Tips to Plan Your Next Outdoor Lighting Project

Exterior lighting draws attention to the best features of your home and can help improve security. Connecticut Lighting Centers has the largest display and inventory in New England, so you are sure to find the most unique and stylish exterior lights. Before you come to the showroom and start picking out fixtures, it’s essential to gather some details. What should you consider?

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Do a Property Walkthrough

Whether on your own, with a contractor or a lighting expert from our showroom, you should walk around the property to get your ideas in order. While doing so, think about:

  • Where you want to install exterior lights
  • Your desired fixtures
  • Where the power supply is located

Some areas will be more ideal for exterior lighting than others. For instance, underneath a large tree that sheds its leaves every fall would likely not be the best place.

With these details in mind, our showroom staff will be better equipped to determine the right lighting for each application. We can help you choose between a semi-flush mount or wall sconces to light the front porch, post lanterns or smaller path lights for the driveway and more.

Think About Efficiency

It is possible to keep your landscape lights on through the night without running up the electricity bill! The answer is light-emitting diode bulbs. LED has evolved so much over the past few years. You are no longer restricted to certain fixtures or applications; some fixtures now come equipped with built-in LED technology. The average LED bulb consumes less energy and lasts 25,000 hours versus 1,500 hours for a traditional incandescent light bulb.

Whether you choose LED or not, low voltage is the popular choice for landscape lighting. Compared to traditional lighting, low voltage lighting is softer and more efficient. With this option, all you need to install exterior lighting is an outdoor GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet, a large transformer and cables to connect your lights. Some fixtures may also require a stake in the ground to keep them in place and upright.

Understand Less Is More

Not every area of your property needs to be bathed in light. Carefully consider flood lighting, which can wash out your entire landscape. Path lighting for safety and accent lighting for the best features of your yard is the best combination to achieve a beautiful landscape.
 
Connecticut Lighting Centers is your local destination for landscape lighting. To meet with a lighting expert and browse exterior fixtures, visit us in Hartford or Southington today!