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10 Tips for Picking the Best Outdoor Lighting

From backyard barbecues to sunsets from the porch, there’s no denying that your home’s outdoor spaces can provide some of life’s most enjoyable moments. Why let the fun stop when it gets dark in the evening? 
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The best outdoor lighting can make your porch, patio, or yard much more than a backup hangout spot. But to create real ambiance, you’ll need more than just a leftover string of lightbulbs from Christmas. That’s why we’ve put together these 10 expert tips that will help you think about lighting design and function—and get inspired! 

1. Layer Your Lighting

two hanging lanterns and one wall lantern and one portable lantern under covered outdoor patio

Shown: Hanging Lantern | Wall Lantern﻿

Just like with indoor lighting, the first thing you’ll want to consider is how you want the lighting to be distributed. Which areas of your porch, patio, or yard need more illumination? Which need less?﻿﻿As you think this through, make sure to consider which areas will benefit from which of the three basic types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. This will help you decide what fixtures to put where. Hanging lights, post lights, and wall lights provide ambient light. Specialized lights like pathway lights and security lights provide task light. Landscape kits and spotlights provide accent light. 

2. Think of Areas You Wouldn’t Normally Think to Highlight

two hanging lanterns installed under front porch

As you think about where to put your new lights, think about what areas are really useful to have lit up—and these might not be areas that would otherwise get your attention. The front of your driveway, for example, or the porch steps. Functionality is a major factor in the best outdoor lighting!

1 outdoor wall sconce hung outside next to sliding glass door

Social media is a great place to start. You can find inspiration on our Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest pages. Our guide on “How to Create a Lighting Design” is another great place to start! Pro tip: collect photos you like on a Pinterest board! This will help you get a sense for what the best outdoor lighting is for you!

4. Find Lighting That Suits Your Design Style

To create a cohesive design story, consider matching your outdoor lights to the lights you already have inside. Or, if you’re looking to start fresh, start shopping around in these trendy styles: 

﻿Traditional Outdoor Lighting﻿
﻿Farmhouse Outdoor Lighting﻿
﻿Modern Outdoor Lighting﻿
﻿Industrial Outdoor Lighting﻿
﻿Coastal Outdoor Lighting﻿

5. Learn About Outdoor Lighting Trends

one 12-light outdoor chandelier hung under awning outside

From portable lanterns to outdoor chandeliers, right now is an exciting time to update your outdoor lighting! Check out our blog post, Top Three Fall Lighting Trends, to learn about some of the cool, inventive outdoor light fixtures that are becoming popular.

6. Learn About Landscape Lighting Techniques

multiple outdoor lights lighting landscape and sides of a house

Photo by Visual Comfort Modern Collection

Creating ambiance in a backyard or natural setting requires a different approach than lighting a built environment. Check out our Landscape Lighting 101 to learn the tricks of the trade.

7. Choose LED Outdoor Lights When Possible

5 LED outdoor wall mount lights hanging on the side of a house

LED outdoor lights have truly changed the luminescence game. They use less power than traditional lights, shine brighter, and require less maintenance. Take advantage if you can!

8. Know Your Power Options and What Kind of Installation You Are Comfortable With

Some lights, like solar, can be installed DIY--while others, like most LEDS, should be left to licensed electricians. Low voltage lights (12 volts) are generally safe to install yourself; anything higher should be handled professionally.

9. Know the Difference Between UL Ratings

five LED brick lights installed in cement staircase

UL Ratings signify that a product has been tested for safety. The Dry Locations Only Rating, most common for home light fixtures, means the fixture should only be used in locations that are rarely if ever exposed to moisture.
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Damp and Wet Locations Ratings are what you’ll want to look for in an outdoor light fixture. Damp rated lights are approved for areas regularly exposed to condensation and moisture (like a covered porch), while wet rated lights can be installed anywhere liquid might come in direct contact with electronic components (think in-ground deck lights). 

10. Make Sure Your Fixtures are Dark Sky Compliant

1 dark sky compliant LED bollard light lighting an outdoor pathway

As we explain in Landscape Lighting 101, many cities in the US have enacted Dark Sky ordinances to reduce light pollution and help urbanites see the stars from their home. Check your local laws to see if you will need Dark Sky Compliant light fixtures—which face light downward instead of pushing it up into the sky.

10 Tips for Picking the Best Outdoor Lighting

1. Layer Your Lighting

2. Think of Areas You Wouldn’t Normally Think to Highlight

4. Find Lighting That Suits Your Design Style

5. Learn About Outdoor Lighting Trends

6. Learn About Landscape Lighting Techniques

7. Choose LED Outdoor Lights When Possible

8. Know Your Power Options and What Kind of Installation You Are Comfortable With

9. Know the Difference Between UL Ratings

10. Make Sure Your Fixtures are Dark Sky Compliant

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