Lighting design is the planning of a lighting system to achieve optimal lighting effect in a given space. This design is often an under appreciated element of home decor. Outdoor wall lighting with placement alone can give you the feeling of elegance and security. Perfect outdoor wall lighting is a bright idea that adds to the image of your home and can increase your homes value.

When planning outdoor wall lighting you must look at what activities will occur, what atmosphere you wish to create and the decorative elements you need to emphasize. There are two main goals for outdoor lighting. The first is to enhance the aesthetic beauty of a homes landscape and second, is to increase security.

The basic types of lighting are general, accent, task and security. General lighting emits a comfortable level of brightness, enables one to see and walk about safely and a basic form of lighting that replaces sunlight.

Accent lighting directs the light to emphasize a particular object or architectural detail. Accent lighting requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting around it.

Task lighting helps you perform a specific task and it should be free of distracting glare or shadows. It should also be bright enough to prevent eye strain.

Security lights and fixtures are practical and effective ways to prevent crime around your home. Statistics show that crimes are less likely to occur because lighting is an excellent deterrent.

Since there are so many outdoor wall lighting fixtures your choices can become quite confusing and intimidating. Here are a few ideas on what fixtures work best in which areas. Exterior wall sconces are the most traditional form of outdoor lighting. They provide style and ample light for safety at night.

Lanterns and wall sconces are excellent choices for main entrances and the garage. They complete the look of your entryway with an old world feel. Outdoor flush mounts are the perfect touch for covered porches or where a size requirement prevents anything larger. They often have matching wall sconces to complete the picture.

Ceiling fixtures seem to be popular for porches and breezeways. Post lights are used to light main driveways and walkways. Pier mount adapters allow you to install outdoor post lamps on your wall or column. Flood lights are excellent for providing extra security near entrances or as a down light on outdoor decks or back yards. Some outdoor lighting fixtures include photocells that turn lights on at sunset and off at sunrise when you are away.

Some areas for accent lighting would be climbing rose bushes, unusual trees and shrubs or a swimming pool. These can all become focal points with the proper outdoor wall lighting. The select elements for security are main entranceways, driveways, walkways, steps, paths and garage entrance.

Out door wall lighting prices vary widely. Adding a dimmer switch can save energy and extend the life of the bulb while saving you money. Many people execute their lighting plans in stages adding additional lighting fixtures each year.

New landscape lighting bulbs can provide twenty five percent more light and a much longer life span. The consumer has choices of incandescent, compact florescent, LED, mercury vapor and halogen.

There is greater attention given to the fixtures construction and finishes. Matte finishes such as nickel, brushed steel and weathered patinas provide more depth and blend smoothly with various decor styles. These fixtures must endure harsh extremes of temperature and weather. Check to make certain that the finishes are durable and are UL certified for out door use.

Whether you select warm tones or lighting that makes your landscape come alive, you will be able to enjoy your surrounding and feel safe at the same time.