Key Takeaways
Outdoor lighting includes a variety of light fixtures that address and improve exterior home security and safety. These light fixtures are used to illuminate areas like:
- Landscaping
- Architecture
- Gardens
- Water features, such as fountains and pools
They come in a variety of styles and finishes. We'll explore the different types, so that you can select the best outdoor lighting for your home.
Power and Performance
There are several different options when it comes to illuminating your home and landscape.
Solar-Powered Lights
These lights draw their energy from the sun and are a cost-effective way of highlighting landscaping and your home. Look for path, spot and flood lights that are solar-powered.
Plug-in Lights
Plug-in lights should be positioned in an area with access to a power outlet or extension cord. With this option, you’ll have an exposed cord that you may need to secure or conceal, but it’s an easy do-it-yourself (DIY) project.
Hardwired Lights
Hardwired lights connect directly to the electrical wiring of your home. Installation requires additional safety measures. Low-voltage lighting is relatively easy to install, but if you don't feel comfortable, hire an electrician.
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Types of Light Bulbs for Outdoor Lighting
Another factor to consider is the type of light bulbs you want to use for your outdoor lighting.
LED Bulbs
Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are a popular option, and while they cost more than other bulbs, they last considerably longer.
CFL Bulbs
Other common options are compact fluorescent (CFL) or halogen bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last longer. However, they can get very hot and contain mercury, making them hazardous if they’re broken.
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent bulb used mainly for automotive headlights, spotlights and projectors. While they’re more energy efficient than normal incandescent, they can also get very hot.
HID Bulbs
Additional options are high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, which are primarily used for larger spaces, and incandescent bulbs, which are a good option as long as they aren’t exposed to the elements.
Check out our Light Bulb Buying Guide for a breakdown of the different lighting options available.
Lumens
Lumens are a measure of the light output — or the brightness of the light. The more lumens there are, the brighter the bulb will appear. Lumens differ from wattage in that watts measure the amount of power the bulb consumes — or the energy in the light.
The number of lumens you need for outdoor lighting depends on the area you want to illuminate. When you’re shopping for outdoor light bulbs and looking for brightness, compare the lumens instead of the watts. Standard 100-watt bulbs produce about 1,600 lumens.
For security lights, you can go for a brighter flood-light bulb. Consider using a timer for flood lights as well as a motion sensor. Recommended lumens for security flood lights range from 700 to 1,300 for basic illumination such as small yards and driveways. For better coverage and/or larger areas, try 2,000 to 3,000+ lumens.
The Best Color Temperature for Outdoor Lighting
Color temperature for lighting is measured on the Kelvin (K) temperature scale and refers to how cool or warm lighting looks. The Kelvin scale tracks from warmer to cooler. Lower Kelvin numbers are warm with yellow light, and higher Kelvin numbers are cool with blue or white light.
Security and Flood Lights
Security and flood lights are broad-beamed, high-intensity outdoor lights designed to flood large areas with light. As a result, these fixtures are often used as a preventive measure to reduce criminal activity and increase safety, especially when they have motion sensors that turn on when movement is detected.
Types of Security Lighting
- Dusk-to-dawn lights are a good option for home security as they turn on and off with the setting and rising of the sun, keeping your home exterior illuminated throughout the night.
- A motion-sensor light activates when the sensors detect movement and can provide a large range of illumination. The lights deactivate if no additional movement triggers the sensor, making a motion-sensor light a good energy-saving option.
- Switch-control security lights are operated with the flip of a switch. You can turn them on at dusk or use as needed.
Security and flood lights are most effective when correct-wattage bulbs are paired with covers that direct light to a specific area and reduce blinding glare and deep shadows where dangers can hide. Choose a wattage high enough to illuminate the desired area but low enough that light doesn’t bother your neighbors.
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Outdoor Wall Lights
Outdoor wall lights mount on virtually any vertical surface and cast an ambient glow. Wall lights are great for illuminating recessed areas, pathways, walkways and stairways. They help eliminate shadows in recessed areas of architecture or hardscaping and reduce the risk of tripping and accidents. These accent lights should use low-wattage bulbs. Higher wattage bulbs create glare and can be harsh at night.
