February 12

Your Complete Guide To Outdoor Lighting

I have seen many of my friends dropping the idea of outdoor lighting simply because they are too confused.

And honestly, I can’t blame them. With so many options to choose from, how do you know which one to go for? Even if you pick one based on your instincts, will they meet your requirements?

Having spent a lot of time decorating my yard post-retirement, I have garnered a fair bit of knowledge about the different types of outdoor lighting and their purposes. So, I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to curate a guide to help my readers.

Howdy! I’m Stacy, and today, I present the ultimate guide to outdoor lighting. Now, let’s start, shall we?

The Complete Guide To Outdoor Lighting

Flood Lights

flood lights

When talking about heavy duty outdoor lighting, the one name that invariably comes to mind is flood lights. And contrary to expectations, the broad stream, high-intensity illumination of outdoor flood lights is no longer limited to large commercial spaces or sports arenas. Today, these lights have become an integral part of the residential exterior lighting setup to ensure optimum security.

It’s also interesting to understand that many flood lights are designed to offer much more than extensive illumination. From different power sources to colors, the market is saturated with various types of flood lights. So, I thought it’d be a good idea to quickly walk you through some of the popular categories based on the most sought-after features. 

Let’s dive in then!

Based On Operating Technology

1. Solar Flood Lights

As the name suggests, solar flood lights run on “free energy” by converting solar energy into electrical energy. The operation of these lights is based on a solar panel, which powers the solar battery. In hindsight, solar flood lights are your best bet to illuminate any outdoor space without racking up electric bills!

Furthermore, the type of solar panel and number of batteries depends on the model and specifications you’re opting for. That said, a minimum runtime of 6 to 8 hours is usually preferred. 

Most solar lights have a dusk-to-dawn sensor, meaning they will automatically switch on in the dark and charge the panel during the day. That’s why solar flood lights should be placed in a way so that the panel receives maximum sunlight. But with the advent of adjustable panel designs, even this prerequisite has somewhat relaxed.

2. LED Flood Lights

Among halogen, fluorescent, and LED bulbs, the latter has emerged as the most favored bulb type for flood lights. As such, almost all flood lights can be referred to as LED flood lights. The biggest advantage of LEDs is their long service life, which lasts up to 10 times more than filament and gas-based lights. 

Not only that, but they also remain operational for up to 50,000 hours without requiring replacements. LED bulbs score high on the energy-efficiency factor by converting and conserving maximum electricity with low heat emission. Plus, LED flood lights are free from toxic elements like carbon, mercury, and lead, thereby being environment-friendly.

One thing to know is that most LED flood lights come in a set of 2, while some units have triple light heads built to resist extreme weather and temperature fluctuations.

Based On Functionality

1. Motion Sensor Flood Lights

Much like solar flood lights, motion sensor flood lights are automated because they initiate illumination upon sensing any movement in the vicinity. These lights work on small motion sensors that essentially pick up heat waves radiated by moving objects. As a result, they are ideal for outdoor security measures to scare away potential intruders and wild animals.

In this regard, the sensors are built to have different sensitivity, which affects the utility of these flood lights. Although you might not have the luxury to pick up a unit with different sensitivity capacities in a single model, you can certainly choose one with adjustable detection range and timer settings. And since the sensors don’t depend on light detection, you don’t have to worry about reduced functionality in low light conditions.

2. Dimmable Flood Lights

Okay, before I get into the deets, here’s what you should know: dimmable flood lights are named after the bulbs they use. As a result, you can make your flood light dim, provided it’s compatible with dimmable bulbs. And the dimming function is controlled by a dimmer switch.

A significant advantage of these bulbs is that they save a lot of energy for illuminating larger spaces. In fact, dimmable LED bulbs can reduce energy consumption by 80% for producing the same amount of illumination. So, apart from saving money, they last longer than their non-dimmable counterparts. 

Especially for something like a motion sensing flood light, having dimmable bulbs will put less strain on the overall design for enhanced performance and efficiency. And you can customize the brightness for a comfortable ambiance.

