Lighting outdoors can add value and beauty to your exterior home and add a layer of security, all at the same time. From artistically placed floodlights and strategically placed lighting on the footpath to lighting that enhances mood, the options for outdoor lighting are numerous. If placed correctly, the lighting on your outside can provide a sense of security for your family and home and look attractive in the process. Your home doesn't have to look like a prison at midnight to ensure illumination that will ensure your safety.
Around your neighborhood, security lighting that is also attractive has become extremely well-known. Thanks to the advancements made in the field of home security lighting, homeowners are now finding security lighting that is not only affordable but also state of the art in terms of safeguarding what you value the most.
Of course, the location of your lights matters quite a bit. For instance, the security spotlights that are motion activated should be kept from windows so that they won't become activated by the activities in your home or reflections of sunlight on windows. Ideally, a motion-detecting flood light or spotlight should be installed to monitor the activity on your driveway or in remote areas of your backyard. The placement of the other exterior lighting fixtures is equally important and should be given ample consideration in advance.
Placement for Optimum Security
There are some tips for lighting for you based on the type of lighting you want to put within your home.
- Flood lighting: Flood light offers an array of light over an extensive space. You might think that the bright, intense lighting above your patio door will increase security, that's not the case. A blinding light that is so close to the point of entry could be a benefit to criminals since it reflects the most intense amount of light, casting more shadows over the entire backyard, obscuring any potential criminal activity. The bright light could also signal at the best way for a burglar to gain entry to your property. Instead, you should consider placing your flood lights on the roofline and shining over the entire area of your yard and to where it will be less likely to be altered. Also, search for three or four lights and place them on the upper corners to illuminate the entire area. Install motion-detecting lights that are above your doors. This will likely provide more of a security measure.
- Ambient Lighting: Although predominantly used for outdoor lighting and to give the look of your yard lights, light posts, and lighting on surfaces, it can improve security around the perimeter of your property. Set your light posts at the height of five to six feet and close to paths. Install lighting on the surface to minimize shadows. In this way, you'll reduce the chance for criminals to slip into the shadows surrounding your house. Be sure to ensure that the lighting in your home isn't excessively bright or glaring. Soft light is sufficient to provide enough light and can even be more deterrent than constant, bright lighting.
- Spot Lighting: Spot lights are a different option for homeowners, but the placement of them is crucial. You can use spot lights to light up wooded areas or illuminate landscape. Similar to the natural light from lights or surfaces, spot lights for landscaping eliminate the chance for potential criminals to hide in shadows. They can also be quite relaxing.
- Lighting for Footpaths: Lighting around walkways or along your driveway and around your landscaping is visually attractive. This kind of illumination provides a high degree of security by providing illumination places for intruders to conceal. Lighting for the footpath can also help prevent accidents from slips and falls to your guests in the event that you entertain outdoors one night.