The Best Outdoor Yard Lights - Buyer's Guide

Outdoor yard lights not only provide security but also enhance the look of your yard. But, when it comes to buying yard lights, many questions arise. Which are the best outdoor yard lights? How do you decide which lights to buy? In this buyer's guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to buy the best outdoor yard lights for your home. Let's get started!

The Best Outdoor Yard Lights - Buyer's Guide

Helios Outdoor LED Wall Light by Residence Supply

To buy the best outdoor lights for your yard, you must gain knowledge about yard lights. This section explores different types of yardlights and lighting options. Besides, you’ll also learn key factors that can help you make an informed decision.

Outdoor wall-mounted lights illuminate their surroundings. You can place them near the garage, window, or entryway. They might appear smaller when seen from a distance. It’s better to check the lighting view from far away when going for wall scones.

2. Outdoor Ceiling or Pendant Lights

Circum Surface Mount Light by Residence Supply

These outdoor yard lights add a touch of elegance to your porches or patios. Outdoor ceiling lights can withstand harsh weather conditions. They are available in various styles and finishes. The outdoor pendant lights bring both style and practicality to your yard.

Outdoor post lamps offer added protection to your property. You can install them atop posts or fences. These outdoor lights offer 360 degrees of light coverage. They are useful in illuminating driveways or walking paths.

Security and flood lights illuminate a large coverage area. These outdoor lights for yard are durable against any harsh weather conditions. They are available with waterproof and water-resistant features. You can place security lights at the highest possible point. It can be either from a wall or roof overhang. 

Flood lights are the best outdoor yard lights as they cast the widest beam. Therefore, they are the best choices for dark outdoor spaces like an alley, walkway, or driveway.

5. Landscape Lights

Ray Outdoor In-ground Light by Residence Supply

These lights light up the footpaths and garden. You can also use them to highlight the features of your yard. You must choose waterproof landscape lights to withstand water. Here are the various types of landscape lights:

• Deck lights - You can use them under railings and on the staircase.
• In-ground lights - They can illuminate the trees and the garden.
• Low-voltage lights- You can wire them along fences, steps, walls, and trees.
• Spotlights - They cast light upward on tree limbs or downward on a flower bed.

These outdoor lights add glamour to walkways and driveways. They are also great for added safety and security. You can place these lights on both sides of a driveway or along the walkway. They are also useful for adding to in-ground steps or pools. 

B. Different Types of Outdoor Yard Lighting Options

Outdoor Yard Lighting Based on Technologically Advanced Features

These outdoor lights for the yard automatically turn on when the sensors detect motion. They are available in wide-beam and focused-beam styles. Wide beams act as security lights, and focused beams act as path lights.

You don’t need electricity for solar-powered lights. They collect energy from the sun and store it in their rechargeable batteries. So, you can cut down on your electricity costs. These lights are easy to install. 

These lights come with photocell sensors, which activate with the setting of the sun. You can also pair these lights with motion sensors, so they can turn on only when needed. Thus, you can save energy.

These outdoor yardlights can reduce light pollution. They are designed to direct the glow toward the ground. These lights are helpful for the people living near the ocean.

It is a smart way to control all your outdoor yardlights. You need to use one app interface for this. You can use the app by tapping or giving voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can even set a timer for the lights. There are also other smart light features, like:

• Dimming
• Adjusting color 
• Controlling brightness
• Using remote controls

Outdoor Yard Lighting Based on Light Bulbs

These light bulbs can get very hot. They contain CFLs contain mercury. So, you need to be very careful when these bulbs break. They offer decent brightness. These light bulbs can be a budget-friendly option for outdoor lighting.

Halogen bulbs offer bright and focused lighting. But they make a lot of noise when they operate. They also generate a lot of heat, which can reduce their energy efficiency. These light bulbs can highlight specific areas of your yard. 

HID bulbs pass an electrical current through a gas-filled tube. These light bulbs produce an intense, bright light that is excellent for large outdoor areas. People generally use HID bulbs for parking lots and other spaces that require high levels of illumination.

iv. LED (light-emitting diode) Bulbs

Mycena Outdoor Garden Lamp by Residence Supply

LED bulbs are the most popular lighting option for outdoor lights. Outdoor wall LED lights or in-ground solar LED lights last for a long time. LED bulbs are more energy efficient than any other bulbs. They are available in various colors and brightness levels. They cost more than other bulbs. But their low maintenance makes them worth the investment. 

C. Key Factors to Consider When Buying Outdoor Yard Lights

Different places have different environments. Consider the environment where you want to install outdoor yard lights. Is it dry in summer, or does it rain in the winter? The lights you choose for your yard have to survive against this environment. So it’s better to know under which conditions the lights will be exposed. 

Consider how much power is available where you’ll install yard lights. Are there electricity sources available? Will you need any additional resources? This will help you to determine the number of fixtures you can use. Besides, it will also help you to decide whether you need a solar-powered lighting option. 

You can get a wide variety of outdoor yard light designs. You must choose the ones that can enhance the look of your yard. These lights must also meet your functional requirements. Besides, also choose what technology feature you want in your lights. Do you want to opt for dusk-to-dawn lights or dimming options? Or do you want a smart lighting option? 

Always set a budget before buying outdoor yard lights. This will help you to narrow down your options. Lighting options and designs vary in price depending on their features, materials, and energy sources. You can choose the options based on their prices. Thus, setting a clear budget will prevent overspending.

Outdoor Lights for Yard - FAQ

IP ratings between 44 and 65 are ideal for outdoor use.  IP rating below 44 is used only for indoors, however. IP44 rating indicates that these outdoor lights can withstand rain and can be used outdoors. However, this does not mean they should be exposed to pressurized water. IP54 outdoor lights offer the same water protection. However, they are much stronger as they can resist dust particles larger than 1mm.

The lumen for outdoor yardlights depends on their placement and brightness. Landscape outdoor lights must emit 50-300 lumen. Path lights must emit between 100 and 200 lumens. The recommended lumen for floodlights and lamp posts are 700-1300 and 120-180, respectively. 

The best wattage for outdoor yardlights is 40 watts and lower. Anything less than 40 watts is ideal for lighting pathways and garden beds. You can even use them for other landscape areas.

Driveways and smaller yards may need 40 watts or more. Anything above 80 watts works best as security lights. These are ideal for larger lawns and driveways.

Neutral white light looks natural in the yard, especially in the garden or foliage. Go for warm lighting for the places you use for gatherings.

Are You Ready to Enhance Your Outdoor Space with Outdoor Lights for Yard?

Outdoor yard lights can enhance your yard's beauty, safety, and functionality. Lighting up your yard with the perfect lighting solutions can also create an inviting atmosphere for gatherings. You must know where, when, and how you want to illuminate your yard. 

So, are you ready to create a perfect balance of illumination and style with outdoor yardlights? Explore yard lights in eye-catching designs and affordable prices on Residence Supply. You can also book a free consultation with us to learn more about outdoor lights for your yard.