Looking to spend more time outside, even as the temperatures start to fall the coming months? We have some tips for keeping the lights on outdoors for your big parties and cozy gatherings.

Understanding the ambiance of outdoor entertaining

When considering outdoor lighting for entertaining, it’s essential to think about the ambiance you want to create. Lighting sets the mood and can influence the atmosphere of your gathering. Soft, warm lighting tends to create a cozy and intimate feel, perfect for dinner parties or relaxed gatherings. On the other hand, brighter and more focused lighting might be preferable for activities like games or larger gatherings where visibility is key.

Types of outdoor lighting for entertaining

There are several types of outdoor lighting to consider, each serving different purposes:

Pathway lighting: Path lights not only add a decorative touch but also ensure safety by illuminating walkways, steps, and driveways.

String lights: Perhaps the most popular choice for outdoor entertaining, string lights create a charming and whimsical atmosphere. They can be draped along fences, strung overhead across a patio, or wrapped around tree trunks. LED string lights are energy-efficient and come in various shapes and colors to suit different styles.

Spotlights and uplighting: These are ideal for highlighting focal points in your outdoor space, such as architectural features, plants, or artwork. Uplighting and downlighting can create dramatic effects and draw attention to specific areas.

Lanterns and candlelight: For a more rustic or traditional look, lanterns and candles provide soft, flickering light that adds warmth and charm to outdoor tables and seating areas. Flameless candles or solar-powered lanterns offer a safer and more convenient alternative.

Practical considerations

In addition to aesthetics, there are practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing outdoor lighting:

Weather resistance: Outdoor lighting fixtures should be weatherproof to withstand rain, wind, and other outdoor elements. Look for fixtures with an IP rating that indicates their level of waterproofing and durability.

Energy efficiency: Opt for LED lights wherever possible, as they are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. (Of course, if you like calling on Luminocity frequently because you have burned out incandescent bulbs, you are welcome to remain in the old school group.)

4 design tips for outdoor lighting

To achieve the best results with outdoor lighting for entertaining, consider working with a Luminocity certified lighting designer who can identify key focal points of your home and property and light them accordingly.

Layered lighting: Combine different types of lighting to create depth and interest. For example, pair string lights with pathway lights and spotlights to illuminate various areas of your outdoor space.

Create zones: Define different zones within your outdoor area, such as dining, lounging, and cooking areas, and use lighting to delineate each space effectively.

Avoid glare: Position lights strategically to minimize glare and ensure comfortable visibility without harsh shadows.

Experiment and personalize: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighting arrangements and styles to find what works best for your space and personal taste.

Maintenance and safety

Regular maintenance of outdoor lighting is essential to ensure optimal performance and safety. Clean fixtures regularly to remove dirt and debris, replace bulbs as needed, and check wiring for any signs of wear or damage. Or, leave the messy chores to the staff at Luminocity. Our maintenance plan helps you keep your system operating at peak efficiency month-after-month. The plan includes a thorough cleaning and inspection, as well as fresh bulbs for your quartz-halogen system.

A thoughtful outdoor lighting designs opens up opportunities to stay outdoors even as the days grow shorter. If you’re ready to explore outdoor lighting—or you’re ready to update your existing outdoor lighting design, reach out to Luminocity now for a consultation. Or, call us at 317-537-8055.

As summer stretches its warm arms over central Indiana, our outdoor spaces have become an extension of our homes. Long evenings spent grilling, entertaining friends, or simply relaxing under the stars all benefit from a well-maintained outdoor lighting system by Luminocity. But with extended use comes the need for proper care. We’ve assembled some important tips to keep your outdoor lighting shining brightly throughout the summer:

Safety first this summer

Make sure your lights are off before you take a close look at your entire outdoor lighting system. Check for cracked bulbs, loose wiring, or any signs of water damage. Pay close attention to areas where fixtures meet the ground or where cords might be exposed to lawnmowers or weed whackers.

Know your limits: If you notice any frayed wires, exposed components, or flickering lights, don’t attempt repairs yourself. Call Luminocity to address any electrical concerns.

Weather resistance is key: Ensure all your outdoor lighting fixtures are rated for outdoor use. Look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listing on the fixture itself. This indicates it’s been tested and approved for safe exposure to the elements. Luminocity primarily relies on fixtures by Sterling Lighting or Lumien, offering high quality you can’t often find in your big box hardware store.

Shine bright, shine efficiently this summer

Don’t rely on summer storms to keep your outdoor lights shining clearly. You may be surprised to discover that a thorough cleaning adds a brilliance you didn’t know you had in your outdoor lighting system.

Clean fixtures for optimal performance: Dirt, dust, and cobwebs can accumulate on your fixtures throughout the year, reducing their effectiveness. Regularly wipe down your fixtures with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. For particularly dirty lenses, remove them for a more thorough cleaning.

