Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is not just for safety so you can see at night. It can also be used to enhance any home, whether it be a simple light fixture above your door or hanging lanterns to spruce up your backyard for a BBQ. As a consumer today, you have many styles, colors, and varieties to choose from. Every variety of lighting can provide both form and function. Think about what part of your exterior home needs lighting and exactly just how much light you need. You don't want to blind your neighbors with your extravagant light fixtures, but you also want to make sure the areas are properly lit so you can see. The style is also just as important. Are you looking for a vintage look or a more contemporary feel? Your outdoor lighting should be cohesive throughout your home and backyard.
Types of Functional Lighting
* Flood lights are very versatile and can be used to illuminate both large and small areas. They can be mounted on a wall to light up large areas of your backyard, or they can be set into the ground to highlight an alcove, garden, pool, or patio. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and wattage. Sensors add extra protection since the light will only turn on when someone approaches at a certain distance.
* Wall lights are of course mounted on the wall and can be as dramatic or simplistic as you wish. Wall lights mainly provide security and safety, mounted near doors and entryways.
* Lamp posts offer a more aesthetic feel and can even be considered a work of art rather than a simple lighting fixture. You no longer have to settle for looking only at the lamp posts on your street. You can add these dramatic pieces to your own backyard to add style and character to your home. These eye-catchers don't come cheap so expect to anywhere from $200 and up.
* Deck and step lights add that extra level of safety when walking around at night. Motion sensors make these products easy to use and energy efficient. Deck lights can attach to the railing or the wall. Step lights attach to the vertical portion of the step and are generally flat so that it will not be in the way.
* Recessed lighting can either be used in ceilings or in the ground. These fixtures are for accenting your home and garden. Add recessed lights around your pool or garden to add beauty and elegance, or on your patio for a little extra shine.
Decorative Lighting
Sometimes it's not about how much light a product will give, but rather how festive or fun it can be. Hanging lanterns and torches can be a great addition to liven up a backyard party and give it that authentic "tiki" theme. Of course there are also string lights, most widely used at Christmas time, which can be strung across roofs, railings, mailboxes, and just about anything else you can think of. A variety of colors and bulb sizes are available to help brighten up your house for all seasons and holidays. There are even LED rope lights for those who are more creative.
Quick Picks
Major Manufacturers
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Barcana
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Bethlehem Lighting
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Coleman Cable
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Designers Edge
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General Electric
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Hardware House
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Heath/Zenith
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Hinkley
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Hubbell
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Hunter
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Lithonia Lighting
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Malibu
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Minka Great Outdoors
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Orange Tree Trade
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Royce Lighting
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Sea Gull Lighting
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Trans Globe Company
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Unique Arts
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Vaxcel Lighting
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Westinghouse
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World Imports
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