How to Add Outdoor Lighting Without Calling an Electrician
Outdoor lighting is an essential component of a well-maintained home or garden. Not only does it enhance the appeal of your property, but it also improves safety and maneuverability after dark. Below, we’ll explore easy ways to install outdoor lighting yourself, and discuss the benefits it brings to your home’s exterior.
Why Invest in Outdoor Lighting?
1. Enhanced Safety: Well-lit exteriors reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Illuminating pathways, steps, and uneven surfaces makes it easier to navigate your property, preventing potential trips and falls.
2. Improved Security: Lights that brighten up entranceways, windows, and backyards can discourage potential intruders by reducing hiding spots and increasing the odds of being seen.
3. Better Maneuverability: Whether it’s for late-night gatherings, evening gardening, or just taking the dog out, having a well-lit space makes these activities easier and more enjoyable.
How to Install Outdoor Lighting Yourself
Installing outdoor lighting doesn’t always require professional help. Here are some quick ways to add lighting without calling an electrician:
1. Solar-Powered Lights:
Installation: Solar lights are incredibly user-friendly. Simply position them in a location where they can receive ample sunlight during the day. They come with stakes for easy placement in the ground along pathways, in gardens, or around patios.
Benefits: Solar lights are cost-effective and energy-efficient. Since they rely on solar energy, they operate at no ongoing cost to you and are environmentally friendly.
2. Battery-Operated LED Lights:
Installation: These lights are perfect for areas that don’t get much sunlight. Battery-operated LEDs can be placed anywhere and are often equipped with motion sensors. They can be mounted on walls, placed around entryways, or used to light up dark corners of your yard.
Benefits: LED lights are long-lasting and provide bright, clear light. The battery operation means no messy wiring or the need to connect to your home’s electrical system.
Tips for Successful Installation
Focus on Key Areas: Prioritize lighting around entryways, walkways, and potentially hazardous zones like steps and pools will keep problamatic areas well lit when needed.
Here are some of our personal favorites:
1. Shepherd's Crook Outdoor Solar Lamp with Post
With no prior lamp post, we were able to install this solar powered Shepherd’s Crook Outdoor Solar Lamp with Post which instantly added functional lighting and increased curb appeal.
2. Stainless Steel Bollard Solar Light
These attractive In-Ground Solar Bollard Lights measure 2 feet tall and produce 100 lumens to lighten up paths, walkways and driveways. Review video here.
3. Large Motion Activated Outdoor Light
These Large Motion Activated Lights install in second are great for illuminating porches, driveways and backyards. Available in Bronze or White options.
4. Solar LED Deck Lights (Set of 4)
Solar LED Deck Lights like these illuminate steps and railings to help prevent trips and falls.
5. Wireless Motion-Activated Outdoor Wall Sconce
Improve your home's curb appeal with this Wireless Motion-Activated Outdoor Wall Sconce.
Whether you're installing convenient lighting near a sidewalk that needs increased brightness or a motion activated solar light that is activated, only when you're in the vicinity. There are plenty of options to keep your pathways safe at night and make you wonder why you didn't add one to your homescape sooner.
