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People are spending more time on their decks than ever. How you choose to light that outdoor space will determine how comfortable that space becomes.
Use these pointers as you consider patio and deck lighting:
- Sit in the chairs, where you want them positioned, and make sure you are not experiencing glare from exposed light bulbs. Wherever you place seats on the deck, lights should not be pointed in such a way that glare will interfere.
- Don't "over light" the deck. Remember, you don't want the "daytime effect." You want a brighter nighttime. Go for a balanced, soothing effect, not an overwhelming brightness.
- Try for a moonlit effect that resembles natural light during a full moon by using color filters offered by some manufacturers with their outdoor lights.
Some outdoor lighting mistakes:
1) More is not necessarily better when it comes to outdoor lighting . Using too many lights may produce an overly dramatic look similar to that of a "car lot," rather than offering an air of sophisticated elegance.
2) Each property offers a unique canvas on which lighting designers can create their own work. With slight variations in wattage, lighting angles and ,careful placement of lighting fixtures, lighting designers avoid the look caused by a lack of variety in the lighting techniques.
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3) Improperly aimed lighting or lighting fixtures without proper shielding often creates disruptive glare that affects neighboring homes or drivers on the street.
Play Areas Need Special Lighting Attention.
Outdoor play areas require special lighting considerations for your children's nighttime safety and fun.
When you have an evening party, or allow after-dark play, you want to be sure to keep the children's play area well-lit.
A flood light is a good option to quickly shed light on any play equipment you may have-especially if there's a chance the neighborhood children would appropriate the use of this equipment without your OK.
The bright glare of a floodlight isn't the best option for ongoing backyard illumination, though.
You might consider pole lights at a safe distance from the play area, so children can't access the pole from their play structure.
Path lights are another option although, again, they should be placed so that children cannot jump (or fall) off a swing or structure and hurt themselves on the fixtures.
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Outdoor Lighting Adds Curb Appeal.
Add some lighting style to your home's outdoor space and you'll not only be making it look better, you'll also be creating irresistible curb appeal and lasting value. Whether you're selling your home soon or just looking to create a friendlier look from the street, adding outdoor lighting is an investment that will repay itself many times over.
If you have a long driveway, walkway or want to highlight gardens or planting, a low voltage landscape lighting system is the way to go.
No matter what your style, it's important to keep in mind what the front of your home will look like to guests and potential homebuyers. Many consumers make the mistake of selecting outdoor lights that are actually too small for the house front. A good rule of thumb is that if you're using two outdoor wall lights around a doorway, they should each measure around one quarter the height of the entryway. When in doubt, go bigger, as a small fixture will look even smaller when viewed from the street.
Adding new outdoor lighting can make your home look more orderly and properly maintained. It can also add curb appeal value, something that's important whether you're considering selling your home or not!
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