How to Select Outdoor Lighting Fixtures: A Redwood City Homeowner’s Guide
Whether you're lighting up a cozy backyard or setting the tone for a modern front entry, outdoor lighting can completely transform your space. At Coast Lighting, we’ve helped thousands of Bay Area homeowners, designers, and contractors choose fixtures that not only look great but also stand up to our unique Redwood City weather and lifestyle.
So, how do you pick the perfect outdoor lighting? Let’s walk through it.
Why Outdoor Lighting Matters
It Sets the Mood
The way your home or yard is lit can instantly change its vibe. Soft uplighting under trees gives a romantic, resort-like feel. Sleek sconces by the garage offer a modern edge. A little light goes a long way when it’s done right.
It Adds Safety and Function
Pathway lights, motion sensors, and wall sconces make navigating your property safer. It’s especially helpful around steps, driveways, or side yards.
It Boosts Curb Appeal
Beautiful lighting isn’t just functional, it’s a design element. It adds dimension and polish that can elevate your home’s overall look, even at night.
Step 1: Know Your Outdoor Zones
Every outdoor space is different, and the best lighting layout depends on how you use your space. We usually break things down into a few key zones:
Front Entry
This is your welcome moment. Wall lanterns or sconces on either side of the door are a timeless choice. Want something a little different? A pendant or flush-mount fixture above the door works great if you have a covered porch.
Garage & Driveway
Consider sconces or overhead fixtures for lighting around the garage. Add some ground-level lights to guide the driveway. Motion sensors can help conserve energy while keeping things secure.
Backyard & Patio
This is where ambiance really matters. Use string lights, recessed step lights, or sleek bollards to define the space. We also love adding landscape lights around plants or seating areas for that soft glow.
Walkways & Paths
Path lights (the kind that sit low to the ground) make navigation easier while giving your yard structure and elegance. Just be sure to space them evenly, every 5 to 8 feet is a good rule of thumb.
Landscape & Trees
Use spotlights or uplights to highlight trees, statues, or architectural elements. These bring your landscaping to life after dark and help balance your overall lighting plan.
Step 2: Choose the Right Fixture Types
Now that you know where you want the light, it’s time to explore your options. Here are some popular types of outdoor fixtures and what they’re best for:
Wall Lights & Sconces
Great for: Entryways, patios, garages
Mounted to a wall, these come in endless styles, modern, classic, and industrial. Go with clear glass for maximum light or frosted for a softer glow.
Post Lights
Great for: Driveways, gates, fences
These mount to posts and add a nice architectural element. Just be sure your post is secure and weather-treated.
Path Lights
Great for: Sidewalks, garden beds, backyards
These are low to the ground and provide subtle, useful lighting. Look for LED versions for energy savings.
Floodlights & Spotlights
Great for: Security, landscaping
Use these to illuminate large areas or highlight focal points. Want them to turn on automatically? Choose a motion sensor or dusk-to-dawn model.
String Lights
Great for: Patios, pergolas, party spaces
These add instant charm and are super flexible. Just make sure they’re rated for outdoor use.
Step & Deck Lights
Great for: Stairs, decks, railings
These tuck right into hardscape or deck materials and help prevent tripping while creating a sleek look.
Step 3: Make Sure It’s Built for Outdoors
Not all lights are created equal, especially outdoors. Always check the rating before you install anything outside.
Wet-Rated vs. Damp-Rated
- Wet-rated fixtures can handle direct exposure to water. Think open areas, uncovered porches, or garden lights.
- Damp-rated fixtures are fine in protected spots like under eaves or covered patios.
At Coast Lighting, we’ll make sure every fixture you choose is rated properly for where it’s going.
Materials That Last
Outdoor lights have to handle everything from coastal fog to summer sun. Go for weather-resistant finishes like powder-coated aluminum, stainless steel, or brass.
Step 4: Match the Style of Your Home
Your outdoor lighting should feel like a natural extension of your home’s architecture.
Modern & Minimal
Go for sleek lines, matte black or brass finishes, and geometric shapes.
Traditional or Classic
Lantern-style sconces, clear glass panels, and warm finishes like bronze or copper work beautifully.
Coastal & Casual
White or silver finishes, seeded glass, and soft curves complement this look well, especially here in Redwood City, where that laid-back Bay Area style shines.
Step 5: Don’t Forget the Light Bulbs
LED is the way to go, no question.
Why We Recommend LED
- Energy-efficient
- Long-lasting
- Cool to the touch
- Available in a range of color temperatures (from warm white to daylight)
For residential exteriors, we often recommend a
2700K to 3000K bulb. It’s warm, inviting, and works well across most outdoor settings.
Step 6: Come See the Fixtures In Person
Photos are great, but nothing beats seeing the lights up close. That’s why our Redwood City showroom features a wide selection of outdoor lighting, from path lights to pendants.
What You’ll Find in Our Showroom:
- Hands-on product comparisons
- Lighting consultants to guide your layout
- Finish samples and style guides
- Landscape lighting displays for inspiration
Walk in anytime or book an appointment if you’d like one-on-one help.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor lighting should do more than just light the way; it should reflect your style, elevate your space, and work as hard as you do. Whether you're refreshing your patio, finishing a new build, or just swapping out old fixtures, our team at Coast Lighting is here to help you make the right choice.
Stop by our Redwood City showroom or check out our website to explore outdoor lighting options tailored for the Bay Area lifestyle.