3. Colored Flood Lights

If the conventional white or golden hue of flood lights bore you, then colored flood lights will break the monotony with ease! These typically use a range of colors, with red, blue, green, and amber being the most common selection. Moreover, you can mount these lights on walls, or poles. 

While some models have a remote control operation for changing the color, others offer Bluetooth connectivity for seamless operation via a mobile device. Besides, they may also allow users to choose from different lighting patterns, like flash, strobe, fade, etc. Additionally, depending on the model, you may set a timer for a particular pattern or color.

Porch & Patio Lights

patio lights

One of the best ways to decorate your yard while ensuring security is to install porch and patio lights. With the right types and related supporting devices, these lights can become an integral part of your home security solution. But before you can do that, it only makes sense to know about the different options out there. 

Although I have categorized the lights by location (i.e., porch and patio), it may be helpful to know that you can use them interchangeably if the necessary resources are available.

Types Of Porch Lights

1. Outdoor Porch Lights 

Many people correlate outdoor porch lights with traditional porch lanterns. However, there are various other alternatives that you can opt for. From pendants to strings and mounted lights, you can choose what best fits the space. That said, the light should be positioned in a way that they don’t interfere with all the movement on the porch.

For instance, wall mounted lights should be placed near shoulder height to provide proper illumination without glaring at your eyes. Similarly, hanging lights should be hung at an appropriate height to keep people from bumping into them.

Other than that, table or floor lamps are a good option if portability is on the top of your priority list. Whatever be your choice, make sure that the brightness level is in accordance with the purpose. While a low level of brightness is suitable for decorative purposes, you’d want something brighter for tasks like reading or cooking.

2. Front Porch Lights

As you may already know, front porches are among the most usual types of porch found in residential properties. And where there’s a front porch, there are front porch lights! Furthermore, with no hard-and-fast rules of lighting up the porch, the options are practically endless.

In my opinion, motion-activated front porch lights are one of the most effective ways to illuminate the area. Not only are they beneficial for security, but they also take care of energy-efficiency to save on your electric bills. 

A pro tip: if you don’t want to go for true-blue motion sensor lights, try fitting your desired light fixture with smart LEDs, which can be controlled via a remote device. This way, you can operate them even when you aren’t at home.

3. Hanging Porch Lights

Now, it’s time for me to talk about everyone's favorite hanging porch lights. For the longest time, I thought that these lights only consist of bulbs, only to find out that outdoor lanterns too are a part of this category. 

As such, hanging lights are mostly preferred because of their versatility and adaptability. You don’t need a lot of space to hang them, and they blend nicely with almost any setup. Plus, hanging porch lights are pretty affordable, so there’s something for every budget.

Another thing that I liked about hanging lights is that they don’t necessarily have to run across only the ceiling. For example, small LED light strings can be tied across two or columns to create distinct patterns.

4. Solar Power Porch Lights

Much like solar-powered flood lights, solar power porch lights work on dusk-to-dawn sensors to make the overall operation relatively simple. On top of that, some models allow you to adjust the brightness and timing according to your requirements. In tandem with motion sensors, the lights can automatically trigger illumination for a said time upon detecting motion and switch off once the motion leaves the specified range.

Design-wise, there’s everything available, from lanterns to pendants and wall-mounted lights. All you have to do is ensure that the solar panel receives adequate sunlight for uninterrupted charging for at least 6 to 8 hours. You will find many of these lights in a pack of 2 or even more to easily cover the entire porch.

Types Of Patio Lights

1. Solar Patio Lights

Not just solar light strings, but stake mounted lights also make for quality solar patio lights. Most of them have the solar panel integrated into the fixture to reduce installation efforts. Simply put, find a spot that receives a good amount of sunlight and place the lights. Especially for stake mounted lights, there’s hardly the need for any tool.

Furthermore, the brightness should not be less than 50 lumens, while the higher end can extend well beyond 1000 lumens. The higher the lumen output and the more number of functions (like motion sensing, color changing), the higher the charging time will be.

