Picking outdoor lighting can be a tricky thing to get right.

There are many different types of outdoor lights, and it’s important to know what you need before you start shopping. Here are some tips on picking the perfect type of light for your project.

You’ll want to make sure that any outdoor light is durable enough for outside use and won’t break easily in bad weather or if someone accidentally bumps into it. It should also have a long lifespan so that you don’t have to replace it too often.

Read this article now for some tips on how homeowners can pick the right type of outdoor lighting!

1. Know Your Options

There are different types of outdoor lights, but most homeowners choose between landscape lighting and pathway lighting. Many people use both forms in their landscaping projects to get the best results. 

There are tons of outdoor lighting options. You can use landscape lights for simple accenting jobs that give off a diffuse glow without necessarily shedding light on an area. Pathway lighting is more direct and can cast light on an area of the garden, walkway, or driveway. Companies like Imperiallm can get your project off to the right start.

2. Determine What You Want to Accomplish

You can use landscape lighting for many different effects, such as illuminating a tree or highlighting a rock formation. Pathway lighting is better for focusing light on a certain area, like a path or a garden. 

This is especially true if you’re using it for evening walks.

3. Compare Durability and Lifespan

Outdoor lighting should be able to stand up to harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and intense sun exposure. 

It should also last for several years without needing replacement often. Many landscape lights are more susceptible to damage than pathway lights because of their diffuse nature; some manufacturers claim that some types of landscape lights will last up to 10 years.

4. Assess Illumination Needs

If you just need a little light in an area, something like a solar garden light may be sufficient. Pathway lighting is usually more effective for illuminating larger areas or specific features in the landscaping design.

It also depends on your outdoor lighting budget, because each type of light varies quite a bit in price. 

5. Evaluate Safety

Consider safety when you are choosing outdoor lighting.

You will want to make sure that people can see well when they’re walking along the path or driveway at night, for example. Also, consider shielding any lights directed upwards to prevent them from shining into someone’s window.

6. Think About How You Want the Lights to Look

Different types of landscape lights can provide different results, so choose carefully based on how you want them to look in the landscaping design. 

The most common type of landscape lighting is low voltage lighting. Photocells turn it on when it’s dark outside. You will need to have electricity running through your yard to power low-voltage lights.

Get Started With Picking Outdoor Lighting

These 6 tips for picking outdoor lighting should give you a good place to start when picking the perfect outdoor lighting for your landscaping project. Hopefully, you’ll land on the perfect set of lights.

For more tips, check out the rest of the articles on our blog!