8 Tips to Creating the Home You Want with Outdoor Sconces
It’s easy to spend an inordinate amount of time fixing up the interiors of your home. And while it makes sense to put time and energy into creating a comfortable environment to live in, it’s also important to make sure the outside of your home is up to snuff as well. Among the outside components of your home, lighting fixtures are a detail that often gets passed over. So read on for a list of tips to get your exterior lighting in tip-top shape:
- Remember symmetry
One rule of thumb to follow when you’re installing exterior lights is to consider symmetry in alignment and design, says Better Homes and Gardens. So if you’re thinking about adding a couple of wall sconces, it’s a good idea to pick one overall design to use for, say, your garden or gates, rather than picking different ones for each.
- Pay attention to detail
Before you choose a fixture, take the extra effort to look around for sconces that already match your existing design and style. If you can’t find an exact match, then pick something that’s complementary or provides a stunning contrast to what you already have. That way, you can use the details to bring out the patterns, depth and brightness of the colors – you know, the architectural bones of your home.
With sites like Lumens offering outdoor sconces in varied styles, a lack of choice won’t be the problem. From outdoor wall lights and flush mounts to spotlights and outdoor lamps – you can achieve whatever look you’re going for. But be prepared: whether you’re leaning toward a contemporary, classic, transitional or luxury design, you’ll likely be torn in a few different directions after imagining what each particular fixture could do to transform your garden or outdoor living space.
- Get with the times
Technology isn’t evil, even if our interactions and subsequent behavior with it could cause negative side effects. It’s all about keeping technology on your side, and letting it serve your needs. For instance, by changing your old lights to LED, you could lower your energy costs and enjoy sizeable savings. Next time you pay your bills, you’ll have extra money to set aside for that next vacation or rainy day fund.
- Picking lighting families
By choosing a single fixture family, you won’t have to scour through pages of wall sconces to find the right one. Fixture families often have designs that extend to several different fixture types. This way, if you want your chandelier to go with your outdoor sconce or pendant lighting, then choosing the right fixture should be simple. If you want your shopping to be quick and convenient, this is one way for you to eliminate a lot of the tedious decision-making that’s often unavoidable with design work.
- Note the arm styles
It’s not enough to pick out matching styles. Look at the function of the design as well. Sconces often have different arm styles. Sconces with swing arms are ideal for indoor use since these arms make it quite easy for you to read, prepare meals or adjust another way you see fit. Outdoor sconces don’t need to be as accommodating.
- Know the right UL rating
Know what types of lighting fixtures are suitable for outside use. Have a covered patio or porch you want to update with the perfect wall scones? Then make sure you pick out UL damp rated products. However, if you need lights that could withstand the elements, rain or shine, it’s better to go for Outdoor Wet Rated lighting products. After all, you certainly wouldn’t want to go through the shopping and installation process again when it turns out the sconces you installed weren’t designed for outdoors use, promptly dying at the first instance of rain.
- Size and wattage matters
When it comes to outdoors lighting, it’s always better to go for a few small sources rather than one large source. Scattered tiny lights often work better to distribute the light evenly in your garden. A single light source, however, would only concentrate the light in one area and leave the rest in the dark, and that’s not exactly safe. Instead, eliminate shadowy corners and keep your outdoor space a comfortable, safe area at all times of the day.
- Learn what works and not
While asking experts can help you get the basics of what to look for in exterior lighting, what’s really important is training your eye. Going through sites like This Old House show you gorgeous examples of entry sconces so you get an idea of what you want, what momentarily attracts you and what holds your attention the longest. Whether it’s about mixing classic fixtures with stucco walls or putting an old-fashioned lantern piece in your garden for a suitably nostalgic ambiance, you’ll have fun learning the many ways sconces can add to the visual appeal of your property.
Stop making rash shopping decisions on your outdoor lighting fixtures. Make the most out of your space by taking the time to choose the perfect accents and the daily dividends in your environment will surely follow.