2. LED Patio Lights

When it comes to long-lasting and energy-efficient features, LED patio lights are a unanimous choice among homeowners. Sure, they are slightly more expensive than incandescent and CFL lights, but the long-term savings will make the high initial investment worth it.

Much of the energy-saving properties of LED lights can be credited to their low-temperature output, which reduces energy loss in the form of heat. And apart from the different colored outputs, they attract fewer insects and are easier to dispose of.

Outdoor Post Lights

post lights

As far as outdoor post lights are concerned, there are two preconceptions among first-time users- one, they are exclusively meant to be installed on poles, and two, they are a thing of the past. And while you may not be completely wrong, there are exceptions. 

Firstly, depending on their subtype, these lights may be mounted on decks or fences. But most importantly, there’s no reason why these lights shouldn’t be a part of the modern outdoor lighting setup. So, let’s take a look at the different categories of this type.

Based On Power Source

1. Solar Post Lights

Solar lights are always appealing, and solar post lights are no different. Aside from running with practically zero human intervention, they do a good job of keeping your desired space illuminated for prolonged periods during the night. Their brightness ranges from 100 to 300 lumens, so you can choose according to the size of the area that needs to be covered.

Moreover, with no wiring required per se, these lights are suitable for installation in compact spaces. As long as the solar panels are directly exposed to optimum sunlight, they are good to go. Besides, some models come with detachable solar panels, meaning they can be placed at the sunniest spot, even if the light heads cannot. In this case, users should thoroughly understand the installation process. 

While looking for the battery-powered type, I’d suggest getting either lithium-ion or lithium-ion-phosphate batteries. These are the most energy-efficient and long-lasting varieties. And lithium-ion-phosphate batteries, in particular, charge seamlessly even in heavy rains.

2. LED Post Lights

Being the next big thing in outdoor lighting, post lights have not shied away from embracing this new trend. That’s why it comes as no surprise that LED post lights are increasingly sought-after. Here, I should mention that since most fixtures don’t come with the light, look for models that are compatible with LED bulbs. 

Furthermore, the small size of LEDs can fit into almost any fixture and they don’t have any lag-time, meaning the illumination starts as soon as you switch them on. What I like the most about LEDs is that they don’t easily degrade in extreme weather conditions. Trust me, the hot and humid days of Texas need that!

Owing to the high correlated color temperature (CTT) value, LEDs are available in both warm and cool tones. This gives homeowners the absolute liberty to decide the kind of illumination they want for their garden or driveway. While a warm, golden hue will render a diffused effect, a more whitish tone may produce sharper contrasts.

3. Low Voltage Post Lights

People familiar with outdoor lighting may already know that low voltage lights are preferred due to their energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Hence, low voltage post lights are ideal if you don’t want to spend a lot on installation. Additionally, these lights are safer to work with and have around since they reduce the chances or intensity of electric shocks.

To keep up with the widespread use of low voltage post lights, manufacturers are coming up with various options of designs and colors. This allows homeowners to get more creative with the setup. Coupled with the long-lasting lifespan, they reduce the need for frequent replacements.

I really like how these lights can be used to highlight the features of trees and shrubs by enhancing their natural color. At the same time, they emit a soft glow to reduce the strain on the eyes.

Based On Placement

1. Deck Post Lights

When brought into the setup, deck post lights will form a part of the railing system and should be placed at transition points, like on the edges or where the elevation changes. These lights are primarily installed to illuminate the deck to reduce the risk of tripping while amping up the style quotient.

Depending on the deck size, you can go for a lumen output ranging from 50 to 200 lumens. So, I’d advise taking into consideration the total lumen output and not the number of lights in the package. But if you’re planning to use them only for decoration, then you’d want more lights to cover the entire area.

2. Fence Post Lights

Undoubtedly, fence post lights are among the go-to options for people looking to install lights purely for security reasons. By keeping the perimeter of their property illuminated, these lights can drive away potential threats, be it humans or wild animals. 

Many homeowners prefer having either timer-integrated or solar fence post lights to reduce operational efforts. And instead of installing them on the upper half of the fence, it may also not be a bad idea to illuminate parts of the fence from the ground up. Moreover, they create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the entire yard by providing diffused lighting that prevents glares. 

