Any homeowner will tell you that choosing the right outdoor lighting setup is a make-or-break decision for your property’s overall look and functionality. The fixtures you pick can completely transform your home’s exterior vibe, and it can increase that all-important curb appeal, deterring any unsavory characters, and ensuring you don’t go tumbling down the front steps after sunset.
Yet plenty of us have been paralyzed wandering up and down the lighting aisle, overwhelmed by the dizzying array of options out there. Bulb types, finishes, styles – it’s enough to make your head spin. Where’s a homeowner supposed to even start?
This guide is going to be your trusty sidekick for navigating the great outdoors…lighting selection, that is. We’ll dive into everything you need to know to pick exterior fixtures perfectly suited to your home’s distinct needs and aesthetic. From brightening up those shadowy corners to making a stylish statement, no stone will be left unturned.
And don’t worry, we’ll make sure you get maximum value without blowing your entire renovation fund in one fell swoop. By the time we’re done, you’ll be able to choose lighting that highlights your home’s best features, keeps things safe and visible, and maybe even one-ups that one neighbor who goes a little too overboard with the holiday decorations.
Assessing Your Lighting Needs
Before we dive headfirst into fixture finishes and bulb types, we need to get on the same page about what exactly you’re hoping to accomplish with your new outdoor lighting setup. Are you solely focused on amping up security? Ensuring you can actually see where you’re going at night? Or is making a serious style statement the top priority here?
Functional vs. Aesthetic Purposes
Maybe you just want some basic illumination for those dark pathways and entryways. Or perhaps you’re going for full-fledged decorative enhancements that’ll make the neighbors envious. Who knows, you might even be looking to tick both of those boxes – functional and aesthetic. No matter your objectives, we’ve got you covered.
Common Exterior Lighting Zones
Now think about which specific areas need some light love. The front porch is an obvious one – you want visitors to actually be able to find your front door. Don’t forget the garage, those shady backyard corners, any walking paths, and landscape lighting to show off your meticulously manicured garden beds.
Climate Considerations in Indiana and Ohio
Here’s where things get a bit tricky for us Midwesterners. Our delightful quartet of seasons means exterior lighting has to be built tough to withstand snow, ice, relentless rain, humidity, you name it. You’ll want to prioritize weatherproofing and all-climate durability from the get-go to avoid any malfunctions or premature replacements.
Understanding Fixture Types and Styles
Since we’ve covered what you’re hoping to achieve with your new outdoor lighting setup, let’s consider the styles that’ll fit with your home’s overall look and feel, and really dive into the different types of fixture options. We know there’s a seemingly endless number of choices out there, which can easily feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ll break it all down in a straightforward way that makes sense.
Common Picks
You really can’t go wrong with classic wall-mounted fixtures like sconces and flush mounts for illuminating entrances and walkways around your property. Post lamps are another tried-and-true option for lining driveways and garden paths, and string lights have become super trendy for creating an inviting ambiance on patios and decks too. Oh, and let’s not forget motion-sensor lights because those are an absolute must for increasing security.
Vibing With Your Home
But fixture types are just one piece of the puzzle here because you’ll also want to make sure the styles you choose stylistically mesh with your home’s distinct character and aesthetic. If you’re all about a traditional look, lantern-style fixtures could be the perfect fit.
For those who prefer modern and contemporary vibes, embrace those clean lines and unique materials like copper or concrete. And if rustic-chic is more your thing, there’s plenty of farmhouse-inspired options to choose from.
Here in the Midwest, we’ve also got to keep in mind how those fixtures will pair with our iconic architectural styles. A grand Victorian home requires different lighting than a classic Colonial revival or cozy Craftsman bungalow. Don’t worry because we’ll point you in the right direction to nail that cohesive, harmonious look that accentuates your home’s distinct character and roots.
Key Features to Look For
Since there are so many fixture types and style options out there, it can feel like a total lighting minefield trying to narrow things down. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back because we’re going to break down the key features that’ll separate the winners from the disappoinments.
Material and Durability
Let’s begin with construction. You’ll want to prioritize rust-resistant metals and weatherproof finishes because of our lovely Midwestern elements like snow, ice, humidity, and everything in between. None of that flimsy stuff that’ll stop working after one winter, capiche? Durable materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and powder-coated finishes are where it’s at.
