Backyard Lighting Tips

Size

• Taking into consideration the size of your backyard and what areas need to be lit will affect the type of lighting and style of lighting arrangement you choose. For a smaller backyard, having only a few lights or even only portable lamps may be an ideal solution. Lighting for your backyard will be provided as needed, and the lighting will be portable as you may not have as much space to light up. For a larger backyard, a preinstalled system may be preferred as having portable lighting may not be a practical solution for regular use.

Aesthetics

• The type of aesthetic or decor style you wish to achieve for your backyard should be one of the primary concerns for your backyard lighting design. If you are looking for a more casual environment in which the setup of your backyard may change frequently, having portable lighting options may best suit your needs. Portable candle storm lamps or tikki torches allow you to rearrange your backyard decor at will. A preinstalled system, however, gives you greater permanence in terms of your backyard lighting design. For instance, you can install a garden path or walkway and have solar energy light to light up the path after dark, an option that would be more difficult to achieve with only portable lighting solutions.

Energy Sources

• A variety of energy resource options are available for your backyard lighting choices. The option you choose should depend on both your budget as well as your personal needs. For backyards that are designed to be family friendly, a large number of open-flamed lighting options, such as torches or candles, may not be the best choice for those with younger children. Similarly, if you can and your environment suits it, choosing solar-powered backyard lights can help to significantly cut down on your energy requirements.

Safety

• Backyard lighting has an aesthetic as well as a safety function. Depending on your budget and your requirements, a set timer for floodlights or other backyard lighting options can greatly increase the safety of your home. Lights with timers or motion sensors means that your house can be kept well lit and visible even after dark.