5 Security Lighting Tips for an Effective & Beautiful Landscape Lighting System
What comes to mind when you think of security lighting?
Motion sensors? Blinding floodlights? While these are very common options, you might be surprised to learn that they are not the most effective security solution.
Effective security lighting should do two things. First, it should act as a deterrent to trespassers. Second, it should allow you to see if trespassers have entered your property. Bright motion sensor lights often fail to achieve both. With motion sensors, a trespasser must enter your property before the sensor is activated. Also, a flood light will only illuminate one section of your property. It will turn off once motion is no longer detected and will leave your property dark most of the time.
So, what is the best security lighting solution? A well-lit home.
One of the key benefits of installing custom outdoor lighting is that it provides an extra layer of security for your home. A well-lit home will deter trespassers AND allow you to see if someone has entered your property. And the best part? Security lighting doesn’t have to be unsightly or boring, it can actually enhance the beauty of your home and property.
Here are 5 security lighting ideas to consider when installing an effective and beautiful outdoor lighting system.
1. Eliminate Dark Areas
Dark homes with no visible security measures are easy targets for trespassers. While a motion sensor light will momentarily illuminate one section of your property, large dark areas will be seen as weaknesses. A more effective approach would be to install soft lighting throughout your property that gently illuminates larger areas. This will allow you to eliminate the dark areas and establish visual control over your property.
2. Extend Visual Reach
Outdoor lighting is a great way to accentuate the architecture of your home itself, but a well-designed lighting system will encompass the entire property. Highlighting landscaping elements and trees throughout the property will create beautiful nighttime depth of vision. Furthermore, extending the reach of your lighting to the outer edges of your property will create an additional ring of security.
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3. Choose Indirect Lighting
There is nothing more irritating than the neighbor’s motion sensor lights flooding your windows each time a dog barks or the wind blows. When installing a lighting system, be mindful of your neighbors and always choose indirect lighting. With indirect lighting, you will not see the light source. You will only see the illuminated features and areas.
4. Navigation Lights
Functional lighting used to facilitate safe navigation through your property will also enhance the security. Consider adding path lights, driveway entrance lighting, step lights, and other navigational lighting.
5. Lighting Entryways
Lighting entryways seems like a no-brainer. In fact, most homes have existing outdoor light fixtures positioned near most entryways. However, while existing fixtures can add dimension and texture to your lighting design, what happens when the homeowner forgets to turn on the porch lights? Will there be a large, dark pocket around the door? A well-designed lighting system will avoid this by illuminating these areas with secondary, indirect lights.
Designing and installing an outdoor lighting system with security in mind can be overwhelming. Why not leave it to the professionals? While a professional system may have more upfront costs with installation, you will ultimately save time and money. Sit back and relax knowing that your home and property is secure and that your lighting system will last for years to come.
Thinking about hiring a professional landscape lighting company?
At Limelight, outdoor lighting is all we do. We offer design, installation, and maintenance services and would love to help you design a system that makes the most of your landscape — day and night.
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Call Limelight Outdoor Lighting at (704)989-3635 or follow the link below to get a FREE quote for your landscape lighting project.