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Outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the beauty, security, and functionality of your home’s exterior. However, many homeowners make common mistakes that can lead to poor lighting results. At Light TN, we want to help you create a stunning and well-balanced outdoor lighting setup. Here are some common outdoor lighting mistakes to avoid for a perfectly lit exterior.
One of the biggest mistakes is installing outdoor lighting without a strategic plan. Without proper planning, you may end up with uneven lighting, unnecessary glare, or dark spots. Before installing lights, consider your goals—whether it’s highlighting architectural features, improving security, or creating ambiance.
Not all outdoor lighting is created equal. Using indoor-rated fixtures outside can lead to safety hazards and premature failures. Ensure that all your outdoor lights are weather-resistant and rated for exterior use to withstand the elements. Also, using the wrong type of lamp or luminaire will create undesired looks at patterns. Hiring a professional outdoor lighting designer will eliminate these issues.
A well-designed outdoor lighting scheme includes multiple layers of light—ambient, task, and accent lighting. Relying on a single type of lighting can result in a flat or unbalanced look. Combining different light sources, such as path lights, spotlights, and downlighting, creates depth and dimension. Different color temperatures can be used if done properly as well to create dimension.
Too much light can create an overwhelming glare, while too little light can make your space feel uninviting and unsafe. Strike a balance by choosing the right brightness and placement of lights to ensure a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Placing fixtures incorrectly can lead to shadows, glare, and ineffective lighting. Fixtures to close to a subject will create hotspots and fixtures to far away will not illuminate subjects properly. Knowing the capability of the luminaires being used is why you want to hire a professional outdoor lighting designer.
Using outdated or inefficient bulbs can lead to higher energy bills and maintenance costs. Opt for LED lights, which last longer, consume less energy, and provide better illumination than traditional bulbs. Properly installed lighting systems are not only achieved by using LED, they need to be designed, laid out and installed properly by a professional, licensed, low voltage electrician.
Smart lighting solutions, such as timers, dimmers, and motion sensors, can improve convenience and energy efficiency. Installing smart controls allows you to automate your outdoor lighting, ensuring it turns on at the right time and adjusts to different needs. Being a Lutron Pro, Light TN offers high-end home automation controls as well as budget friendly options to ensure we cover all your home automation needs.
Excessive outdoor lighting can contribute to light pollution, affecting your neighbors and the night sky. Use shielded fixtures and direct lighting downward or directly onto subject material to minimize unnecessary light spillage. Light TN is a member of the International Dark Sky Association and we practice responsible light pollution mitigation.
Glare: Uncomfortably bright light that directly interferes with vision
Light trespass: Unintended light that spills into other people’s property or space
Skyglow: The brightening of the night sky from human-caused light
Light clutter: Redundant clusters of lighting, not utilizing existing light features
Outdoor lighting requires occasional maintenance to keep it functioning properly. Dirt, debris, and weather conditions can affect the performance of your lights. Regularly clean fixtures, check for burnt-out bulbs, and adjust placements as needed. Sometimes it’s not the lighting that needs maintenance, but the landscaping around it grows and blocks the output of the fixtures and needs to be trimmed.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help you achieve a beautifully illuminated exterior that enhances your home’s appeal and security. At Light TN, we specialize in professional outdoor lighting solutions, using high quality lighting products, to ensure your space is perfectly lit year-round and for many years to come.
Contact us today to learn more about our lighting solutions and let us help you transform your outdoor space with expert lighting design.