Lighting Technology
Next up, lighting tech. Since LED bulbs will save you big bucks on electric bills over time you’ll want to go that energy-efficient route. Smart lighting is another cool option for setting schedules, dimming, and controlling things right from your phone. Definitely beats having to drag a ladder out every time you want to make an adjustment.
Brightness and Coverage
Now let’s talk brightness levels and coverage area. You’ll need to factor in the recommended lumens for things like safety, ambience, and avoiding that annoying light pollution in residential neighborhoods. Too dim and you’re asking for a twisted ankle tripping over something. Too bright and you’ll have your neighbors throwing shade (literally).
With the right combo of materials, bulb type, and brightness levels, you can finally kiss those shoddy, under-performing outdoor lights goodbye forever. Your home’s about to be illuminated to absolute perfection.
Budgeting and Long-Term Costs
We know what you’re thinking – “This all sounds great, but how much is overhauling my outdoor lighting actually going to cost me?” It’s a totally fair question. There’s more to consider beyond just that initial price tag when you are budgeting for new fixtures.
Upfront Cost vs. Ongoing Maintenance
Sure, higher quality fixtures from top brands are going to cost more out of the gate. But they’re also engineered to withstand everything the Midwest can throw at them – brutal winters, humidity, you name it. Cheap out on those bargain bin options? You’ll likely find yourself replacing them every couple of years when they inevitably stop working. Our advice is to invest in durable, all-weather construction that’s built to keep performing every single year.
Monthly Bill Savings
Another major long-term cost to factor in is energy efficiency. Those outdated incandescent bulbs and outdated fixtures are total energy hogs. That’s why upgrading to LED and solar options can greatly reduce your monthly utility costs over time. We’re talking potentially hundreds of dollars in savings annually that really add up.
Rebates and Incentives
Speaking of savings, don’t sleep on rebates and tax credits for eco-friendly home upgrades here in Indiana and Ohio. Lots of utility providers and local municipalities offer incentives for energy-efficient lighting products that meet certain standards. Free money just for doing the smart thing? We’ll take it!
The bottom line is, a smart investment in quality, energy-saving outdoor lighting will literally pay you back over the years to come. Don’t go for those cheap band-aid fixes that’ll just end up burning a hole in your wallet down the road. A little extra upfront can go a long way.
Choosing the Right Installation and Placement
Okay, so you’ve nailed down the perfect fixture types, styles and all the must-have features. But where do you actually put these lights? Lighting placement and installation is just as crucial as any other part of the process.
Best Practices for Placement
You’ll want to make sure you’re sufficiently illuminating all the key areas without going overboard into blinding, light pollution territory. Spacing is also hugely important because those driveway and pathway lights need to be properly spaced out for consistent brightness with no dark spots. Don’t go winging it because we’ll cover all the tried-and-true placement tips.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Of course, you’ll also need to decide if you’re feeling confident enough to handle installation yourself or if it’s better to call in professional backup. Wiring up some basic solar path lights? Totally DIY-able for most homeowners. But running all new electrical for an entire outdoor lighting system? Yeah, that’s probably best left to the pros who know all the safety codes.
Regional Tips
Speaking of pros, we’ve got the inside scoop on some of the best electricians and outdoor lighting contractors here in the Indiana and Ohio region. Ones who really know their stuff and won’t steer you wrong. No need to solely rely on online reviews – we’ll give you the local recs that’ll get the job done right.
Proper placement and installation is just as critical as choosing the right fixtures themselves. Get it wrong and you’ll either be dealing with inadequate lighting or a total eyesore. But nail it and your home’s exterior is about to look like an absolute showstopper day and night.
Outdoor Lighting Done Right: Let Bassett’s Home Hounds Light the Way
When it comes to transforming your home’s exterior with the perfect lighting setup, doing it alone is an uphill battle. Why not let our top-dog team at Bassett take the lead instead? With our doggedly determined crew and a better breed of service, our home hounds will sniff out the ideal fixtures and placement for your needs – whether it’s amping up curb appeal, safety, or both.
No more chasing your tail with shoddy DIY jobs. For expert lighting installation (plus heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical) that treats your humble abode right, sound the hound and dial (317) 360-0054 today. Bassett’s home service pros are always by your side in Indiana and Ohio.
