’s.
Either way that you decide to go, though, once the job is complete, you and your family will be looking forward to sunset so you can flip the switch! And, perhaps, the neighbors are too!