Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Outdoor lighting fixtures are available in a myriad of styles and designs that can add a delightfully warm touch to any home or business.   All it takes is one trip down the outdoor lighting isle at one of the mega stores to see the choices – path lighting, low voltage lighting, accent lighting, flood lighting and many styles of lamps and torches. 

Outdoor lighting considerations

But what if you are looking for something truly different and out of the ordinary?  We recommend thinking through all the outdoor lighting choices and making a good decision based on these factors:

Mounting and display choices:   How and where you mount your outdoor lighting can make a tremendous difference in the look and feel.  Typically speaking your choices will include:

1. Post mount – lighting that is mounted from a post or column.  This can include a wooden or metal post planted directly into the ground, patio or decking.  This can also be called a “column mount” if the lighting is affixed directly to a brick or stone column as part of a fence or wall.
2. Wall mount – Outdoor lighting mounted directly to a wall or an exterior surface.   This mounting tends to favor electric power as the temperature stays lower than with natural gas flame power.
3. Bracket mount – Brackets offer a tremendous variety for outdoor lighting fixtures and possibly the biggest “difference maker” when it comes to creating a truly unique look.  Standard type brackets hold the light a few inches off of a surface.  However with a little imagination you can choose dressier options such as scroll brackets, gooseneck brackets, and even brackets with flowers or New Orleans style fleur de lis on them.  And for a truly French look consider a “mustache” bracket which extends from both sides of the light with a curl at the end.
4. Hanging mount – outdoor light fixtures can also be hung from the ceiling for a more unique look.  You often see these type of mounts with French Quarter style gas lanterns and can be combined with dressier touches like a yoke bracket or even a ladder rack.  And while this type of outdoor lighting fixture can use an electric bulb – you can get a truly spectacular look with a dual or triple tipped flame for gas output.

One, two or more?  How many outdoor light fixtures do you need?

Deciding just how many outdoor light fixtures you need can be a tough call.  Depending on the type of setting you have one or 2 strategically placed lights may do the job.  However many homeowners find that they need 5, 10 or even more fixtures in order to get the look they want and a lot of this depends on the size of landscape being covered, and of course the budget.

Other Considerations:

• Gas or electric Power? Most outdoor lighting choices revolve around the power issue.  Areas like the deep south which have historical French influences and moist climates tend to prefer natural gas power.  However homeowners in drier climates or more modern housing areas tend to prefer electric lighting.
• Antique or modern look? Many choices are out there for modern looking outdoor lighting that feature clean lines and tend to be silver or black.  On the other hand you can also find great choices in antique style outdoor lighting with an aged look and more natural colors including copper that patinas over time.

Look for unique, flexible outdoor lighting choices

If you are like most people and looking for something a little “different” you may want to consider a copper gas or electric lantern for outdoor use.  These lanterns come in a number of styles and sizes to suit most any need.  And while some are wired for electric use, copper lanterns can also use fuel such as natural gas or liquid propane.