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MAIN HOME LIGHTING INDEX
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Scrambling for yard lighting ideas occurs, often after having been overlooked. If you've come looking for planning ideas, terrific! We have plenty of options for you to consider in your plan.

Solar Design Manual -*- Alternative Energy
Renewable Energy -*- Home Decorating Guide

The lack of Exterior Home Lighting and Landscape Design Fixtures becomes most evident when we need it, but don't have it! As we’re stumbling around in the dark or flash-lighting our way, or thinking about whether our guests will see the house number at night or wondering how to light an outdoor gathering is when we have the ‘light bulb’ moments! Aha - We need light!

Wise Lighting Design for residential exterior lighting is planned of course, before the building stage - or at least at the framing stage. And should be planned to include maximal requirements. The great thing about switching is control of use. You have exterior home lighting when and where you need it, but usually not all at once.

Plan Adequate Electrical Capacity From the Start

It is expedient to think about and install enough electrical supply for both your interior and Exterior Home Lighting. Proper amperage to carry the electrical load should be considered and factored in at planning.

It doesn’t mean you will necessarily use it all at once, but have it available for necessary tasks and occasions – especially if you plan extensive lighting design or to run a hot tub or pool. Have a plan ready for your electrician to work with. You may wish to engage a designer to plan landscape lighting ideas to fit your lifestyle and landscape.

If you have an existing or older home with limited amperage, check with an electrician about upgrading before proceeding with plans or before you buy electrical fixtures for exterior home lighting.

Basic Outdoor Home Lighting and Yard Lighting Ideas – There are 4 main functions for exterior home lighting – Visual Function, Security, Recreation and Esthetics.

Street Approach - Curb Appeal

Outdoor Sconce

A single fixture often is the only lonely beacon on the front of a house, with its bare bulb is glaring at those squinting to find their way! To create depth that shows off your landscape and the architectural features of your home, ‘layered’ lighting design is most effective.

· On the side of function and security, it is necessary to light walkways, the driveway, and your house number. How many times have you looked for a (darkened) number at night?

Garden Water Feature

· An esthetically appealing approach to the front of the house should be considered for night as well as daytime.
· Lights should be shielded to prevent eye glare and cast light where needed - onto walkways and yes that house number.

Let’s take a stroll from the street to the front or your property. These are the essentials for a well lit front approach.

Yard Lighting Ideas - Perimeter Lighting

DahlhausIs there a fence or perhaps a stone wall? Does it open to the driveway, to the front walk? These entry ways to your property are an excellent place to start that ‘layering’ of light with exterior post lighting on gateposts or fenceposts. Freestanding solar lamp posts at the perimeter will accent your property as well as light for visibility and outdoor light security.

If the streetfront of the property is primarily low landscaping, then landscape lighting fixtures can be used to 'sculpt' the property into a nocturnal dreamland! Decorative solar lighting or low voltage landscape lights placed to creatively light the landscape design also are energy efficient.

These can be very effectively combined with freestanding exterior post lighting.

Yard Lighting Ideas - Walkways

What about the walkway? Is it near or far from the edge of the property to the front door? Are the perimeter lights and door lights adequate to light the way or does it need perhaps some low solar pathway lighting or low voltage landscape lights for sure footing?

· The house number should be easily visible. If lighted from exterior sconces beside it, there should be no glare. It is hard to see when the glare is blinding your efforts. If the light is an overhead outdoor ceiling fixtures or recessed fixtures, the source of light should be well in front.

· Walkways around the side of the house are often well equiped with outdoor lighting motion detection.

Energy Efficiency – a Final Note to Yard Lighting Ideas

Create solar panels French Designer

Alternative Energy -*- Renewable Energy

We’ve all become very aware of the need to conserve energy. While there is everything right about lighting your home adequately and effectively, there are many low energy options available.

Solar Light

* Planning a good switching system is key to using only the lighting you want or need at any given time.

* Solar energy has many readily available options and well worth utilizing for many reasons.

* Fluorescent light bulbs have long been used efficiently in Europe and are available for outdoors.

* Be proactive in your community for creation of ‘renewable’ sources of energy.

* Motion Lights in walkways or areas of intermittent use and for security, of course only come on when required.

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