Ceiling-Mount/Pendant Lights
Shining light from above, outdoor hanging lights, such as ceiling-mount and pendant light fixtures, illuminate covered porches, entryways and gazebo areas. Ceiling and pendant fixtures are a wonderful way to showcase dining and seating areas.
When placing pendant lights, make allowances for height and swing radius so the fixture won’t be hit by a screen door, wall or person.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans offer multiple benefits: decorative overhead lighting, cooling and insect deterrence. These are best suited for covered porches, entryways and gazebos. Ensure the ceiling fan you install is rated for outdoor use.
Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting is used to accent a home’s facade and landscape features.
Path Lights
They illuminate walkways to prevent accidents along footpaths.
Deck Lights
They attach to the structure to cast ambient light onto the deck for easy navigation. Use on stairways to prevent accidents.
Spot & Flood Lights
Accent lighting helps highlight a home’s architecture and outdoor living spaces by introducing uplights, downlights, well lights and spotlights.
Landscape Lighting Transformers
If you're using dual-voltage or low-voltage landscape lighting, you'll need a transformer. Sometimes a lighting bundle will come with its own transformer or they're sold separately. Transformers can be installed in minutes and provide a convenient way to automate settings and designs. They can power on your lights at dusk and turn off at dawn, while highlighting your favorite lawn and garden features.
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Smart Compatible Outdoor Lighting
Smart fixtures let you adjust brightness, color temperature and schedule from your phone. Benefits of smart compatible outdoor lighting include enhanced security, energy savings, convenience and safety. Many smart devices can be operated by Wi-Fi using your voice to cast ambient light onto the deck for easy navigation.
Smart compatible outdoor lighting works with a variety of lights:
Smart Compatible Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Smart compatible outdoor ceiling fans offer many of the same conveniences as smart lighting, with the added benefit of durable housings and weather-resistant moving parts. Many smart outdoor ceiling fans have integrated lighting, making them even more versatile. They provide both adjustable ambient lighting and comfortable airflow, along with smart technology for seamless operation.
Outdoor Lighting Considerations
The dark-sky movement is a product of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), an organization dedicated to reducing light pollution and minimizing the negative impact of artificial light on nature. You may notice that some outdoor lighting fixtures are categorized as Dark Sky and have a Good Neighbor seal on the packaging.
The IDA is responsible for the Fixture Seal of Approval program that judges the friendliness of lighting fixtures on nature. The group takes into account glare, deep shadows, light trespass (the amount of light that escapes the intended area), sky glow (the amount of unnatural light that floods our skies at night) and impact on the natural world (including sea turtle egg laying, migrating bird confusion and irregular growing cycles).
Here are a few ways to reduce light pollution at your home:
- Smart lighting or lighting that directs its glow only where it’s needed — is essential as it minimizes the amount of light spilling over into unnecessary spaces. These fixtures are marked with Good Neighbor or IDA seals.
- Another way to minimize light pollution is to install dusk-to-dawn fixtures. Using a light sensor, the fixture determines the time of day and operates only in the evening. This is an especially useful feature when used in combination with motion lighting, so you can avoid paying for the electricity used unnecessarily in daylight hours.
- If you don’t have motion fixtures or dusk-to-dawn fixtures, consider using a timer for outdoor lighting.
Let's Get Started
Choosing the right outdoor lighting fixtures makes your home more welcoming, easier to access and safer after dark.
Here are a few considerations when selecting outdoor lighting:
- Choose between plug-in, hard-wired or solar-powered based on your power needs (and DIY comfort level, if installing yourself).
- LED bulbs offer long life and energy savings.
- Timers and dusk-to-dawn features increase security and help minimize light pollution.
- Smart lighting gives you control, scheduling and enhanced security integration.
- Dark-sky friendly fixtures help reduce light pollution and its impact on nature.
Lowe’s has the best selection of outdoor lighting for your home. Shop online for hard-wired lighting, solar lighting, lights with motion sensors and more. Or stop by your local Lowe’s where a Lowe’s Red Vest associate will help you find the best outdoor lighting that suits your home.