6 Outdoor Light Fixtures You’ll Love for Spring

Outdoor light fixtures can absolutely transform the look of your outdoor space, and with spring right around the corner, its the perfect time to plan an update to your yard or patio. Outdoor living spaces are extensions of our homes, so when it comes to lighting them, they should feel as comfortable and safe as our interior spaces.

When it comes to lighting our homes, we focus on mood lighting, light intensity, color and statement lighting. Our fixtures are intended to look beautiful and display light that either engages the eyes or lets them rest. Keep that in mind as you go about choosing your outdoor light fixtures. Here are some options you may want to consider!

1. Outdoor Chandeliers

You have probably experienced the sophisticated feeling of walking into a room that is lit by a chandelier. Whether it was in someone’s home or at a venue, it elevates the mood of the space while offering a great lighting solution. You do not have to nix that idea when it comes to outdoor light fixtures. The same effect can be achieved with an outdoor chandelier.

People assume that it would be difficult to hang an outside chandelier. The truth is — it can actually be easy, especially when using a skilled electrician. You simply have to make sure that the your fixture is wet-rated, which means the fixture has been rated safe to use in the outdoor elements.

No matter your preferred style, there are endless options to choose from. You can have industrial style metal elements or marble that help you create rustic or sophisticated ambiance. As long as the chandeliers are rated safe to use outdoors, your options are practically endless!

2. Sconces

When choosing outdoor light fixtures, do not forget about sconces. These fixtures are great ways to make a statement with your outdoor lighting. They are usually placed on exterior walls, and provide either directional or spotlighting. Commonly used directions for sconces are down-light, up-light, and up/down.

• Down-light sconces direct light towards the ground, creating a warm glow in the space beneath. They are not meant to be used for lighting a work area, but they can help light the outside of your home with a warm glow, creating an inviting look.
• Up-light sconces direct light upwards, creating a powerful and expansive feel. You may expect something like an art exhibit or monument to be lit in such way.
• Up/down sconces direct light both upwards and downwards, bringing the two effects together and lighting the area even more.

Have fun choosing your sconce design. There are iron or vintage options if your outdoor space is more traditional. To maintain a more contemporary atmosphere look for sleek and modern options.

Note: If you have outdoor appliances like stainless steel ranges, you might want to match your sconces to those textures, especially if they are going to be close to each other!

3. Flood Lights

Some outdoor lighting fixtures are used for safety, such as flood lights. These are commonly used for lighting walkways and other darkened outdoor areas that are frequently used by people walking in and out of the house. Flood lights provide convenient lighting, creating a safe walkways, and can offer a fresh look for your home’s exterior.

Even if you use flood lights primarily for safety, you can, and should, make your new outdoor light fixtures an aesthetic choice as well. Flood lights can be found in a range of designs. Your goal is to ensure safety and provide nighttime curb appeal.

4. Tree-Mounted Uplights and Downlights

Another great use of outdoor light fixtures is highlighting elements of your landscaping with mounted up or downlights. Downlights can create a moonlight effect around trees and tall bushes. These lights are installed high in the trees, facing downwards, creating a spotlight below.

No matter the height of the plants, trees or bushes that live in your landscape design, an uplight can highlight these features. These lights are secured at the base of your landscape feature and create a spotlight that shines upwards.

5. Outdoor Wall Lights

Outdoor wall lights are simple fixtures that hang on the exterior walls of your home. Like sconces, their purpose is to show off the architecture of your home after the sun has gone down. There is a wide range of outdoor wall light styles to choose from, ranging from traditional to modern, to rustic. Mix and match these wall lights with your other fixtures. When it comes to light intensity, don’t be afraid to use different wattage. Choosing bright lights in some areas and dim, cozier lights in others can bring variety to your outdoor space.

6. Outdoor Post Lights

Another great option when choosing outdoor light fixtures is the post light. Homes with outdoor post lights have a noticeably elegant look. Post lights are like mini street lights on your property. These are perfect for homes that have long driveways, and they are also ideal for homes that have large areas for outdoor activities. When installed throughout your landscape design, they add a substantial amount of light and add an undeniable air of purpose and style. Post lights come in varieties of globe luminaries and traditional lantern heads.

No matter what type of outdoor lighting you decide on, a professional electrician should always perform lighting installations. Contact your trusted Mister Sparky OKC electrician today to get your spring project scheduled!