Ways to accent light the exterior of your home.

When accent lighting the exterior of your home, it's important to consider the overall design and architecture of your home. You want to create a cohesive look that enhances the beauty of your home while also providing practical illumination.

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Here are some ideas for accent lighting the exterior of your home:

Install soffit lighting, can lighting, or recessed lighting in on the soffit.
Use spotlights to highlight specific features of your home’s exterior, such as architectural details, columns, or unique textures.
Install a permanent track light system. Traditionally installed under the soffit and provide homeowners with unlimited options for accenting a home.
Install path lighting along walkways and driveways to provide a safe and welcoming entrance to your home.
Use uplights to highlight trees, bushes, or other landscaping features. This can create a dramatic effect at night and add depth and dimension to your yard.
Install step lighting to illuminate staircases and add an extra layer of safety to your home’s exterior.
Use wall-mounted lights to highlight your home’s facade or outdoor art pieces. This can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home’s exterior.
Install decorative string lights around your patio or deck to create a festive atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.
Use underwater lighting in your pool or fountain to create a stunning visual effect at night.

Remember, when accent lighting the exterior of your home, it’s important to consider the overall design and architecture of your home. You want to create a cohesive look that enhances the beauty of your home while also providing practical illumination.

RECESSED LIGHTING

Exterior can lighting, also known as recessed lighting, is a type of lighting that is installed into the ceiling or soffit of your home’s exterior. These lights are typically small and cylindrical in shape and are designed to be installed flush with the surface they are mounted on.

The light source for exterior can lighting is typically an LED bulb, which provides energy-efficient and long-lasting illumination. The bulb is housed in a housing unit, which is installed into the ceiling or soffit of your home’s exterior. The housing unit protects the bulb from the elements and helps to direct the light where it is needed.

To install exterior can lighting, pull power to the location. Then a hole is cut into the ceiling or soffit of your home’s exterior. The housing unit is then inserted into the hole and secured in place. The LED bulb is then inserted into the housing unit, and a trim piece is attached to the outside of the housing unit to create a finished look.

Exterior can lighting can be used to accentuate architectural details, provide functional lighting for outdoor areas, or create a specific mood or atmosphere. Because the lights are recessed into the ceiling or soffit, they provide a clean and streamlined look that blends seamlessly with the architecture of your home. Additionally, because the LED bulbs used in exterior can lighting are energy-efficient, they can help to reduce your energy costs over time.

Most times this will be installed by an electrician or a homeowner doing their own remodeling. Can lighting can or recessed lighting can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon and other locations that sell lighting fixtures.

SPOTLIGHTS

Exterior spotlights are a great way to highlight specific features of your home’s exterior, such as architectural details, trees, or outdoor art. Here are some tips on how to use exterior spotlights effectively:

Determine the areas you want to highlight: Walk around your property and identify the features you want to highlight, such as a unique texture on the exterior of your home, a tree with interesting branches, or an outdoor sculpture.
Decide on the type of spotlight: There are many different types of spotlights available, from traditional halogen bulbs to energy-efficient LED lights. Consider the color temperature and brightness of the bulb, as well as the angle of the beam, to ensure you get the desired effect.
Position the spotlight: Once you’ve decided on the type of spotlight you want to use, position it in a location that will highlight the feature you want to accentuate. Experiment with different angles and distances to find the most effective placement.
Use multiple spotlights: For larger features, such as a large tree or a long stretch of exterior wall, consider using multiple spotlights to ensure even coverage and a dramatic effect.
Use timers or motion sensors: To save energy and ensure that your spotlights are only on when needed, consider using timers or motion sensors. These devices can automatically turn your lights on and off based on your preferences.

Remember, when using exterior spotlights, it’s important to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. You want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere while also highlighting the unique features of your home.

There are a lot of exterior spotlights that can be purchased at any store and just positioned and used. More professional and robust systems will be purchased through a landscape architect or home improvement store. They can also be purchased on sites like Amazon.

PERMANENT TRACK LIGHT SYSTEM

An exterior permanent track light system is a type of outdoor lighting that uses a track installed on the exterior of a building to hold and power a series of lighting fixtures. This system provides flexibility in lighting design and allows for easy adjustment of the position of the fixtures.

The track itself is typically made of a durable material such as aluminum and is designed to withstand exposure to the elements. It is mounted to the exterior of the building and can be curved or straight to accommodate different architectural features.

The fixtures used in an exterior permanent track light system are usually LED lights that are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and provide a range of color temperatures and beam angles. The fixtures are attached to the track and can be moved along it to create different lighting effects or to highlight specific areas of the building.

One advantage of a permanent track light system is that it provides a clean and streamlined look, as the wiring for the fixtures is hidden within the track. It also allows for easy maintenance and replacement of fixtures, as they can be easily removed from the track and replaced with new ones as needed.

If you are interested in installing an exterior permanent track light system, it is recommended to consult with a licensed electrician or lighting professional to ensure that the system is properly designed and installed for optimal performance and safety.

There are some DIY versions on the market through Amazon and AliExpress. But your best systems will be purchased and installed though a company that specializes in the installation and maintenance of these types of systems. For example: Jellyfish Lighting, will measure and install a custom system that matches and complements the exterior of the home.