From illuminating the pathway to creating the perfect ambiance for weekend outdoor dinners, there isn't anything that these lights can’t do!

Landscape Lanterns & Torches

garden torch

One of my favorite things to do while curating outdoor fixtures is installing landscape lanterns & torches. Now, not everyone may possess a liking for these apparently traditional-looking fixtures, but I love how they add a touch of old-school charm to my yard. 

With artificial lights closely mimicking the natural effect of a burning flame, there’s nothing more than I can ask for. If you have noticed those flickering flames in gardens and yards from a distance, chances are they are some high-quality artificial lights doing wonders for the space. So, let’s have an insight into the options on offer.

Types Of Lanterns

1. Yard Lantern

A big reason why a yard lantern can fit into any landscape setup is the variations in designs. Both the casing and the actual light inside are available in multiple shapes and patterns to suit varied tastes. For example, you can have something very artsy like a Morrocan-style lantern for ultimate boho-vibes, or opt for a minimalist model like a simple glass tall lantern. 

Similar to LED light posts, many yard lanterns come with only the exterior casing. Beyond that, they can be compatible with multiple light sources like LED bulbs, LED flameless candles, tea lights, etc. With patterned casings, the shadows can well be decorative pieces of their own.

Another great feature about these lanterns is that you can hang them or place them on the table as table lamps. For my weekend barbeque sessions, I use a couple of artificial candle-light lanterns as they are a safer alternative, especially with kids around.

With minimum installation and operational efforts, yard lanterns are the perfect option for users who want to illuminate their garden or patio without spending on professional help.

2. Solar Yard Lantern

At this point, it’s safe to assume that you have a fair idea about the utility of solar lights. So, if you’re just venturing into this category, I’d strongly recommend getting a solar yard lantern. Mostly available in packs of 2, these lights take the onus of automatic illumination, thanks to the integrated sensors. Just make sure you switch on the sensor by sliding on the switch.

Additionally, it’s advisable to check the specifications of the solar panel. A majority of the lanterns use first generation solar panels, which can be monocrystalline (Mono-SI) or polycrystalline (Poly-SI) panels. 

The former is earmarked by compact structures and has up to 20% enhanced solar-to-electrical energy conversion rates- all this for an expensive price tag. Alternatively, Poly-SI panels are more affordable and slightly less efficient, but nothing that won’t serve the purpose. 

Generally, all solar panels should be exposed to 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight for up to 10 hours of runtime. Besides, replaceable batteries are a good way to ensure a longer life span for the lanterns.

Types Of Torches

1. Yard Torches

Going back to my point about flickering flames, there’s nothing better than yard torches to ace the job! Sporting either a metal or plastic construction, these lights are mostly integrated with LED bulbs for a flickering effect. The resultant illumination creates a distinct atmosphere for any outdoor occasion. 

Coming to the installation, the first step is to insert the stake into the ground and then attach the light heads atop. Plus, some models allow users to adjust the height of the stake, which in turn affects the overall brightness. The higher the stakes, the more is the illumination.

Personally, I like the solar variants as they do away with the hassle of wiring. You can easily use them as standalone fixtures almost anywhere where the sun shines bright! And with no real fire in the vicinity, they are safe to use near children and pets. 

Manufacturers have come up with individual lights as well as sets containing anywhere between 2 and 12 units. Depending on the area to be covered, I’d suggest placing them at 15 feet apart.

2. Patio Torches

There isn't much of a difference between yard and patio torches, with the exception of having wall mounting accessories. But many homeowners don’t shy away from inserting them along the perimeter of the patio to replicate ground lights. Especially for wall mounted lights, keep an eye on the quality of the mounting accessories to make sure they can handle the weight of the lights.

In addition, the casings can have various patterns to break the monotony of direct, flickering lights. This is because the flickering effect can sometimes strain the eyes with constant motion. So, having a patterned casing can diffuse the effect to bring in some stability. 

