Outdoor lighting has many benefits, of which we'll discuss here. It's primary function is for security purposes, both in warding off unwelcome night-time visitors and for ensuring safe travel around your property as well, especially when children are in the household and random toys and other objects are bound to be scattered around yards, driveways and walkways.

But beyond their security measures, outdoor lighting can also be pleasing aesthetically, either complementing an existing design or adding a wholly unique flair to it. Outdoor lighting is not just restricted to pathways or driveways; it can also be used to light up shrubbery or garden patches, a pool, or a rest and relaxation area. Lights can also be placed with great effect on a gazebo or patio umbrella. There's really no limit in what you can pull off with outdoor lighting.

Flood lighting is common for large outdoor areas, especially backyards, and can also be used to light up trees, shrubs or other objects of interest. For smaller trees or shrubs, recessed lighting is more appropriate, adding a subtle effect to these objects. As with most outdoor lighting, recessed lights can come in electric or solar powered varieties. The solar lights are not quite as bright as their electric siblings, so depending on the look you're aiming to achieve you may be better off with one or the other.

While the choice of size and color is surely the most important design aspect, the placement of the lights will also play a role in well the effect is pulled off. With electric lights you'll want to make sure wiring is hidden. This is most often accomplished by running the wires under the ground, but you may have other options depending on the area. Installing the wiring beneath the ground can of course cost a good deal of money, in which case solar lighting is a more than viable alternative.

When lining pathways with multiple lights, it's important that the lights be spaced at regular intervals, and also at a good distance apart. Setting them too close may cause the area to become overly brightened, while too far apart could have the opposite effect. Landscaping lights should also be at the same height, which may require precise planting of ground lights to make sure their stands are the same distance beneath the ground. In areas where the pathway slopes gently up or downhill, you may not be able to pull this off and in fact it's probably better if you don't attempt to do so.

Get creative with your lighting and use it both to protect your family and make your property more welcome and inviting to others. The available options are nearly limitless.