Expert picks for outdoor lighting

By Lindsey M. Roberts July 16 at 2:35 PM

Outdoor lighting is often an afterthought in exterior facelifts and landscape designs, something not remembered until the plants are dug, the deck is built and the house is repainted. If you find yourself in this kind of dark spot, dont despair: We talked to professionals for some simple ideas that will make a big, bright impact.

First, a few basic rules:

1. Take your homes architectural style into account: If you have a formal brick Colonial, for example, says David Benton, an architect at Marylands Rill Architects, stick with traditional porch pendants and wall sconces. I think its always key to keep things simple, he says. They look more elegant that way. If you have a house thats a bit more modern, you can play with something contemporary, or even funky or farmhouse style.

2. Dont undersize your lights. Do you have a large front yard? Make sure your light fixtures are large enough that they can be seen from the street. Benton says he tends to go just a little bit larger than he thinks hell need to.

3. Think about the big picture. Once youve got the front lighting set, think about how much total lighting you want to do. You want to err on the side of subtle, says Mark Oxley, president of Outdoor Illumination in Bethesda. Its better to start with less. Then you add to it if you think its not enough.

Its important to take into account your houses style, especially when looking for front-entry lighting, says David Benton, an architect at Bethesdas Rill Architects and the lead architect for the 2014 D.C. Design Houses facade. For a Colonial, rambler or mid-century modern house, Benton likes the Lakehouse wall-mount lantern in Americana Bronze. Its a utilitarian fixture that can go either contemporary or traditional. Perfect for over a garage or mudroom door. ($390, http://www.barnlightelectric.com)

Karen Olson Weaver, who specializes in exterior and landscape lighting as principal lighting designer of Olson Weaver Lighting in Alexandria, uses gas lamps in her projects in older neighborhoods such as Georgetown and Kalorama. Plow & Hearths Old Brooke light, in three colors and sizes, is inspired by early gaslight design but uses a bulb. For sizing, Benton says that a good rule of thumb for lights flanking a front door is that they should each be a quarter of the size of the door. If you only have one, it should be a third of the size of the door. ($44.95-$84.95, http://www.plowhearth.com)

Put candles in Terrains copper Mansard lantern and youll get the comfort of flickering light. If you prefer to avoid the mess of fire and wax, try battery-operated LED candles, Olson Weaver suggests. At some point, things have to be practical, she says ($68-$98, http://www.shopterrain.com).

Benton likes retro-inspired string lights, such as World Markets Edison-style 10-bulb string lights, for creating a party atmosphere that you can leave up all summer. These are really fun on a deck, crisscrossed overhead. Its a nice general light, and theyre festive as well, he says. ($24.99, http://www.worldmarket.com)

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Expert picks for outdoor lighting