If you’re opting for solar patio torches, then look for high-power lithium-ion batteries that can retain charge for longer periods. The best models charge in 6 hours to provide illumination for 12 hours during summer and 8 hours during winter.

Landscape Lighting

landscape lighting

No matter how technical or complicated the term appears, landscape lighting is nothing but the process of illuminating private gardens or public outdoor spaces using outdoor lights. Landscape lighting is primarily employed for enhanced safety, security, and accessibility reasons. While some homeowners prefer to use these lights exclusively during festivals and special occasions, others keep them as permanent outdoor lighting.

In that sense, it won’t be wrong to think that any outdoor light qualifies under this category. However, most people like installing stake mounted lights in different shapes and lumen output for this purpose. With that said, allow me to quickly take you through the most commonly found subtypes.

Based On Power

1. Solar Landscape Lights

Widely regarded as “mini-satellites,'' solar landscape lights are the most user-friendly variety as they store the power and generate it during illumination. In the absence of an electrical outlet nearby, solar lights provide adequate illumination to light up the dark corners and pathways. Plus, you don’t need to spend on professional installation services as there’s no complicated wiring to take care of.

Most solar landscape lights are either made of an anti-rust metal like stainless steel or plastic, while the casings are made of thick glass or plastic with the solar panel atop. All of these materials can resist extreme weather conditions without significant damage or maintenance needs. 

Cleaning them isn't a herculean task either; just wipe the casing and stake with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture or dust buildup.

With regards to the lumen output, I’d recommend going for a set in which each fixture is not less than 6 lumens bright. The idea is to balance the number of lights with the lumen output and vice-versa. Similarly, a multi-layer projection can diffuse the harsh contrast of cooler tones. Also, you can choose to get a snowflake-patterned projection for having Christmas vibes all year long!

2. Low Voltage Landscape Lights

One of the problems with solar lights is that their efficiency largely depends on the weather. Although electric-lights solve this problem, many users become wary of the potentially racked up bills. And this is where low voltage landscape lights come to the rescue. These lighting systems typically use a transformer to convert the standard 120V household current to a 12V supply for the lights. 

Since most of them use LED bulbs, they don’t emit as much heat as halogens and incandescent lights. Thus, these lights are safer to place around sensitive plants in the garden. Now, there are some wiring and installation efforts required, but the good news is that most brands provide  in-depth instructions to make the process easier. Hence, you can easily complete the setup without calling for professional help.

Moreover, there’s no dearth of designs and styles of these low voltage lights on the market. From simple deck lights to multi-level projection lights, you name it and you have it. No matter what design you choose, make sure that the included wiring and accessories are sufficient for installation.

Based On Packaging

1. Landscape Light Kits

Yes, you’ve guessed it right; landscape light kits contain everything that makes installation a breeze. Complete with the light heads, mounting stakes, wiring, and transformer, these kits ensure that users don’t have to rack their brains searching for compatible accessories. 

One of the key advantages of having a landscape light kit is that you can easily expand the existing set up using these lights. Similarly, you can combine different styles of landscape light kits to create customized outdoor lighting. 

That’s why I’d recommend buying low voltage landscape lights to cover larger yards or gardens at minimum costs. They are built to resist heat and moisture for prolonged functionality. And the wires can be buried in the ground to prevent tripping or damages by animals.

While at it, look for features like adjustable lighting heads to highlight different portions of the space as required. Besides, they come in cool and warm tones with either a yellow or whitish hue. And aside from the conventional in-ground design, landscape light kits also allow users to hang them in the yard like lanterns.

Outdoor String Lights

outdoor string lights

Perhaps, I won’t be able to wrap up the guide without mentioning outdoor string lights. Due to their super-easy installation, a lot of homeowners consider them to be the quickest and most efficient way of making the patio, backyard, or any other outdoor area illuminated at night. 

Moreover, you don’t need to follow any strict pattern per se. As long as you have enough string lights to cover the desired area without them creating any hindrance for movement, feel free to experiment! With the plethora of options to choose from, every user will find something suitable within their budget.

