There are two main reasons to place lights outside around our homes – security and beauty. Many times, these two functions are considered independent of one another, but is there a way to add beauty in our security lighting and vice versa?

Security Lighting

Nearly every house has some sort of outdoor lighting. Often the primary concern for this outdoor lighting is security. Security takes into account prevention of theft and unwanted guests, as well as prevention of injury for friends and family who are visiting.

To prevent unwanted intruders there must be adequate lighting to make your property unattractive to potential trespassers. The lighting should provide ample opportunity for physical detection and reduce hiding spots, without being too bright. Over-illumination can draw unwanted attention to your home and belongings and can contribute to light pollution.

The second consideration for security lighting is preventing injury of your visitors. This must be well thought out and should provide ample lighting along walkways, stairsand in areas where people will be gathering. It is also important to provide adequate lighting around things like pools, decks, gazebos and patios – where much of your entertaining will be taking place.

Security lighting for both of these functions may also incorporate things like timers and motion sensors intended to provide lighting when and where it is needed. Timers can help to provide security even when you are not at home, and motion sensors can turn on lights only when movement is detected which will deter would-be intruders from continuing onto your property.

Lighting for Beauty

Decorative lighting is designed around a much different purpose than security lighting. These lights are designed to accentuate physical features and create an atmosphere that is inviting and attractive. Decorative lighting can help to showcase the outside of your home, including attractive architectural features, gardens, and ornamental decorations.

There are many considerations that are made with decorative lighting that are different from those made for security lighting – symmetry, balance, focal points, depth, light, colour, and others. These considerations are made in conjunction with one another to create one cohesive, beautiful design.

Beautiful Security

Combining the functionality of security lighting and the aesthetics of decorative lighting is not an easy task, but with some good planning it’s achievable. Security lighting does not need to be harsh or alarming to be effective. Sometimes security lighting is so bright that it actually detracts from a home’s aesthetic beauty. A good landscape lighting design will incorporate security lights in a way that accentuates the beauty of your home and landscape and provides ample ambiance for your outdoor living spaces.

Consider consulting with our trained outdoor lighting experts and designers. We can help you create a custom design that blends security with aesthetics that enhances your landscape and makes your outdoor living space feel like home.

For more information on how we can help you achieve all of your landscape lighting goals contact our team at Nite Time Décor Oakville to get started today!