When thinking about outdoor lighting I am reminded of the phrase, “We’ll leave the light on for you.” Not only is this an old tradition and it is something that Tom Bodett promised they would do at Motel 6 for us every night. This age old sign of a warm and welcoming home is best when the lights are in the correct position. Exterior lights impact the way we see outdoors, they provide comfort and safety. The way to determine the proper placement of lights to obtain the maximum effects does not mean that bigger and brighter the light is the better.  The height of any outdoor light is based partly on the area to be illuminated.

Entry Lighting:

The rule of thumb for front and side door lights is to place them just above eye level, usually at a range of  25-33% down from the top of the doorway. This places fixtures at the proper height for your door and provides illumination at the entry without getting glare in the eyes of your guests. The light must be high enough to cast on the landing and steps, also within a few feet of the door.

Front Door:

When lighting the front door the EZS team suggests two lights, one on each side, for a front door and a single fixture for a side or back door. Michael Estrin has decades of experience with lighting design and provides this word of warning; “Be aware of the size of your door lights. Most people pick a light that is too small. TIP: Take a picture of your front door with measurements and put the largest possible light there.”

Step Lights:

Step lights can increase safety around the home when there are stairs involved. When you want to add safety and security in low-level lighting situations and increase your style and design aesthetic adding step lights can fill the bill.

Step lights also add to the drama of the design. Like grazing a wall, step lights can graze a step or be part of a wallscape accenting the texture of the material used as a walkway. Pavers, stone and concrete all have a nice yet distinct appearance under the step light.

Materials for Outdoor Lights:

Typically, there are three materials used in the construction of outdoor lights. The first and least expensive is aluminum. Aluminum is the lowest quality of the materials used, not good near the ocean, but with a quality powder coated finish they can have a good life. Next is stainless steel. Stainless looks great for a long time with proper cleaning and maintenance.

There is the addition of a non corrosive, UV resistant materials that hold up to almost any outdoor climate. These new materials are low-maintenance durable in any harsh weather. With this material you virtually eliminate any rust or corrosion that happens with exposure to various weather climates. The last material covered is brass. Brass is a bit more expensive than other materials and it is considered the hallmark of quality when it comes to light fixtures. While brass will last a long time and provide years of use, brass will develop a patina naturally. Brass is the best material to use in salt air environments.

It is the goal of Estrin Zirkman Sales to bring you useful information with these Pro-Tips. If you know someone that can benefit from the information being shared please forward this to them and if you received this tip from a friend, sign up for our email. Best to you! Michael & the Team at EZS