Outdoor lighting is a great way to ensure safety while enjoying the outdoors after sunset. But sometimes dealing with wiring can be a hassle, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Fortunately there are wireless outdoor lighting solutions that can fit any budget or design.
Because most wireless outdoor lighting systems rely on battery or solar power, you can save money on power in the long run while designing creatively. Below are tips and solutions for your next outdoor lighting project.
Choosing an outdoor light fixture
Of course, there are important considerations when choosing outdoor lighting fixtures. Before you get to work, research these factors to ensure your light fixtures are a safe and effective choice for your home.
Is the light fixture weather-proof? Make sure the outdoor light fixtures of your choice can withstand the elements. Think about your environment’s climate. What temperatures does the fixture need to withstand? Will rain, snow, or humidity become an issue?
How do you control the light fixture? If you have a smart-home system in place, you likely want your new light fixtures to sync with your existing platform. If you don’t have a smart-home system, you may want to begin using an intuitive system or consider a light fixture that is activated with motion or a physical on/off switch.
How do you install the light fixture? Even though these light fixtures don’t require wiring, you still want to do some research into their setup process, just to be sure. Select a light fixture you know how to install and one that won’t violate any conditions in your home area.
How much does the light fixture cost? As with most products, consider cost before finalizing your design plans — you don’t want any last-minute shock.
Why do you want a light fixture? For the most part, people install outdoor lighting systems to increase security, ensure safe mobility in the dark, or for aesthetic purposes. Because different lights will suit different purposes, it’s a good idea to have your potential needs in mind before you begin choosing light fixtures.
Light fixture options. While there are plenty of outdoor light fixture options on the market (too many to cover in this one post), below are choices you might want to look into.
Purely aesthetic
If you want to use outdoor lighting to switch up your outdoor design, these fixtures can do just that. Wireless functionality gives you the ability to create spaces with your lighting choices that might have been impossible with wired systems.
PlayBulb garden ($39.99)
Each PlayBulb garden light can be set up anywhere in your yard for an instant burst of light and color. Plug them into a pointed monopod to insert them into soil or grass for a more permanent fixture. The lights are solar powered and water resistant, making them suited for outdoor use.
Once fully charged, PlayBulb garden lights can last for twenty hours, and can be set to turn on/off automatically based on the ambient light. The lights’ color and effects can be controlled via smartphone, and you can use the lights for many things, including safety walking along a garden path, to create ambiance at an outdoor party, or you can take them with you on your next camping trip.
Solar power feature lights
One of the simplest aesthetic options is the use of solar powered lights to highlight outdoor features in your yard. Place these lights so they shine on a plant or sculpture, allowing you to enjoy its beauty even at night.
Two great feature light options include the Moonrays Solar Power Rock Spotlight ($12), which blends in well with your landscaping, or the Wildon Home Seriously Solar 10 Light Step Kit ($44.99), which lets you arrange 10 attached lights however you wish. These options do not connect to smart-home hubs, but provide great wireless options for outdoor lighting design.
PlayBulb Light String ($49.98)
Another PlayBulb product, the Light String, allows you to design outdoor lighting using a flexible, 33-ft strand of lights. These lights are battery powered and water resistant, so you are able to place them wherever you want without worrying about weather or wiring.
The Light String connects to your phone, which can control the color, timing, effect, and intensity of the light.
Purely practical
Security and safety are at the forefront of many homeowners’ minds. Thankfully, these quality wireless products for outdoor lighting that can help protect your home.
NovoLink solar LED motion-activated light ($69.99)
When something triggers its motion sensor, the NovoLink solar LED motion-activated light uses solar power (with a backup battery) to provide bright light in two directions. Your smartphone can control the light through a Bluetooth connection, allowing you to change the settings and brightness as required. The light can shine continuously for up to an hour.
eLEDing safety flood light ($79.73)
While the eLEDing safety flood light light may not have Bluetooth compatibility like the one above, it is hardy. This light will work in weather conditions ranging from -4F to +125F, is water resistant, and has UV protection. You can choose from two modes: the light can either turn on with motion or remain on from dusk-dawn and increase in brightness after detecting motion.
Frostfire bright LED motion sensor light ($12.99)
If you’re unsure if you want to put down a lot of money on your outdoor lighting, the Frostfire lights may your best option. At 6 x 4 in., these lights are tiny but powerful. They remain on at a dim setting from dusk to dawn, but shine brightly for 10 seconds after detecting motion. The lights are easy to mount and heat and water resistant.
Source: MakeUseOf
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