No matter the brand or number of lights you choose, here’s how they are generally divided:

String Based

1. LED String Lights

Not only for Christmas or Halloween decorations but LED string lights have become a part-and-parcel of outdoor lighting for all seasons. What started as a series of bulbs are now made to have different shaped lights on sturdy strings to withstand outdoor conditions. 

While going through the options, I discovered that a lot of designs fall under this category, provided they are equipped with LED bulbs. For instance, there are various lights featuring a windchime-like structure with multiple light “crystal” balls hanging down from the same base. On top of that, there are color-changing LEDs, which can be controlled via mobile devices over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networks.

Some models also allow users to cover the bulbs with different materials (like colored paper) to modify the output. Imagine small LED bulls in star-shaped paper casings, with a flickering effect setting up the mood for your backyard!

Another thing that I’d like to state is that users should always measure the space to be covered before buying the lights. If the string is too taut, it may put undue pressure on the entire fixture, causing irreparable damages. And since you’re likely to place them somewhere higher, it won’t be too much of a problem if the lumen output is slightly on the lower side.

2. Solar String Lights

Apart from the massive advantage of self-charging under the sun, some solar string lights facilitate making customized shapes. In simple terms, the LED lights are mounted on flexible yet durable wires that can be bent to achieve different shapes. As such, these lights mostly come with the entire fixture mounted on a pole, including the solar panel.

Other types of solar string lights include flower-shaped string lights meant for inserting in the ground. Otherwise, you can also search for those lights which fit inside mason jars. Keep in mind that these will come with the lids, which are actually the solar panel and can fit atop any standard mason jar.

If you’re opting for traditional string lights, make sure that the wire length is long enough to cover the space and place the solar panel farther away from the setup. 

Especially in the case of patio or porch string lights, you’d want to position the solar panel in the sunniest spot, which may be at some distance. Under ideal conditions, most solar panels should charge in 6 to 8 hours for lasting through the night.

Coupled with dusk-to-dawn sensors, solar string lights do away with the need for manual operation altogether. In addition, homeowners can try out different patterns like “Y”, “Z”, or “X” where the strings extend from one end of the yard to the other.

Pole Based

1. Outdoor String Light Pole

If you don’t have the liberty of using porch columns or fences in the yards as anchor points for the string lights, then I have just the right solution for you. By purchasing an outdoor string light pole, you can hang those light strings anywhere in the backyard! 

The poles are essentially made of metal to ensure optimum durability and can either be freestanding or mounted on some structure like a fence. I prefer a design where the base can be inserted into the ground (like a light stake) to keep it from tripping. And if you don’t want the hassle of procuring installation tools, invest in a model that comes with all related accessories. 

A very important thing to note here that the light poles may not come with the strings or the bulbs. Frankly, I don’t mind this as it gives me the freedom to mix-and-match my own fixture with varied strings and bulbs. If the bulbs are heavy, reduce the distance between the poles to create a little sag. Likewise, you can increase the distance between the poles for lightweight bulbs and strings.

The biggest highlight of such a setup is the portability factor, as you can lift the poles with the strings intact and change their location if required. Here again, the high placement will compensate for low lumen output. But make sure that  no trees or branches are obstructing the path of the lights.

Final Words

That’s everything I have for today’s guide!

I know that’s a lot of information to process, so you don’t have to rush into any decision. And don’t worry if more than one category seems appealing; you can always choose to have various types of outdoor lights for a single setup, provided they don’t clutter the space!

With that, it’s time for me to bring down the curtains. But before I do so, here’s one last piece of advice for the day- ensure that your outdoor lights are built to tolerate outdoor use. 

From waterproof protection to anti-rusting and heat-resistant properties, I’d strongly suggest not missing out on anything. Similarly, if a fixture isn't made for a particular condition, it’s advisable to stick to the recommendations.

I’ll be back with more such content, so stay tuned and stay safe!


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  1. My dad would like to improve his garden’s ambiance, and that is why he’s thinking of hiring an electrical contractor that will be able to install outdoor lighting in it. Well, you made a pretty good point that she must opt for the right solar panels too. We’ll keep in mind to opt for energy-efficient LED lights as well.

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