With a few key upgrades, you can turn your yard into a holiday-ready nighttime party space. And thanks to strides in LED lighting technology, that means you’ll save money on the lights themselves while enjoying far more options than traditional bulbs.
LED lights are more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs, and they don’t produce the warm color of halogen lights that can attract gnats, moths, and other insect party crashers to your after-dark festivities. That’s not to mention that they last a lot longer and don’t need as much maintenance.
Unlike traditional bulbs, which often need to be replaced after a couple of years, LEDs can go for 20 or more before they burn out. This can save you a ton of money and eliminate the headache of monitoring your landscape for burned-out bulbs.
With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that homeowners are increasingly choosing to add outdoor LED lights to their decorating repertoire. These lights are easy to install, free of extra steps and adjustable in length. Plus, they can be adjusted to a wide variety of colors—which can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your space.
When shopping for led outdoor lights, consider how large of an area you want to illuminate and the number of fixtures that you’ll need. For example, if you’re looking to illuminate a walkway, you’ll want a fixture with a high lumen output and low-profile design to minimize visual impact on the surrounding landscaping. If you’re lighting a large outdoor space, you may want multiple fixtures that can be controlled separately to light up a walkway and highlight a focal point like a tree or plant bed.
If you want to control your lights from an app, choose a model that has a built-in smart feature. This allows you to use a smartphone or tablet to change the settings for each light in your chain. For example, you can set a timer to automatically turn the lights on and off each day, or switch them to a Dusk to Dawn mode where they’ll illuminate at dusk and turn off at dawn.
Another thing to look for is waterproof LEDs. These are great game-changers, as they can resist rain, sprinkler water, jet stream splashes and other elements that can quickly damage your lights. Plus, they’re easy to clean with a wet rag or sponge, so you can keep your home in the best condition possible.
For the ultimate in versatility, opt for a string of solar-powered LED lights. These are ideal for illuminating pathways, stairs or sticking into plant pots, and can be installed anywhere the sun is shining. They’re also weather-resistant and have a cool-to-the-touch exterior, so you can leave them up year round. Plus, since they don’t emit UV rays, you won’t have to worry about attracting moths or other insects to your backyard.