Fall brings different experiences depending on where you live. In warmer regions, you can enjoy outdoor spaces longer as temperatures stay mild, while in cooler climates, you might be thinking about lighting for seasonal gatherings like Halloween and holiday parties.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your curb appeal or create a cozy outdoor atmosphere, thoughtful outdoor lighting can help. Discover how to brighten up your space and make the most of fall’s unique charm with these outdoor lighting ideas.
Front Door Lighting Ideas for Fall: Make a Statement
At your front door, make a statement and be seen with outdoor wall lights. But make sure you aren’t using ones that are too small!
- If you want to use one lantern, choose one that is one-third the height of the door. (Standard door height is 68 inches, so 1/3 of 68 is 22.6.)
- If you want to use two lanterns, choose lights that are one-quarter the height of the door. (That’s 17 inches if you have a standard height door.)
- Lighting a garage door? The same rules about size apply there too.
Use outdoor wall lights or flood lights to add extra illumination and security to other doors around the home.
Best Pathway and Stair Lighting for Safety and Style
Make sure that your driveway (or walkway or pathway) is well-lit by using path lights.
- Place each path light about 6 feet apart.
- Stagger them on both sides of the path.
- This creates an even, not-too-bright wash of light.
If you have a deck or steps, consider adding another touch of safety with deck and step lights.
- Place step lights inside or beside steps to better illuminate the area.
- Add deck lights to the edges of your deck or anywhere else that could use a small, helpful touch of light.
How to Highlight Your Home’s Fall Landscaping with Outdoor Lighting
Landscape lighting can help spotlight interesting features on your home, like stone walls, trees, topiaries or other foliage. There are a few different methods you can try.
- Uplighting: Lighting an object from below to create a focal point.
- How to do uplighting: Use a single spot light aimed right at the tree or other cool object. (Perhaps Halloween decorations, for example?)
- Wall washing: Providing subtle, overall illumination on a wall or surface.
- How to do wall washing: Put spot lights along the front of the home.
- Grazing: Emphasizing a textured surface like climbing ivy or a stone wall.
- How to do grazing: Place a spot light within a foot of the surface and aim the light beam parallel to the surface.
Outdoor Lighting Tips for Cozy Fall Evenings
If you can keep using your outdoor spaces in autumn, why not make sure those areas are well-lit too?
- Use outdoor chandeliers or pendants to make outdoor living spaces even more inviting. These fixtures look just like their indoor counterparts, but are designed to withstand the elements.
- Look for lights with a damp area rating if you’re using them in a covered area, like a patio. Look for lights with a wet rating if you’re using them in an uncovered area, like a pergola.
By following these outdoor lighting tips, this is your year to create the perfect fall lighting style!
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