The Architect’s Outdoor Lighting Guide
Our Austin Architects Review Considerations for Designing an Exterior Lighting Plan
Exterior lighting is necessary to showcase your home's beauty and extend the functionality of outdoor spaces past sunset. Like the lighting in your home’s interior, outdoor lighting plans should consider task lighting for activities and accent lighting to set the mood. Our Austin architects are shining a light on exterior lighting design and sharing everything you need to know in our outdoor lighting guide. We cover the top areas to light, types of outdoor light fixtures, exterior lighting upgrades, and more.
Areas to Consider in Your Outdoor Lighting Design
Entryways
Avoid the hassle of shuffling for your keys in the dark. Entryway lighting is a must-have feature to increase accessibility, accent the home’s architecture, and create a welcoming approach for guests.
Patios and Decks
Extend the usability of your outdoor living spaces well past sunset with outdoor patio and deck lighting. The illumination of these spaces will encourage an indoor-outdoor flow and get the family outside in the evenings.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens need dedicated task lighting to remain functional into the night. Install lighting over workspaces so you can safely chop and follow along in your recipe book.
Driveways, Pathways, and Steps
Illuminate driveways, pathways, and steps for safe navigation and to direct guests through the property. For example, a lit path to the front door will help establish a welcoming approach and give nighttime visitors a clear route to the door.
Architectural Features
While outdoor lighting creates functional spaces, you can also use it to highlight the architectural features of your home and establish ambiance. For example, uplighting can cast interesting shadows on a limestone accent wall or showcase decorative columns.
Landscape Elements
Landscape lighting also creates beautiful accents. For example, consider lighting large trees with spotlights or making a romantic focal point with an illuminated fountain or water feature.
Types of Outdoor Light Fixtures
Sconces
Outdoor sconces are a great option to frame a front entryway, providing functional light while creating a decorative focal point.
Ceiling Mount Lights
Just like in interior living spaces, ceiling mount lights provide practical lighting for patios and porches while adding decorative charm.
Recessed Lights
Recessed lights are another great option to light covered porches and outdoor kitchens while keeping a low profile for a streamlined look.
Ceiling Fans
Porch ceiling fans serve the dual purpose of lighting the space and circulating air on hot summer nights.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers aren’t only for elegant interior spaces. Outdoor chandeliers create a dramatic focal point and are great for large dining patios and double-height entryways.
Floodlights
Floodlights are a practical way to flood an area with light. Typically, these lights are mounted high on exterior walls to illuminate driveways and pathways around the home. These lights are very bright, so they usually use a motion sensor to turn on only when needed.
Spotlights
Spotlights shine a direct light beam to showcase a focal point, like a tree or architectural feature. These accent lights help to set the mood and establish ambiance.
Step Lights
Step lights serve a practical need for illumination around stairs and create a beautiful effect. Plan for step lights early in the exterior hardscape design process so you can conceal them under risers rather than have them stick out on the side.
Path Lights
Post and bollard lights are great options to illuminate your garden and pathways. They will help establish outdoor flow and provide a safely lit walkway.
Pool and Fountain Lights
Waterproof pool and fountain lights can be installed below the waterline to create a beautiful illuminated effect.
String Lights
String and cafe lights are perfect for creating a dreamy mood and defining an outdoor living area. They add picturesque charm and call to mind romantic nights spent al fresco.
What to Look for in Exterior Lights
Weather Resistance
Outdoor light fixtures need to withstand the elements. Check the manufacturer's details to ensure they meet the demands of the environment. Wet-rated fixtures are designed for direct rain exposure, which is necessary for garden and floodlights. Damp-rated fixtures are not made for direct exposure to rain, limiting them to use under covered porches.
Durability
Look for durability in addition to weather resistance in your exterior light fixtures. Brass and copper fixtures are strong enough to withstand the elements and develop natural and beautiful patinas over time.
Style
Coordinate your exterior lighting with your home’s overall architectural style and color palette. Establish a cohesive look by blending finishes and complementing other architectural elements.
Electric vs. Gas Outdoor Lighting
Electric and gas outdoor lighting are both popular options for illuminating your home's exterior. Each type of lighting has its own advantages and mood. Electric lights are bright, energy-efficient, and perfect for task lighting. Gas lights offer a moody glow and make for great accent lights, especially at the front entrance. Many homeowners combine both types in their outdoor lighting design plans.
Exterior Lighting Upgrades
Motion Sensors
Motion-sensor lights switch on when they detect movement, offering an energy-saving solution as well as a safety feature. Motion sensors are a great addition to floodlights.
Timers
Timers can be programmed to turn lights on and off at specific times of the day. This is an excellent option for garden spotlights and pathway lights that can be set to switch on at sunset and go off before dawn.
Smart Lights
Smart lights can be incorporated into an overall smart home design. These lights can be programmed on a timer and switched on with a click or voice command. You can even change the brightness level or color to set the mood for your next backyard party.
Soffit Outlets
Exterior outlets are typically installed near the base of the home, like outlets on the interior. Adding additional soffit outlets near the roofline creates an easy spot to plug in holiday and string lights without dangling a cord down the side of the house.
Can Outdoor Lighting Be Too Bright?
When designing an exterior lighting plan, it’s important to find a balance between being well-lit and too bright. HOAs and city regulations may also dictate the amount of exterior lighting allowed, especially if you live along a coastline where sea turtle egg laying and bird migration is a concern.
The International Dark-sky Association, or IDA, is an organization dedicated to reducing light pollution. It manages the Fixture Seal of Approval program, which designates outdoor lights as Dark Sky and Good Neighbor friendly. These approved lights minimize light pollution.
Overall, aim for lower lumen and kelvin landscape lights to create a subtler glow. Additionally, avoid placing lights close to bedroom windows or other areas where they can create disturbances in the interior.
Bright Ideas for Your Landscape Lighting
We hope these outdoor lighting ideas light the way to your beautiful exterior lighting plan. But, if you don’t know where to begin, reach out to our team of Austin architects. We’ll be happy to help design your outdoor spaces and maximize your property.