There are lots of kinds of outdoor lighting. Depending on what you get, the lights can be mounted on a standard wood or fiberglass pole. Sometimes you may be able to choose the kind of light source. They give off a different colored light—high pressure sodium (HPS) that is orangish-yellow in color, light emitting diodes (LED) that are white in color and shine directionally, and metal halide (MH), which give off a white-tinted glow. Here’s a little more information on the different types of exterior lights.
LED Lights: These can be put on a wood pole. The bulb is 44 watts and is intended to compete with 100 watt HPS. This saves 56 watts and makes it environmentally responsible. It’s a good choice in locations in which light trespass is a problem.
Standard Outdoor Lights: This type of lighting are usually 200 watt HPS or 44 watt LEDs. They’re good for agricultural or commercial locations as well as for suburban homes. They are mounted on wooden poles.
Floodlights: Floodlights use 200 watt HPS or 400 watt MH bulbs and are also mounted on wooden poles. They are used in parking lots, recreational areas, and for building security.
Cobra Light: Another light available for wooden poles is the cobra light. It uses a 150 or 250 watt HPS bulb.
Shoebox: This type of lighting comes in single or double fixture that is ideal for parking lots. The 100 watt HPS bulbs are mounted on fiberglass poles.
Lantern Lights: These are also available for fiberglass poles. The 100 watt bulbs provide for aesthetically pleasing lighting for business parks and neighborhoods.
Acorn Style Light: This type of light adds a distinctive dimension to both residential and commercial areas. These are available on a fiberglass pole or a fluted tapered pole and use 100 watt HPS bulbs.
Stylish Lighting
Here are some ideas for decorative and practical lighting for the outdoors.
String Lights: Versatile strands of lighting used to accent architectural features, hang in trees, or create a magical/romantic glow. You can get small bulbs for a more decorative look or larger ones for more direct light. You can also get white lights (incandescents or LEDs) or colored ones. The bulbs may also come in different shapes for special occasions or locations. A good way to figure out the length you’ll need for your string lights is to first measure the area you’ll put them in/on using twine.
Hurricane Lamps and Lanterns: These are great for atmospheric lighting. They can be lit with candles or electrically. While the ones illuminated by candles are more portable, they also are messier. Electrically lit lanterns can go weeks or months without a changing a bulb; however, they are tethered to the wall. They come in three sizes—tabletop (small), accent (medium) and floor (large).
Pendant Lights: If you want an outdoor space to feel similar to an indoor one, install a pendant light. They should come in about every style for the outdoors as they do for the indoors.
Flush Lights: Relatively flat fixtures that have all the capabilities as a pendant lamp without the clearance problems. They can be installed in outdoor areas with ceilings (especially low ones). They’re a smart choice as you don’t have to be worried about the wind blowing them around or someone hitting their head on it.
Sconces: These are a flexible option that can be used to illuminate a walkway, doorway, or to light up a room. There are several types of sconces—single, pair, and three or more.
Be Safe!
Most of these installs are not DIY. In that case, hire an electrician. It’s also wise to make sure that the fixture and bulb is rated for outdoor use. Also, if it’s going to be in a wet location, make sure it’s rated for that as well. Use bulbs that are the correct wattage and type. In locations that are harder to get to, install bulbs with extended lifespans. Only use extension cords temporarily and be sure they have the label of an independent testing laboratory and are marked for outdoor use. In addition, all outdoor outlets should have GFCI protection and “in use” covers if they’ll be exposed to weather of any sort.
Guidelines for Good Outdoor Lighting
Here are just a few more things to consider when picking exterior lighting.
Promote Safety: Be sure it’s the right amount of light—not too little and not too much (which can create glare and make things harder to see).
Save Money: Stick to professionally recommended levels. By using efficient bulbs in shielded fixtures, you save money by using cost-effective bulbs whose light is pointed directly at the ground or whatever needs to illuminated.
Conserve Natural Resource: Don’t waste natural resources by running lights inappropriately or excessively.
Be Better Neighbors: Be sure the light isn’t shining into someone else’s property and invading their privacy.
Retain Community’s Character and Reduce Skyglow: Be sure to preserve the beautiful night sky by using appropriate lighting. If you don’t, it’ll create light pollution and unnatural “sky glow.”
Protect Ecology of Flora and Fuana: Artificial lighting at night disrupts the migrating, feeding, and breeding of many animals, in addition to the growth of trees.
Reduce Health Risks: Keeping the lights lower at night ensures you stay healthier. Bright light at night interferes with your circadian rhythms, may reduce the production of melatonin, and raises the rates of breast and other cancers.