With warmer months approaching, many of us have been spending more time in our backyards, balconies, and patios enjoying the sunshine. That is why we believe there is no better time than now to update your outside lighting.

We thought we'd share a few useful outdoor lighting tips for designing an exceptionally ambient and effectively bright exterior. Outdoor fixtures should be a reflection of your design style and should be harmonious with the interior of your home

FRONT ENTRANCE & DOORWAY LIGHTING​

When people think about outdoor lighting, the first thing that comes to mind is the front entrance sconces. It's the first thing you see when you walk towards a house, and it's intended to help you feel welcome. A well-lit entrance will safely guide people into the home while also providing an inviting curb appeal.

Take note that the best placement for outdoor door lights is at shoulder height, approximately 5' 5" to 6', to keep direct light out of your eyes. A general guideline is to select wall sconces that are 1/4 to 1/3 the height of your front door, then hang them approximately 6' from the ground

Outdoor hanging lights are a good option if your home has a porch or ceiling that covers part of the outside space, or possibly a covered patio.

If you are fortunate enough to have a covered area in your outside space, we highly recommend taking advantage of it and installing fixtures to add ambient lighting. Hanging lights are a fantastic way to do this because they not only add light to your space but also give it a homier vibe.

Lanterns are amongst the most common hanging light, and one of our personal favorites! With so many options to choose from, you're bound to find one that matches your design aesthetic.

Post lights are a fantastic reason way to cast some light over your outdoor space. Because they shine across all areas, post lights are best used in a large area, such as a yard, the middle of the front lawn, or near a driveway.

A post light can also be used on top of a stone or brick column. To emit an ambient glow, choose a light with textured glass, or let the bulb to shine through clear glass for a vibrant light in any environment

• Try to match the style of the outdoor lights with the style of your building - modern, traditional, contemporary, scandinavian, eclectic, etc.
• Check the safety rating of your light fixtures; while most are meant for "wet" conditions, some may only be suitable for "damp" conditions, such as beneath a covered porch away from direct water.
• It is recommended to use multiple light fixtures for your home. A single light will almost certainly not be enough to safely light your outside space, leaving some key portions of your entryway in the dark.
• Unless they are solar-powered, generally outdoor lighting fixtures will require electricalwiring.