Outdoor exterior lights

last year

last modified: last year

I need advice on outdoor lighting. I prefer lights that serve a purpose and give off light, rather than those that are purely decorative. The house (pictured below, front and back) is fairly large and requires approximately 20-25 lights total. I think the same light in different sizes is best, but it was suggested that I go with two different styles - one for the front door and garage and the rest more decorative, with light shining up and down. I like the look of these type of lights, but find them more decorative and not the right style for the house. I am also concerned about how mixing different lights will look. There are high hats under the porch (front and back as pictured) but the lights can be on different switches. I know it's a personal decision, and there may not be a right or wrong, but I'd love advice on what will look best and also be functional. Do I keep it all the same and go with different sizes? I welcome any advice on a light style that will look good on this house as well. It's a transitional style, but we lean more modern.

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Comments (5)

Lyn Nielson
last year
I am not a fan of up lights, but if your goal is to accent the architecture of the home I'd keep it simple.

I have this light at my door, just enought light to find your way, no need for any more.

https://www.build.com/elegant-lighting-ldod4001/s1764853?uid=4167661

think about dark sky and light polution, there a many stories about unnecessary lighting online.
jcsanders14
Original Author
last year
Thx for the recommendation. I think we will need the light which is why I am hesitant about lights that shine up and down. My main question is doing two different styles? I am thinking to keep it consistent but someone suggsted different styles.
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chispa
last year
last modified: last year
I would be consistent all around the house.

I used the same style for all of mine. I needed 21 outdoor lights and used 4 different sizes from the same collection (3 different sized wall sconces and 1 pendant size).

If you can, for a large house, have them zoned with different switches, but also try to have one emergency switch that will light all of them at once.

We used low voltage wiring with a Crestron system, so I was able to have an emergency switch in a couple of location. We also have an "all interior lights on" switch in the master bedroom, so if something happened at night we can light up the whole house without having to leave the bedroom.
jcsanders14
Original Author
last year
so smart! Thank you! So you had two different lights but from the same collection?
chispa
last year
Same collection/style, but in 3 different sconce sizes and a matching pendant.

Pair of the largest sconce (4-light bulbs) on either side of the pillars in near of the front door.

Pair of the medium sconce (3-light bulbs) on either side of garages.

Smallest sconce (2-light bulbs) on side/back doors and around patio/lanai area.

Pendant at front door porch and 4 pendants at back patio/lanai.