Dark areas around your home make great hiding places for animals and people, but placing a few lights in the right spots can change that. Soft lighting can work just as effectively as large floodlights if you plan the layout correctly, increasing the security and look of your home.

Lighting for Security 

One of the most common reasons people put lighting on the outside of there home is for security. It is far less common for a thief to try and break into your home in the daylight or when there are a lot of lights on. Most would-be prowlers would rather work in the dark so they can not be seen by anyone passing by. Place a few lights near the entrances and in areas that are dark to make your home less inviting to burglars.

Motions Lights

When you are selecting locations for your lights, you might want to put in some motion activated lights that are not on all the time. If there is an area that you don't want the light on, like outside a bedroom or in a spot that will cast to much light in the neighbor's window, a motion light is a good solution. The light will only come on if someone is where they should not be, and it will alert you and the neighbor that there could be something going on outside. 

Landscape Lighting

Lighting the landscaping around your home can be two-fold. On one hand, it can create a nice look to the outside of the house with plants and trees bathed in just the right light. On the other hand, it puts a lot of light around the outside of the home, making it harder for anyone to approach the windows and doors without being seen. With landscape lighting, you can integrate colors, angles, and filters to get a unique look for your home. You can even get lights that look like rocks so they blend into the hardscape and most people will not see them unless they are on. 

Buying the Right Lights

Shopping for outdoor lighting installation for your home can be a lot of fun. A visit to the local home center is a great place to start. They can show you what will work outside, go over the features of any special landscaping lights, and help you select security lights. Before you head to the store, walk around the house and determine where you want lights and what is needed to cover each area. Take your list with you, and you will have a better plan and get the lights you need.