Safe, Charming Outdoor Lighting Trends
If you’ve been concerned about your home’s security, maybe it’s time to consider an upgrade to your home’s landscape that’s not only safe but beautiful, courtesy of Staley Electric. (more…)
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Backyard Lighting
Are you thinking of affordable ways to spruce up your backyard this summer? Consider upgrading your outdoor lighting!
The right lighting fixtures can do wonders and transform an ordinary home into a summertime oasis — all while increasing your security, home value, and, most importantly, peace of mind.
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5 Safety Tips for Putting Up Holiday Lights
Once the holiday season rolls around, Christmas lights can be found strung up everywhere, from shops across town to the homes in your neighborhood. When you think about putting up the holiday lights and decorations, you’re probably concerned about how the lights will match your outside decor, if your Christmas tree has enough ornaments, or if the bulbs will turn on.
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5 Tips for How to Choose Outdoor Lighting
When you stop and consider the lighting inside your home, you might immediately think of the recessed lighting in your kitchen or the cozy glow of your bedside table lamp. In fact, it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed thinking about all the lights that make up your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and beyond. The inside of your home can have various types of light sources — and your front porch and backyard are no different.
Exterior lighting comes in all different shapes and sizes. While there is so much to choose from, you may not know where to start. Are you looking to create a certain type of outdoor atmosphere? Is your main goal to entertain guests, or would you prefer to put a spotlight on your beautiful garden? If you need help finding the right solution for your needs, we have some outdoor landscape lighting tips that can help.
Much like the interior of your home, exterior lighting can make or break the look you’re aiming to achieve. Fortunately, making a plan and understanding your needs can make finding the perfect lighting easy. Let’s discuss five top tips for how to choose outdoor lighting.
Make a Plan
Although decorating any part of your home is fun and exciting, there’s no reason to rush when choosing outdoor light fixtures. In fact, taking your time and writing down measurements are some of the top tips for how to choose outdoor lighting. You don’t want to accidentally buy light fixtures that look too big on your wall or out of place in your landscaping.
Do you want to add lighting to your front porch? Consider measuring your front door. You’ll want to find light fixtures that are only one-third of the height of the door.
Know Your Lighting Needs
When learning about outdoor landscape lighting tips, it’s important to note that not every type of outdoor light fixture has the same purpose or durability. For starters, there are two main types of exterior lighting that you should know about: wet-rated and damp-rated.
Wet-rated lighting is what it sounds like — it can be installed in places that are directly hit by rain and moisture. Think wall lights and various types of landscape lighting. On the other hand, damp-rated lighting cannot be installed where rain and other types of water will touch it. This type of lighting can handle a little dampness or moisture, but certainly not for long periods. Think ceiling lights and ceiling fans.
Along with choosing between damp vs. wet-rated lighting, you will want to consider the beam angle of your spotlights if you wish to install any. Wide beams are excellent for spotlighting landscaping and stone structures, while narrow beams are recommended for spotlighting statues and taller trees.
Put Safety First
Safety is a critical component of outdoor lighting and something many homeowners focus on. Is this also a main concern of yours? If so, you’ll want to survey your yard and find areas that could use extra illumination. Path lights and security lights can provide much-needed peace of mind, especially if your yard is cast into shadow or difficult to navigate at night.
There are many tips for how to choose outdoor lighting, but throughout them all, safety should never be overlooked. When you remember to put safety first with your residential outdoor lighting installation, you can avoid an unwanted injury or security risk.
Determine Your Desired Style
When learning outdoor landscaping lighting tips, know there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every home. There are many lighting designs to choose from, but do you know which design fits your style?
For instance, outdoor wall lights can come in various styles. If you have a modern home, you might want to choose a design that’s sleek and minimalistic. If you’re going for a more rustic look, it’s best to consider a design that’s more traditional.
Consider Every Possibility
Installing the right exterior lighting is no small task. However, our tips for how to choose outdoor lighting are not quite over yet. It’s also important to look carefully at your landscaping and hardscaping to ensure that you meet all of your needs. For example, don’t overlook architectural features like retaining walls.
