Last year I helped my friend to set up her outdoor lighting, furniture, accessories, cool cotton pillows, and beautiful candles. First, I grouped multicolor candles around the fireplace to recreate the full living room experience. After that, I introduced flowers and accessories. Finally, I used the oversized lanterns for the ambiance. Apparently, this year she wanted more functional outdoor lighting, such as step lighting and path lighting.
Path and Step Outside Lights Dos and Don’ts
Lighting for Safety
Ask any lighting designer and he will tell you that he plans for safety lighting first. Honestly, you don’t have to be a lighting designer to make sure that your guests are safe at night.
Don’t use the step or path lights that create a tripping hazard.
For example, vertical in-ground fixtures with a design that extends out or lamps that are plugged in are dangerous, especially for young kids and older people.
Do use a flash mount step lights instead.
1. LED Step Light by CSL Lighting
The sleek design of the step lights extends only .7” off the wall making it almost flush. It is safe and gives out enough light.
2. Led Step & Wall Lights by WAC Lighting
This fixture is flush, bright enough and it eliminates glare which is important for people that are older. Because of the wide beam spread maximum of the surface is lit.
Outdoor Accent or Mood Lighting
I like lighting design that is minimal with high functionality for accent or mood lighting.
For example, Halley Floor-to-Clamp Outdoor Floor Lamp lights up at night like a futuristic comet: The beam of light arches through the air and creates a magical effect.
4. Havana Outdoor Pendant Lamp by Foscarini is part of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) permanent design collection.
5. Round Planter by Rotoluxe has a clean, contemporary look and style that defines this environmentally friendly fixture. It uses CFL/LED lighting to give off the signature Rotoluxe ambient glow.
Please post your questions here below. I’ll be happy to help you!
Tammy P says
Just imagine pathway lighting to welcome friends and family members to your home. Very beautiful welcoming strategy. Not only do path lights greatly enhance safety by illuminating dark walkways gently guide everyone to your front porch or your backyard picnic table, they are also an easy way to improve appeal to your home.
Gwenn says
I never thought that outdoors lights can be ornamental too. For me its purpose is to provide security/safety. Thanks for sharing this information.
Marina Klima says
sure, I am glad you find it helpful
Karen says
Hi! Thank you for taking some time out of your schedule to write this article, which is amazing by the way!
Marina Klima says
Sure, thank you for kind words.
Jonel says
I was really amazed by these fabulous lighting designs. Outdoor lighting is truly essential not only to make your patio/lawn, yard look beautiful but it is also very vital for security. Thank you for the ideas/suggestions about these large varieties of lighting available. It could be rustic, modern, traditional or contemporary and each will make your house glow beautifully in the night.
John Clark says
Wow! This info is very useful!
My experience with outdoor lighting is really awesome! My wife was so amazed and pleased when we have it, just in time for her birthday party celebration. Outdoor lighting gave us new perspectives on how to make our outdoor experience fun and memorable. I love the LED Step Light by CSL Lighting it is very beautiful and functional, providing safety and ambience for any outdoor experience.
When you got the perfect food and wine, these lightings makes the party even more memorable and special. I never thought it could create impact, our guests couldn’t stop talking about it.
John says
This is an insightful article. I agree on the importance of safety for choosing any lighting. The key idea of light is to provide safety after all. At parties however, most just get carried away of choosing lighting that will complement the atmosphere of the party without giving value to safety. I have a friend who hosted a party which turned into a worst nightmare. He held a Halloween party at his home and he chose lighting which were inspired by pumpkin but doesn’t really produce that much light. The worst part is, it was placed on the stairs that most people ended up tripping. It was just too dark and the lighting were all over the place. I’ll make sure to send him link on this one so that next time, he can choose the right lighting for his outdoor parties!
Phenny says
I never imagined that wonderful creations, such as these truly existed! I love the outdoor accent or the mood lighting. It’s really romantic and functional. Very gorgeous! Round planter is also great. Besides, it is eco-friendly. Home owners and business owners should consider lighting that are is environment friendly. I’ll tell my friend about this, I’m sure he will love the site because he is also planning to have his new house early next year. Thanks for the information and more power!
Marina Klima says
Yes, Phenny I am glad to be helpful in any way. Thanks. Good luck to your friend with the house. If he has questions, I will be glad to help.
Kira says
I love the outdoor space you created. Stone, pillows, flowers, candles look fabulous! Such an inspiration!
Marina Klima says
Thank you, Kira. I am very glad it inspires you!
Nikki says
These pictures are absolutely stunning!!! I can’t get over how inviting the entire scene looks. I honestly and truthfully have a new “dream exterior” in mind now for our new home. Thank you for sharing all these tips!
Marina Klima says
Nikki, I am so, so happy to be able to inspire with this post and just wanted to thank you for reading and commenting. Any time I can help with any questions, please let me know.
hena tayeb says
Some great suggestions. Those arches are so interesting. I agree lighting is very important.
Marina Klima says
Thank you, Hena for you comment.
Electrician City says
Thanks for sharing. I think outside lighting is a great way to highlight our favorite plants, illuminate pathways, create impressive shadows, make the premises secure and create a subtle picturesque view.
Marina Klima says
Thank you for your comment.