Lighting outdoors can add value and beauty to your exterior home and add a layer of security, all at the same time. From elegantly placed flood lights and strategically placed lighting for the footpath as well as lighting that enhances mood, the options for outdoor lighting have never been this numerous. If you choose the right placement lights for your outdoor area, you can provide a sense of security for your family and home and look attractive in the process. Your home shouldn't appear like a prison at midnight in order to provide illumination that will ensure your safety.
Around your neighborhood, security lighting that is also attractive has become extremely sought-after. With the advancements in lighting for home security, homeowners are discovering security lighting that's not just more affordable but also state-of-the-art when it comes to protecting what you value most.
Of course, the placement of your lights matters quite a bit. For instance, the security spotlights that are motion activated must be kept away from windows so that they won't get activated by outdoor activities or reflections from sunlight hitting window glass. Ideally, a motion-detecting flood or spotlight is placed in a position to detect the activity on your driveway or in remote areas of your backyard. The placement of the other exterior lights is equally crucial and requires ample consideration in advance.
Placement for Optimum Security
Here are some lighting suggestions to help you decide on the type of lighting you want to use within your home.
- Flood lighting: offers an array of light over an entire space. Although you might be thinking an intense, bright light over your patio's entrance will increase security, that's not the case. A blinding light that is so close to the point for entry could actually serve to the advantage of a criminal since it reflects intense light, it creates more shadows over the entire area, hiding any activities. The bright light could also signal as the best way for a burglar to gain entry into your house. Instead, you should consider installing your flood light fixtures to the roofline, which will let them shine over the entire area of the yard and will be less likely to be taken away. Also, look for three or four lights and place them on an upper corner to light an area larger. Install motion detection lighting in the area that is above your doors. This will likely serve as a more effective deterrent.
- Ambient Lighting: Although predominantly used for outdoor lighting and adding the look of your yard lights, light posts and other lighting fixtures can enhance the security around your property's perimeter. Place your light posts in a low area of fie to six feet and in close proximity to paths. Place the lighting near to minimize shadows. In this way, you'll reduce the chance for criminals to slip into the shadows that surround your house. Make sure that the lighting in your home isn't bright or harsh. Soft lighting provides sufficient light and can even be more deterrent than constant, bright lighting.
- Spot Lighting: Spotlights are another option for homeowners, but their placement is important. Think about using spotlights to light up wooded areas or illuminate landscape. Similar to the light emitted by lights on posts or other surfaces, landscape spotlights eliminate the possibility for criminals to conceal in the shadows. They also make for a pleasant evening.
- Lighting for Footpaths:
The lighting of pathways or along your driveway and around your landscaping is visually appealing. 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 slip-and-fall injuries and tripping your guests in the event that you entertain outside in the evening.