While you may think of retaining walls as only for practical purposes, highlighting them with accent lighting can transform an outdoor space in unexpected ways. Plus, illuminating these structures can provide additional safety.
Let Staley Electric Handle Your Outdoor Lighting Needs
Whether you’re planning to host summer get-togethers or want to increase your family’s safety, exterior lighting can make a notable difference. Combined, these five outdoor landscape lighting tips will allow you to meet your goals and more.
At Staley Electric, our landscape lighting services can help you create a charming outdoor ambiance while putting your safety first. We offer everything from motion sensor lighting to lighting that you can conveniently control from inside your home. Contact us today to see what our electricians can do for you!
Benefits of Landscape Lighting
When the warmer months roll around, many of us start thinking about the state of our lawns and landscaping. Most of the time, you may notice that shrubs need pruning or your outdoor furniture needs a refresh. Sure, fresh flowers and a new deck can improve the look of your home, but you should also consider the potential advantages of adding landscape lighting to your property.
Has outdoor lighting been on your mind recently? We’re here to show you why an installation can be well worth the investment. Let’s discuss the benefits of landscaping lighting below.
Enhance Your Curb Appeal
Many homeowners will say that landscape lighting is worth it because of the beauty and illumination it adds to their properties. With the right light fixtures, you can highlight the architectural features of your home, which can take your curb appeal to the next level.
For example, when you install landscape lighting in your garden, you can draw attention to your vibrant flowers. At the same time, positioning flood lights in front of stately trees can create a feeling of depth. When you emphasize the best parts of your property, this can also increase your home’s value — which is certainly one of the most notable benefits of landscaping lighting.
Maximize Your Living Space
If you’re still wondering if landscape lighting is worth it, you’ll want to think about how much time you spend outside. Do you want to enjoy the outdoors more but end up going inside when the sun sets? This is unfortunate, as it can be great to spend time in the fresh air at night, especially when the weather is warm and comfortable. The good news is that a landscape lighting system can make your outdoor spaces more accessible at night.
When your outdoor living spaces are properly illuminated, you can enjoy a family game night or dinner outside rather than in your kitchen. This way, you can take full advantage of your property and all it has to offer.
Highlight Outdoor Hazards
If you have a family or frequently host guests, then you know that having a well-lit home is essential. With the proper lighting, you can ensure that no one gets hurt tripping over an unseen step or unexpected obstacle. The same can be said for outdoor landscaping lighting.
It’s pretty safe to say that the walkways and structures outside your home are complex. There are various pavers, railings, steps, and hazards like swimming pools that can be an accident waiting to happen. When you schedule a lighting installation for the outside of your home, you can rest assured knowing that your family and friends will be safe as they walk around your property. Added safety is certainly one of the most noteworthy benefits of landscape lighting.
Improve Your Security
Your family’s safety is important — but so is their sense of security. If you’re worried about potential break-ins, many homeowners will say that landscaping lighting is worth it for the extra layer of protection it provides. It’s believed that well-lit properties are less likely to be burglarized than those with little to no illumination.
Installing exterior lighting in critical places — such as the front door, garage, and the more hidden corners of your yard — can help safeguard your home. Because of this, high-quality lights can be well worth the money in the long run.
Choose Staley Electric for Professional Landscape Lighting
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. As such, you shouldn’t overlook the many benefits of landscaping lighting and what they can do for you. From increasing curb appeal to strengthening your security, there are many reasons to consider illuminating the exterior of your home.
If you think landscape lighting is worth it for your specific needs, don’t hesitate to call Staley Electric! We’re proud to be a trusted company since 1951. Our professional team can help with all of your electrical services, from electrical home automation to landscape lighting in Little Rock, AR. We offer many options, including energy-efficient fixtures, to bring your vision to life.
Are you ready to take your home’s exterior to new heights? Contact our electricians today to get started with your landscape lighting design!
