4 Types of Exterior Lighting

Posted byPaola Nadeau on Sep 2020 in Home improvement and appliances | 0 comments

Contrary to the popular belief, the types of exterior lighting are not differentiated on the basis of voltage consumption or size. Experts say that the diffusion pattern of these lights should be the key differentiator when it comes to selecting these lights.

Exterior Lighting: Classified According to Diffusion Patterns

An important factor to be considered while selecting exterior lighting options is the diffusion pattern of these lights. There are many types of lighting solutions available in the market. Some of them are explained below:

1. Path lights

Also known as spotlights, these are the most common form of exterior lighting solutions. They are generally placed along the sidewalls and driveways to illuminate the area. When placed high, the path lights focus a beam at a single spot. However, placing them below may result in a larger area being up lit by the path lights. Though many lights arranged in a single line may look nice, it may also result in the formation of an airstrip like effect. Path lights do not produce a glaring effect; rather provide a pale warm lighting around them.

2. Down lights

Popularly known as flood lights, this exterior lighting solution is mainly installed with the purpose of security in mind. They are placed high above the ground so that they can illuminate the entire area. They are built to accentuate shapes, thus forming prominent shadows. Any movement in these shadows is easy to spot, thus a break-in can be easily detected. Experts on lighting advise users to place them in a way that they are difficult to diffuse or break. Down lights are also used to mimic natural light; however, the light beam has to be scattered using a translucent cover.

3. Accent lights

Purely cosmetic in nature, accent lights are used to highlight aesthetic details of a structure. They are usually fixed on the ground, with the light source facing the architecture that needs to be highlighted. Due to this reason, this type of lighting solution is also referred to as up-lights. Such lights add to the ambience’s and are used in various colors to focus and draw attention towards a desired location. Another form of accent lights is back lights. They are installed to highlight the background of a particular landscape without being visible. They are purposely used to create shadows that draw attention towards the object casting the shadow.

4. Specialty lights

Specialty lights are more of purpose-based lighting that may not be fit for illumination purposes. They are used to create an effect around a desired structure. The most common use of this lighting solution is to ensure that a child plays safely. They are widely used in clubhouses around the stair and the deck area. Another form is specialty exterior lighting is waterproof lights. These lights are capable of functioning under water, making them suitable for installation in pool, ponds and artificial waterfalls.

Each type of lighting solution is specifically designed to cater to particular requirements of buyers.

exterior lighting can be very simple if you have basic knowledge of its use and an impartial seller at your side. One such seller can be contacted at www.lampsusa.com.