5 Outdoor Lighting Mistakes That You Might Not Realize You're Making

Outdoor lighting can be so transformative. It lends charm, functionality and security to your home’s exterior; it’s the final touch that makes your patio feel cozy, your garden magical, and your poolside area and driveway safe.

Getting it just right can be tricky, though, even for the most experienced among us. There are plenty of common mistakes that you could still fall prey to, even if you think that you’re a pro at lighting. Fortunately, most of these errors are simple enough to fix.

To that end, here are some of the top outdoor lighting mistakes that you might be making, as well as how to avoid them:

Overlighting Your Space

Here’s something that every homeowner has felt tempted to do at least once: flooding their yard with light so that absolutely everything is visible. Did you know, though, that this can backfire in more ways than one?

Overdoing it with your outdoor lighting can make your exterior spaces feel harsh and uninviting. It can feel like you’re in a sports stadium, instead of creating a warm and welcoming glow. There’s also the glare, which isn’t just unpleasant – it can actually make it more difficult to see.

Instead, aim for subtlety in your outdoor lighting. Consider implementing light in layers, using a mix of ambient, task, and accent lights to highlight (pun intended) and accentuate key areas without overpowering the entire tableau. Path lights should be used to guide, not blind, for example; your patio should feel cozy, not like it’s under interrogation.

Ignoring Shadows and Angles

Modern outdoor lighting isn’t just about the lights themselves. Another common mistake is not considering how shadows and angles play into the overall effect. When you place a light without thinking about where it will cast shadows, you might accidentally highlight the wrong features or create odd, unflattering effects.

Here’s one example: placing lights directly in front of a wall or tree might make your yard look flat, uninteresting, and uninspired. To avoid this, try experimenting with uplighting and downlighting to create depth and drama instead. A soft light aimed upward at a tree can emphasize its height and beauty, while downlighting from a pergola can mimic the soft glow of moonlight.

Choosing the Wrong Bulbs

You might think that one bulb is the same as all the others, but you’d be wrong. Though they might all perform the same function, not all bulbs are created equal – and using the wrong ones can ruin the look and feel of your outdoor space.

One of the biggest mistakes is picking bulbs that are too cool or too warm in tone. Bright white lights tend to feel clinical; on the other hand, bulbs that are too yellow can make your space feel dated.

For a natural and inviting glow, stick to bulbs with a color temperature between 2700K and 3000K. Brightness should also be considered thoughtfully – lumens matter! For pathways and accent lighting, you don’t need anything too intense. Let your lights enhance, not overpower, the surroundings.

Neglecting the Practical Side

How your exteriors look when they’re lit is important, but don’t forget about functionality. It’s easy to get caught up in how beautiful your lights look and completely forget about whether they actually work for your needs. A couple of examples of this include pathway lights that aren’t spaced properly (they won’t guide you effectively) or motion sensor lights that don’t cover the right areas (they won’t provide the security that you’re hoping for).

That’s why it’s important to think about how you’ll use your outdoor space. Are there areas where you’ll need more light for cooking or entertaining, perhaps? What about safety? Are all the steps and walkways adequately illuminated? Taking a step back and looking at your lighting plan with practicality in mind can make a world of difference.

Forgetting About Energy Efficiency

It’s easy to get caught up in the details when you’re on the quest for the perfect outdoor lighting. However, there’s one factor that you shouldn’t overlook: saving energy and money.

If you’re still using old-school incandescent bulbs, it’s time for an upgrade. Not only are incandescent bulbs terribly inefficient (and bad for the planet, by extension), they also tend to need to be frequently replaced.

We can’t extol the virtues of LEDs enough here on Ozarke. They last much longer, and they also use significantly less energy. They’re also available in various styles and colors – just take a look at our wide variety of options – which means that you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for efficiency.

Outdoor lighting is both an art and a science. It might be easy to fall into some of these common mistakes, but a little thought and planning can go a long way.

Looking for the best in modern outdoor lighting? You’re already in the right place! We specialize in a variety of modern lighting solutions for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Browse through our online catalog or get in touch with us directly for more information.