Indoor vs. Outdoor Lighting: 5 Differences to Be Aware Of
Lighting is not just about visibility; it’s an essential component of home aesthetics, safety, and functionality. The distinction between indoor and outdoor lighting, often overlooked, plays a pivotal role in creating the perfect ambiance for every space. In this blog, we’ll review the crucial differences between indoor vs. outdoor lighting, highlighting how each can enhance your living experience while ensuring safety and efficiency.
Understanding Indoor vs. Outdoor Lighting
At first glance, lighting may seem straightforward. However, the difference between indoor and outdoor lighting goes beyond their installation locations. These distinctions are crucial for safety, energy efficiency, and the longevity of your lighting fixtures.
1. Design and Durability
The most apparent difference between indoor and outdoor lighting lies in their design and materials. Outdoor lighting fixtures are built to withstand harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. They’re often made from durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic, with special coatings to prevent corrosion and damage — especially in wet locations. In contrast, indoor lights are designed with aesthetics and interior décor in mind, featuring a wider range of materials, including glass, fabric, and less durable metals that are not meant for exposure to harsh external elements.
2. Safety Standards and UL Ratings
Safety is paramount when it comes to lighting. Outdoor lighting fixtures must adhere to higher safety standards due to their exposure to wet and damp locations. They’re often UL-listed for wet or damp environments, ensuring they’re water-resistant and safe to use under various weather conditions. Indoor fixtures, meanwhile, are typically UL-listed for dry locations, indicating they’re not designed to handle moisture and should not be used outside.
3. Bulb Types and Energy Efficiency
The choice of bulb is critical in both indoor and outdoor settings, impacting energy efficiency and longevity. Outdoor lights often use LED bulbs or incandescent light bulbs designed to perform in cold weather and resist temperature changes. These outdoor light bulbs are built to be more durable and energy-efficient, providing long-lasting illumination in outdoor spaces without frequent replacements.
Indoor light bulbs, on the other hand, have a broader selection, including LED lights, CFL bulbs, and fluorescent lights, allowing for a balance between energy efficiency and aesthetic preferences in indoor spaces like living rooms and utility rooms.
4. Functionality and Aesthetics
Outdoor lighting serves a dual purpose: enhancing security and adding aesthetic value to outdoor spaces. Security lighting for homes is critical, as it can deter intruders and help ensure safe navigation in the dark. Path lights, exterior lights, and other outdoor lighting fixture options are designed for specific purposes, from illuminating walkways to highlighting architectural features.
Indoor lighting, conversely, focuses more on creating ambiance and complementing the interior design. From accent lighting in living rooms to task lighting in kitchen areas, indoor lights are crucial for setting the mood and functionality of indoor spaces.
5. Installation Considerations and Location Specificity
Another significant difference between indoor and outdoor lighting is how the lighting fixtures are installed. Outdoor fixtures must be properly sealed and grounded to protect against water ingress and electrical hazards. The location, whether directly exposed to the elements or under a covered patio, dictates the type of fixture and installation method. Indoor fixtures, while not facing the challenges of weather, still require careful consideration regarding placement, wiring, and compatibility with home décor.
Crafting the Perfect Atmosphere With Staley Electric
Choosing the right lighting for your home, both inside and out, can significantly affect its atmosphere and functionality. Understanding the difference between indoor and outdoor lighting is key to making informed decisions that ensure safety, enhance aesthetics, and promote energy efficiency. Whether you’re looking to light up your outdoor areas to extend the hours of enjoyment or create a warm and inviting indoor space, the expertise of Staley Electric can guide you through every step.
Illuminate Your Space With Expertise!
Don’t let the complexities of indoor vs. outdoor lighting deter you from achieving the perfect ambiance for your home. Staley Electric specializes in both security lighting for homes and a wide range of indoor lighting solutions.
Whether you’re in need of an electrician in Little Rock, AR, or seeking advice on the best lighting practices for your home, our team is here to assist. Schedule your lighting services with Staley Electric today, and let us help you illuminate your spaces perfectly!
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