Adding lighting to the inside of your home is a common thought for many people. Overhead lighting, floor lamps, and even desk lamps will likely fill your home with a beautiful glow during the evenings.
However, a frequent area many people may forget to light is the outside of their homes. Since you probably spend most of your time inside when it’s dark out, you may not think twice about lighting up your outdoor areas.
Adding lights outside your house can be a big benefit for many reasons. Not only do you lower the risk of potential thieves breaking into your home, but you can also save money on liability coverage for your homeowners policy since people are less likely to get injured on your property.
There are many benefits to adding outdoor lighting to your home. And there are some highly creative ways to include them in your outside space.
#1 – Outdoor Lighting Defers Potential Burglars
While there are no guarantees that burglars won’t attempt to break into your home, having outdoor lighting does help to defer them. Lighting up entry points like doors and windows makes it much harder for a potential intruder to go unnoticed.
Thieves look for darker homes to target, as they know they have a better chance of not being seen. Lights offer neighbors, people passing by, and even you a better view of them and their features. Often, burglars will altogether avoid a well-lit home for this reason.
If you aren’t a fan of bright lights shining on your doors and windows, you can look into motion-activated lights instead. While thieves may still try to approach your home, there is a good chance they will take off running when bright lights come on from their movements.
If you choose motion-activated lights, ensure they are as bright as possible to scare off thieves so you can have peace of mind and you will have a good night’s sleep. It might seem excessive, but the brighter the light, the less chance of a burglary.
#2 – Injury Risks Are Lower With Outside Lights
Walking around in the dark can be challenging. Seeing pathways and avoiding large tripping hazards such as rocks or holes can be difficult.
Rather than risking an injury on your property — which you could be held liable for if it happens to a guest — try adding some illumination to your outdoor space instead. A well-lit area can drastically reduce the chance of injury.
If you have pathways leading around your home, you can opt for some low-lying ground lighting to offer some visibility. These lights can be found at many stores and often run on solar power, so you won’t even have to up your electric bill to keep them lit.
Motion-activated lights also work great for visibility without the need for a continuous stream of illumination. They will switch on as you pass by, giving you plenty of light to avoid an injury. Once you’ve left that area, they will turn off and stay off unless triggered again.
#3 – Lighting Can Help Make The Most of Your Outdoor Space
Outdoor entertaining areas such as pools, patios, and decks don’t have to be limited to daytime use. With some lighting, these spaces can become the perfect spot to spend time with friends and family in the evenings when they visit.
When adding lighting to your outdoor space, you can get as creative as you choose. There are many unique lighting options to fit the theme and size of your outside entertainment area.
Consider hanging string bulbs to create a whimsical feel if you have trees or if you want to decorate your space with artificial big trees close to your outdoor space. Or, if you have a pergola, you can use string bulbs for an excellent overhead lighting option.
You can set globe lights into the ground to give a beautiful and unique look. Tiki torches are also a popular summer option as they offer illumination while keeping pesky mosquitoes away. There are countless choices to choose from when it comes to outdoor lighting, so you can genuinely make your entertainment space your own.
The best part about many outdoor lights is their solar power. More and more companies are offering lighting options fueled by sunlight, allowing you to essentially set them and forget them. They will soak up the sun’s rays all day long and offer you beautiful light once night falls.
#4 – Outdoor Lighting Ups Your Curb Appeal
If you spend time and energy making the landscaping around your home look nice, you don’t want to waste the views once the sun goes down. Adding lighting around the exterior of your home can give your curb appeal an extra boost.
Not only will lighting draw attention to your landscaping, but it will also highlight your home’s exterior in flattering ways if placed correctly. You can add spotlights to areas of your home or yard to catch the eye of anyone passing by.
If you have outbuildings with character, a spotlight can bring them to life even on the darkest nights and add a beautiful look to your yard. You can also use spotlights on trees, bushes, or anything in your yard that you deem worthy of a little extra attention.
Ground lighting can offer some illumination to show off if you have a beautiful walkway or landscaping beds. You can also add some unique lighting by your front door with sconces. These come in various sizes, shapes, and styles to fit any aesthetic.
#5 – Your Insurance Rates Many Drop With Outdoor Lights
Insurance and outdoor lighting may not be two things you consider going hand in hand. However, you could possibly see the average rate of homeowners insurance go lower if you add some illumination to your home’s exterior.
Since your home is less likely to be burglarized or be the location of a significant injury, your insurance company may be willing to lower your premium for taking these precautions. Insurance is all about risk, and if you’ve taken steps to reduce your risks, you can often expect to save money on your coverage.
These savings may not seem to make a significant difference initially, but over time they will add up to much more money in your pocket. After you’ve added your outdoor lighting, be sure to speak to your agent about your potential savings.
Enjoy the Benefits of Lighting Up Your Exterior
Adding lighting to the exterior of your home has many benefits and creative options. Whether you simply want to increase your home’s curb appeal or hope to save money on your insurance rates, you can do it all by illuminating the outside of your house.
Whether you choose motion-sensor lighting, ground lights, string lights, or a combination, you will enjoy the added security and safety outdoor lighting offers.
Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, ExpertInsuranceReviews.com. She is a home and insurance expert who enjoys sharing her knowledge with others.