How Should I Light My Exterior?
Outdoor lighting enhances home beauty, safety, and security by illuminating walkways, landscaping, water features and architectural details with warm or cool tones.
NEW YORK — When the sun sets and the deck light pops on, an unseen design element brings new life to your landscape: outdoor lighting.
Not only does outdoor lighting improve the look of your home, it's also an important safety feature. Here's how you can use outdoor lighting around your home for function, safety and design.
Make walkways safe
If you're not sure where to start with your outdoor lighting project, start with the walkways. Lighting your walkways and your patio will improve both safety as well as beauty, and these are the areas that you use the most. If you don't want to light your entire pathway, you can mark the start or end of your walkway with a post light.
Consider color styles
When thinking about the type of lighting you want to use for the outside of your home, you can choose from warm lighting, all the way to cool lighting, depending on where you want to use it. Warm lighting works best on pathways and patios to make a very welcoming environment, whereas the cooler light setting works well around plants to mimic the moon.
Highlight your home's shape
Outdoor lighting isn't just about brightness – it's about showing off your home's structure. Uplighting (ground lights pointing up) highlights walls and windows, while downlighting (fixtures under eaves) casts a soft glow downward. For best results, light both the first and second floors so your house looks full-sized and balanced. Keep light angles as close to the house as possible to cut back on unnecessary light spill and neighborhood glare.
Light up the landscape
This is where outdoor lighting really sparkles. Want to make that ornamental tree pop? Place a spotlight at its base to draw the eye up. Want soft, natural moonlight effects? Tuck warm lights behind shrubs or along walkways. Besides beauty, landscape lighting adds a layer of safety, helping define flower beds and pathways—and deterring anyone or anything that shouldn't be wandering through your yard.
Light up water features
Waterfalls, ponds and streams transform at night with the right lighting. Downlights positioned nearby or waterproof submersible lights inside the water capture shimmering reflections. But here's a key tip: When combining electricity and water, always call a pro. Lighting specialists will ensure safe installation and recommend angles that enhance beauty without causing harsh glare.
Accent hardscape elements
Your home's stonework deserves the spotlight too. Soft beams that spread light across walls, known as wall washes, turn plain surfaces into dramatic backdrops. Accent lights can beautifully frame retaining walls, steps, fire pits, outdoor kitchens and patios. The goal: create welcoming outdoor spaces that invite evening gatherings and highlight architectural details.
Boost safety and security
Good lighting isn't just pretty — it's practical. Well-lit yards discourage unwanted visitors and help you and your guests avoid trips or falls. Today's smart lighting options let you control everything from your smartphone, balancing beauty and security. For the best results, work with a local lighting or home security expert who can tailor a plan just for you.
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