OUTDOOR LIGHTING & LIVING SPACES
Can Energy-Efficient Lighting Look Attractive?
The choices in CFL bulbs today require decisions about shape, color and light output. An outdoor lantern should have no less than 13-watt capacity for a CFL source, but those colors range from a visually warm color to a very visually cold hue. It is best to always choose the warm colors for residential applications because it more closely matches the incandescent lighting in other parts of the house.
The shape is a major consideration only if the bulb can be seen. If that's the case, search for a CFL bulb that is in the familiar shape of a typical incandescent (this is referred to as an A-lamp). This type has the same relative efficiencies as the spiral shape, but has a covering over the spiral that makes it resemble an incandescent. You might not find this variety at a home center, but most lighting stores have it.
Additionally, many light fixtures are designed to hide the bulb. Energy-efficient outdoor fixtures are available in many styles. Manufacturers typically use different glass patterns – such as frosted, antique distressed or seeded – to disguise the outline of the CFL. There are also fixtures that offer more room to fit both a CFL or incandescent bulb, combined with a glass treatment, so consumers can choose which type of light source they want to use.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING & LIVING SPACES
If the light cast by CFLs and LEDs is not appealing to you, consider using low-voltage halogen systems, daylight sensors and timers, which all provide ways for consumers to reduce energy consumption. Because these technologies can be used with a variety of fixtures, people still have the flexibility to determine which designs best fit their homes and preferences.
The rule of thumb differs for the front door compared to the fixtures used to illuminate landscaping around the home. The entryway focuses on style, size and color based on the theme you want to project. When lighting landscape applications, however, seeing what the fixture does at night is more important than seeing the fixture in the light of day.
Consulting with a lighting specialist will yield maximum results because they will determine what is most important to you – such as patio, deck or pool area lighting or highlighting landscape features. "Some home owners want a particular tree, statue or fountain to be the focal poin. A lighting professional will make sure there are ample light levels for every aspect.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING & LIVING SPACES
Finding the Right Style for Your Home
With backyard "rooms" becoming a common way of extending living space, the lines are blurring between indoor and outdoor styles for furniture and lighting. Similarly, al fresco dining is more popular than ever and the addition of fireplaces and gas heaters has led to year-round enjoyment. As a result, the latest exterior lighting fixtures are designed to complement their interior counterparts, allowing homeowners to create a uniform appearance inside and out.
As a general trend, cleaner looks are being seen across all styles – not just in contemporary collections. Many of today's fixtures have less fluting and detail, and highlight more of a simplified style. Many companies are starting to offer versatile fixtures that can be used indoors as well as outdoors.
By now many homeowners have replaced at least one incandescent bulb in their homes with a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), and some have done the same outside.
Curb appeal is essential, whether you are selling or buying a home, or giving a warm welcome to friends and family. Home owners should look for outdoor lighting products in a family of sizes so they can maintain a theme throughout their residence.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING & LIVING SPACES
When people are looking to upgrade their outdoor lighting, starting with the front of the house usually helps guide them through the complete outdoor lighting package. Remember, when guests visit, the first thing they notice when they arrive is the front of the home – and it's also the last thing they see when they leave.
In choosing a new exterior lighting package, size is as important as style and color. However, the key to good illumination is not only the size of the fixture. Size is most important for aesthetic reasons. Any outdoor lantern should be rated for a minimum of 75 watts of incandescent or 20 watts of compact fluorescent lighting. If there are fixtures on either side of the door, these recommendations would apply to both lanterns. Complete your front yard lighting scheme with pathway and area fixtures that illuminate the walkway for safety. "Subtlety is key here. You do not want it to appear as if you are lighting an airport runway. Staggering the lights on each side of the walkway will help accomplish this.
To maintain the aesthetic, do not opt for the pathway lighting kits from mass merchants. The solar- and LED-powered models sold there might seem like a bargain, but the light output is usually inadequate.
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