Questions to Think About Before Purchasing Outdoor Lighting

 Outdoor lighting is an important part of any home. Exterior lights not only provide home curb appeal but also offer practical safety features. Before making your outdoor lighting purchase here are six questions to ask yourself.

• What are my outdoor lighting needs? 
• This may seem like an obvious first question, but you'd be surprised by how many people don't understand their exterior lighting needs. Think about where you want outdoor light for either safety or aesthetic appeal. Additionally, ask yourself how many lights are needed. Having one too many lights isn't the end of the world, but having too few lights can cause curb appeal and safety issues when it comes to exterior and landscape lighting. 
• How high/big is the electrical box to install exterior sconces? 
• If you are replacing old exterior lighting fixtures, you need to know the height and size of the electrical box. For height, Lighting Design typically recommends hanging fixtures about 60-65" from the ground to the center of the light. That height allows the lights to be at the perfect eye level for most people. Additionally, knowing how high your electrical box is from potential conflicting roofs or siding that may block exterior fixtures with a tall top. 
• The other factor to consider is how big the existing electrical box is. You'll need to check that your new exterior fixtures will cover the electrical box so you don't have gaping sides or holes. Sometimes, you can patch the wall if the new fixtures have a smaller backplate. But it tends to be easier to have the new backplates be big enough to cover the current electrical box.
• Do I need wet-rated or damp-rated fixtures? 
• The answer to this question depends on where you are installing your exterior lighting fixtures. Most outdoor lights are wet-rated due to the expectation that they will be installed where they need to withstand the elements. However, occasionally you may find some outdoor lights that are damp-rated. Damp-rated fixtures can work well in places where the light will be covered. For example, inside a covered porch or under a gazebo are great places to use damp-rated outdoor lights. Opt for exterior fixtures that are wet-rated when they are exposed to the open air.
• How tall are the doors the exterior sconces will hang next to? 
• Thinking about the height of doors comes down to sizing. With any light fixture, it is necessary to select the correct size. This way you don't end up with something too large or too small. The same applies for exterior fixtures. For outdoor wall sconces, be mindful of the size of the door/window they will be installed next to. The general rule of thumb for sizing outdoor wall sconces is that they should be about 1/4 the height of the exterior doors. The doors can be either the front or garage doors. It makes sense to have fixtures proportionate to the front door versus the garage door. Front door fixtures may be smaller and the garage door fixtures may be larger to look properly scaled. See our sizing guide visuals for more info.
• Do I want to highlight any exterior parts of my home or yard? 
• Sconces aren't the only option for outdoor lighting. Many homeowners often forget about the importance of landscape lighting. Landscape lighting can help to highlight landscape features while also providing practicality for lighting pathways or lighting inviting outdoor entertaining spaces. Shop path lights and accent lights here. 
• What is my budget for my exterior lighting?
• Finally, think about your budget. Exterior light fixtures can range from low-end to very high-end or custom. Think about how much you want to spend on your outdoor lights. Exterior lighting can greatly improve the curb appeal of your home so decide the budget that makes sense for your wallet as well as compared to the value of the home. Helpful tip: if you find an expensive exterior fixture you love but it isn't in the budget, try finding dupes. Many times you can find very similar fixtures from different brands at less expensive price points.

We hope this helps with your outdoor lighting projects! Let us know in the comments what you end up doing.