It's not just about a garage light anymore. New lighting fixtures and options make a home more appealing for the homeowners, their guests and for resale.
Uplighting
Uplighting creates a gentle glow on the home, trees or ground cover without showing much of the light source itself. It can highlight focal points such as the home, gardens, gazebos, paths, ponds, pools or any special elements. Another version, called ‘moonlighting' is a serene effect that subtly highlights just the tree tops.
Light a Path
Good lighting is essential for safe walkways and driveways. Traditional path lights are still popular and available in a variety of styles from home stores for do-it-yourselfers as well as through specialty lighting shops. Path lights come in relatively easy-to-install systems that are solar-powered or connected via low-voltage power. However, the newer uplighting also works as long as it casts enough light.
Low-Voltage Lights
Lighting with low-voltage provides a lot of illumination without using a lot of electricity. A transformer outside the home or in the garage usually plugs into an existing outlet and reduces the voltage from 110/120 to 12 volts to lessen the power used. Halogen or xenon bulbs give longer life and a bright light, while the actual fixtures are smaller. Both types of bulbs are often found in path lighting. LED technology (‘light emitting diode’) is expensive and some landscape lighting specialists noted that the actual light output is not yet perfected for landscape use.
Automated Systems
Programmable controls and keypads let homeowners manage lighting based on their daily schedule. Lights can turn on automatically at dusk or at a time of day – and it can be different based on the day. With new astronomic timers the settings are maintained despite a power outage so that the timer automatically reverts to the proper time.
Light Up a Pool
Submersible fixtures are especially designed to illuminate pools, spas, ponds, waterfalls, and fountains inorder to highlight water features, underwater objects or even just to provide reflection. When placed underwater near docks, water-resistant fixtures light up the scene but attract fish, creating a natural aquarium.
Enjoy a Different Color
Fiber optic lighting offers a whole new option -- the ability to add a touch of elegance with glowing color. Even rainbows of color since a five-color continuous motion wheel can be fixed at one color or provide a changing light show.
And, last but not least...
Quality Materials are Essential
Outdoor lighting fixtures have to withstand the elements. Most of them are made from aluminum, copper or brass to hold up to weather and dissipate heat. Solid brass or solid copper fixtures are especially durable and better looking both day and night. Pressed aluminum or plastic are less expensive but won’t last as long.
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