Yard illumination can have a huge impact on the overall feel and look of your home’s façade. For example, stair lights can be used to illuminate your walkway and keep steps safe for you and guests. Décor and accent lighting can give your home a huge design boost.

With a bit of creativity and inspiration, you can easily create a beautifully illuminated exterior space that enhances the look while promoting safety. Keep reading for some great ideas on how to light up some key areas in your yard and around your home.

Driveway and Yard Illumination Ideas

Spotlights and flood lights are words that are usually used interchangeable. While these do similar jobs, they are different lights and, as a result, need to be used differently for yard illumination.

Flood Lights

A flood light can cast a rather wide net of lighting, which illuminates larger spaces. If you have a larger parking area or driveway, a single or even two-bulb flood light is a smart option, but this may vary based on the specific layout you have. Keep the following in mind when using flood lights:

• These are designed for lighting up larger areas, such as your carport or driveway.
• You can use them to light entire walls or a large area of landscape where smaller or detailed lighting is unnecessary.
• You can purchase motion-activated flood lights, which are especially helpful for utility areas, garage doors, and driveways.

Spotlights

Unlike the flood lights mentioned above, a spotlight can cast a focused beam of light. Several things to keep in mind about spotlights include:

• They produce a narrow beam of light, making them a great option for lighting up architectural accents and tree up-lighting.
• Two spotlights can effectively light up larger areas if you install them on opposite sides.
• Spotlights are bright so don’t point them at walkways or paths where people walk.

Ideas for Path Lighting

The walkway in your yard is designed to guide you and people visiting your home to certain parts of the home’s exterior when it is dark out. They can also be used to accent your landscaping, which makes your home appear more inviting to visitors. Some things to keep in mind about path lighting includes:

• Spread path lights 10 to 15 feet apart.
• Consider installing solar lights.Try to alternate the side of the path you install the lights on.
• Choose a style and size of path lighting that complements the finishes you have around your home.
• Consider investing in a path lighting set.

Get Help with Your Exterior Lighting

There’s no question that exterior lights offer an array of benefits for homeowners. While this is true, you still may need help determining where they should be installed and the types of lights you should use. If that is the case, contact our team at The IDL Company. We are professionals in landscaping lighting design plans and installation and can help ensure your yard and outdoor space is well illuminated throughout the year.