Embrace LED technology: Consider switching your outdoor bulbs to LEDs. LEDs are not only energy-efficient, saving you money on your electricity bill, but they also last significantly longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Harness the power of timers and sensors: Maximize efficiency and convenience this summer with timers and motion sensors. Timers allow you to set specific lighting hours, ensuring your lights aren’t burning unnecessarily. Motion sensors automatically activate lights when movement is detected, providing targeted illumination only when needed.

Enhance your outdoor oasis

Your home is your castle, and it deserves something better than an ordinary outdoor lighting system this summer. How can you make your outdoor lighting stand out?

Work with a custom lighting designer: Lighting may seem like a simple process, but certified lighting design teams understand the nuances and need for unique placement of light and shadows.

Let there be light, but not light pollution: Be mindful of light spill. Direct your lights downwards to illuminate your desired areas and avoid casting unwanted glare upwards into the night sky. This not only helps your neighbors but also helps preserve the natural night environment for nocturnal creatures.

Think beyond summer: While summer is the prime time for outdoor living, consider your lighting needs throughout the year. Opt for classic and timeless designs that complement your home’s overall aesthetic. Choose fixtures made from durable materials that can withstand the changing seasons.

Luminocity can service your outdoor lighting system

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your outdoor lighting system shining brightly this summer and beyond. You may be someone who loves to muck around in the dirt checking for broken bulbs and frayed wires, or you may prefer to let the experts handle the dirty work. If you’re the latter, Luminocity’s maintenance plan is an efficient, cost-effective solution. Our trained technicians will clean and inspect each fixture, bury any exposed wires, and trim foliage for optimal lighting. We’ll also change any burnt-out bulbs at no cost during the next 12 months.

Let Luminocity give you the summer outdoor lighting you deserve. Reach out now at 317-537-8055 to schedule a consultation. Shine bright this summer – and beyond – with the professionals at Luminocity.

Light up your home

Do you live in a neighborhood where neighbors meet for impromptu gatherings on a warm summer evening? Create an inviting setting with a home that is awash in light. Don’t settle for just any lighting design, however. When you work with a custom outdoor lighting designer like Luminocity, you’re working with someone who specializes only in outdoor lighting. This means you’ll partner with people like our founder, Karl Lundberg, a Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician and Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer. Karl and his staff go beyond the ordinary to craft designs worthy of your home. They’ll spend time looking for specific focal points that can be highlighted through a combination of uplighting and downlighting, and they’ll elevate your home to starring status with inspired lighting.

Keep the pathways lit

After the sun goes down, it’s tempting to stay inside because you worry about tripping or falling in the darkness. Pathway lighting gives you a measure of security when you opt to stay outside for late-night drinks on the patio or a family gathering that continues past bedtime. Again, a company like Luminocity can install pathway lighting that is effective without being obtrusive. You want to enjoy the light without being in the spotlight!

Light your landscape

If you’re like everyone in Indiana, you’ve spent the last couple of months celebrating the return of warmer weather and coaxing your outdoor landscape back to its initial beauty. All this hard work deserves to be highlighted, and Luminocity can create masterpieces from Mother Nature’s creations. Certain features, like lush trees and foliage, cast complex and beautiful shadows when they’re professionally lit. A good landscape design also lets you enjoy your property when you’re indoors. When you look out your kitchen window after dark, what would you rather see? An inky black darkness or a beautifully lit yard that draws the eye outdoors?

Shining through water

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, pond, or other water feature on your property, you’re going to want to enjoy them even after the sun goes down. Luminocity installs light that enhances the look of falling water and creates a soothing combination of sights and sounds for those wonderful summer nights. But water feature lighting can bring its own challenges. Underwater fixtures must have a specific Ingress Protection (IP) rating to withstand the pressure of being submerged under water. Light doesn’t travel through water like it does through air, either. Leave this job to the lighting experts at Luminocity.

Lighting the gathering spots

Do your dinner party guests tend to spill onto the deck and patio area? A professional lighting design increases your available entertaining space and encourages visitors to enjoy the comfortable temperatures we enjoy after the Indiana sun goes down.

Shining a light on the shadows

There’s a lot to love about summer, but warmer weather can also bring seasonal challenges. Sadly, our crime rates tend to heat up as the temperature rises in the summer. Fortunately, your outdoor lighting investment can pay you back in increased home security. A well-lit yard also cuts down on those light-night stumbles when you’re gathering the toys and games left over from daytime adventures.

Don’t spend another summer in darkness! Talk to Luminocity now about a custom lighting design for your home. Call us at 317-537-8055 now to set up a consultation, and prepare for a summer of light!