If you’re a first-time homeowner, you are probably beginning to experiment with redesigning, renovating, or redecorating your new home. The options and pitfalls in each of these areas can be overwhelming. But there’s one thing you should consider adding to your home – landscape lighting. And to keep it from becoming overwhelming, here are some tips to help you start your journey toward a more beautiful home.

What is Landscape Lighting?

Landscape lighting is outdoor LED (or less efficiently incandescent) lighting intended to highlight the exterior of your home. They are usually set up on the ground. This can increase security for your home, since a well-lit home is less likely to experience a break-in than a dark one. This in turn could potentially help to increase the value of your home.

Tips for Effective Landscape Lighting

To make sure your landscape lighting is its best, follow these simple tips to get started:

  1. Plan Ahead and Be Sure of Your Set Up

Make sure you plan everything. Decide how and where you want the lights to be displayed. Look at your property and decide which aspects you want highlighted most, such as decks, trees, plants, flowers, or gardens. Research what types of lighting will match and accent these features. Also consider the dimensions of these areas. Consider new updates, and any features that could be upgraded in the future. Also don’t forget to consider the positioning in regard to your neighbors – they may not appreciate bright, glaring lights flooding into their bedroom windows at night. Keep in mind that hard-to-reach areas will be more difficult to maintain and repair if needed. Long-lasting lights are always a good idea.

  1. Consider the Locations of Your Lights

Location is very important when it comes to landscape lighting. You’ll want to consider the following ideal spots:

  • Entrance and Exit Points: Clearly define your path (and your visitors’ path) with lights on either side of entryways. Do this for other entryways apart from your main entrance as well.
  • Decks and Patios: Add a comfortable amount of lighting to deck and patio areas. Consider elevations and areas that see the most activity.
  • Driveway: Just as entryways should be illuminated for security and safety, the same attention should be paid to driveways and garages. A few well-placed lights above or near the garage door would be ideal