Exterior Lighting Tips From the Pros
The holiday season is upon us, but it’s not too late to light up your home like a pro. Here are some tips on safely and successfully decorating your home’s exterior with lighting.
1. Start with a Design Plan.
Don’t purchase any lights before taking the time to plan your design. Walk around your property and identify the areas you want to highlight, taking measurements. If it’s your first time decorating with outdoor lights, you might want to start small and add more each season. Here are some areas you might consider highlighting:
- Rooflines and Eaves
- Trees and Shrubs
- Driveways and Walkways
- Gates and Fences
- Windows, Doors, and Entryways
Sketch a rough layout of the lights and accessories you’ll need for your design. Need inspiration? Go online, and you’ll find an abundance of ideas!
2. Select the Right Type of Lights.
Selecting the proper lighting is essential for both aesthetics and safety.
String Lights can be wrapped around trees, railings, and fences.
Icicle Lights can create a winter wonderland look around rooflines or fences.
Net Lights can be draped over shrubs for a uniform glow.
Check the lighting packaging to ensure they are rated for outdoor use.
3. Get the Right Accessories.
To properly and safely install your lights without causing damage to your home, be sure to purchase the following:
Light clips to attach string lights to your home without nails or staples
Weather-proof extension cords and timers
Gutter hooks to hang lights safely along the roofline
4. Add Layers of Lighting.
Create dimension and visual interest in your design by layering your lighting. Begin with the main focal points, like your roofline or a large tree. Light up some secondary elements, including shrubs, pathways, or porch railings, and then bring in some lanterns or spotlights for an added glow.
5. Highlight Your Home’s Architectural Features.
Highlight your home’s architectural elements (e.g., columns, transoms, and doorways) with string lights or spotlights to draw attention to its best features.
6. Prioritize Safety.
Safety should remain a top priority in whatever lighting plan you design. If you are stringing lights on a high roof line or your home is surrounded by uneven or rugged terrain, consider hiring a professional. Keep these considerations in mind:
Only use outdoor-rated lights and cords.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
Replace any frayed wires or damaged bulbs.
Ensure your lighting design is free of tripping hazards.
7. Keep it Green.
Hang LED lights, which consume less energy than traditional bulbs, and use timers to ensure they are only lit up during peak evening hours.
8. Take Some Pictures.
Be sure to take some photos of your lighting design to make decorating easier next season!
About Cormack Construction
Cormack Construction is an award-winning design-build team offering custom home building and remodeling in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, the White Mountains, and Western Maine. Our workshop and offices are located in Madison, New Hampshire.