NOTE: DIY installing this form of product is not for everyone. There are a lot of safety risks with accessing the soffit line on some homes due to the height and pitch of the roof.

PATHWAY LIGHTING

Pathway lighting is a type of outdoor lighting that is installed along walkways, driveways, and other outdoor paths to provide illumination and safety at night. Here are some benefits of pathway lighting for your home:

Safety: The primary benefit of pathway lighting is safety. It provides a well-lit path for you and your guests to safely navigate at night, reducing the risk of accidents or falls.
Security: Pathway lighting can also enhance the security of your home by deterring intruders. A well-lit pathway and entranceway can make it more difficult for someone to approach your home undetected.
Curb appeal: Pathway lighting can add to the overall curb appeal of your home. It can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making your home more attractive to visitors and potential buyers.
Functionality: Pathway lighting can also make outdoor spaces more functional. It allows you to enjoy your outdoor living spaces at night and can be used to highlight outdoor features such as landscaping, architectural details, or outdoor art.
Integrated Control: More permanent lighting systems like Jellyfish Lighting are tying in landscape lighting like pathway lighting with the same controls as the home soffit lighting systems.

Overall, pathway lighting can be a valuable addition to your home’s outdoor lighting design. It provides safety, security, functionality, and aesthetic benefits, making it a worthwhile investment.

There are plug and play pathway lights and there are professionally installed pathway lights. You can tell the difference. For plug and play, visit your local home improvement store or Amazon. For professional lighting systems call a local landscape designer.

STEP LIGHTING

Steps are safer with step lighting. Step lighting is a type of outdoor lighting that is specifically designed to provide illumination on stairs or steps, making them safer to navigate at night. Here are some reasons why step lighting can enhance safety on steps:

Visibility: Step lighting provides illumination that enhances visibility, making it easier to see and navigate steps in low-light conditions. This can reduce the risk of tripping, falling, or injuring yourself on steps.
Accidents prevention: In addition to reducing the risk of accidents on steps, step lighting can also prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. A well-lit stairway can alert people to the presence of the steps, preventing them from accidentally tripping or falling.
Aesthetics: Step lighting can also add to the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. It can highlight the architectural details of your steps and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Overall, step lighting is an effective way to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents on steps, while also providing aesthetic benefits. If you have outdoor steps on your property, consider adding step lighting to enhance the safety and beauty of your outdoor space.

Here are some step lighting ideas: Amazon

WALL LIGHT / FLOOD LIGHT

Wall lights and flood lights are both popular options for external home lighting, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks depending on your specific needs. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Wall lights:

Wall lights have an ornamental function that add to the design and beauty of the home.
Wall lights are usually mounted on the exterior of the house and provide focused lighting in a specific area.
They are often used for safety and security, such as illuminating a walkway or entryway.
Wall lights come in a variety of styles and sizes, making them a great option for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Wall Light Ideas

Flood lights:

Flood lights are designed to provide wide-angle illumination over a large area.
They are typically used for security purposes, such as lighting up a large yard or outdoor space to deter potential intruders.
Flood lights use high-intensity bulbs and can consume more energy than wall lights.
They are also often equipped with motion sensors, which can help conserve energy and provide added security.
Flood Light Ideas

In summary, wall lights are a good choice for providing targeted lighting and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home, while flood lights are better suited for providing broad coverage and enhancing security. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

STRING LIGHTS

String lights are a popular and versatile form of outdoor lighting that can be used in many different ways to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Here are some ways to use string lights on a home:

Patio or deck lighting: String lights can be hung overhead to create a warm and inviting ambiance for outdoor entertaining on a patio or deck.
Garden or landscape lighting: String lights can be wrapped around trees or draped across shrubs to highlight the natural beauty of your garden or landscape.
Pathway lighting: String lights can be hung along a walkway or path to provide illumination and safety at night.
Outdoor event lighting: String lights can be used to provide festive lighting for outdoor events such as weddings, parties, or holiday gatherings.
Architectural accent lighting: String lights can be used to accentuate architectural features of your home, such as the outline of a roofline or the shape of a window.
Backyard lighting: String lights can be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for outdoor relaxation in a backyard or outdoor living space.

String lights can be purchased in home improvements stores like Home Depot and Lowes as well as many online retailers like Amazon or AliExpress. A lot of permanent lighting companies like Jellyfish Lighting are also entering this market with string lighting products.

UNDERWATER LIGHTS

The lifespan of underwater lighting can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the quality of the light fixture, the materials used, and the frequency of use. Generally speaking, high-quality underwater lighting fixtures can last for many years with proper installation and maintenance.

The lifespan of the bulb or LED in an underwater lighting fixture is typically rated in hours of use, and can range from 5,000 to 50,000 hours or more. LED underwater lights tend to have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs and can last up to 50,000 hours or more.

It’s important to note that underwater lighting fixtures are exposed to a harsh environment that can cause premature wear and tear. Corrosion, water damage, and exposure to chemicals can all affect the lifespan of the fixture. Proper installation, maintenance, and cleaning can help extend the lifespan of your underwater lighting fixture.

In summary, the lifespan of underwater lighting can vary depending on the quality of the fixture, the type of bulb or LED used, and the environment in which it is installed. With proper care and maintenance, high-quality underwater lighting fixtures can last for many years.

Some examples of underwater lighting.