Choosing particular exterior lighting fixtures depends on the purpose for which you plan to use the light. Take into account light output, placement, and purpose. Do you need ambient lighting, or something that fits your garage ceiling height? Make sure to find a good option for your needs and square footage.

For instance, if you're trying to keep unwanted guests out, motion-sensing outdoor security lights can scare off animals or human prowlers.

If you're trying to showcase the beauty of your property, you can't go wrong with outdoor wall lights, pathway lights, or wall sconces.

Another point to consider is how many lights you use. Landscape lights should accentuate and highlight outdoor settings, not distract from them or drown them out. Having multiple light fixtures generally makes for more effective illumination, as it is easier to disperse the light so no one fixture is too bright.

Whichever front yard lights or backyard lights you choose, make sure you are aware of any city regulations or homeowner's association guidelines that may restrict the type or brightness of the lighting options you have to choose from.

Yes, LED lights are exceptionally well-suited for garages and shops due to their durability and efficiency:

• Temperature Resilience: LEDs perform optimally in diverse temperature conditions, making them a great option for shop lights and garage lights.
• Instant Brightness: Unlike some traditional lighting options, LEDs illuminate immediately without a warm-up period.
• Extended Lifespan: With a long operational life, LEDs minimize the need for frequent replacements. This is especially helpful for high bay lights, where it can be hard to get to the high ceilings.
• Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective: LED technology is both environmentally friendly and helps reduce energy bills.

Just like the other lighting options, LED lights do have some cons: these bulbs are expensive and their light is emitted in one direction, not everywhere, as is the case with incandescent lights.

That said, we consider these points a bit moot considering that a) the over-time savings of energy efficiency will make the price worth it and b) there is a wide range of lenses that can help diffuse the light in more directions than one.

We also recommend LED lights in a cool white color for a bright, clear light that mimics daylight, especially when opening your garage door, for natural light isn't an option.

This varies greatly depending on what purpose the outdoor lights are serving. Lumens are how brightness is measured. So, how many lumens should your lights be?

Let’s look at an example. If the exterior lights are meant merely as decoration to maximize aesthetic appeal, you could use anywhere from 50 to 200 lumens for adequate illumination.

If, however, you're looking for security lighting or want to illuminate a workspace (e.g., a garage) solely with a wall light, you might need anywhere from 200 to 700 lumens. To give you an idea, flood lights are generally 700 lumens because they're meant to expose dark areas to the light, making them great work lights. Make sure the fixture you install can brighten the whole garage at night.

The other variable is personal preference. Some prefer more light in general, while others are more comfortable with the ambiance created by soft, low lighting. Often, wall lights themselves—as well as the textures they accent—are more appealing at lower lighting levels. If you find yourself stuck deciding, try a smart-enabled dimmable option.

Maximizing energy efficiency in your garage lighting setup involves the following:

• Upgrading to LED Fixtures: Replace outdated fluorescent lights with LED garage lights to achieve substantial energy savings.
• Utilizing Motion Sensors: Implement motion-activated lighting to prevent unnecessary electricity consumption.
• Optimizing Layout: Strategically design your garage lighting layout to maximize illumination with fewer fixtures.

Start by assessing the size of your garage, the ceiling height, and how you plan to use the area. Modern garage lighting works best when layered: bright LED garage lights for general illumination, task lights for workbenches, and exterior garage lighting for visibility around the garage door. Pick lighting fixtures that match your needs, the layout of your walls and ceiling, and your overall garage design.

Yes. Motion sensor lights installed near the garage exterior help increase security by illuminating the area whenever movement is detected. These exterior lights reduce shadows, improve visibility, and make your garage door area safer when you come home at night. For a clean look, choose modern fixtures that blend with your home's style while providing brilliant illumination.

For most garages, a cool white color temperature provides the best lighting. It provides crisp, bright illumination for parking, storage, and projects. Cool white LED lights also improve visibility and reduce eye strain. If you want a softer look in part of the garage, you can mix in warmer modern light fixtures to match styles across the space.