According to a 2018 survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects, outdoor lighting is one of the most critical design elements in a yard. It makes sense. You want to make full use of your property in the evening and at night as well.

There are various types of outdoor lighting options available. This guide will cover everything you should know about dusk to dawn lighting. You’ll learn what dusk to dawn lights are and what type of lighting to get for your home.

What is Dusk to Dawn Outdoor Lighting

As the name implies, you use dusk to dawn lights to illuminate your property between dusk and dawn. Some dusk to dawn lighting options are automated, and at CAST Lighting there is both a digital and plug-in timer for your needs. 

Alternatively, you might use a manual system. With a manual system, you switch your yard lights on and off from one or more points in your home. Some systems are smart, meaning you can control your lighting from a smartphone or other device.

White house with porch lights on at night

The price of dusk to dawn lighting varies depending on your preferences and needs. Regardless of your budget, it is worth the investment. Great lighting will make your home more comfortable and attractive.

Where Can You Use Dusk to Dawn Lighting

If you want to invest in outdoor lighting for your home, you should talk with a landscape architect or lighting designer. A qualified professional will first discuss your budget and needs. They will then design a lighting plan for the property.

You want a cohesive lighting plan that makes the best use of the three-dimensional environment. Before contacting someone, read our Front of House Lighting Position: 6 Do’s and Don’ts guide for some valuable insights.

The type of lighting fixtures you choose for your property needs to fit your home's decor.

Driveway lights leading down to house

At CAST Lighting, we provide classic light fixtures. Our landscape lights have a timeless design and are made from durable materials like bronze and brass that will last for decades. Click on the links to find more information about our CAST Source and the bronze CAST Classic and Craftsman products.

3 Reasons to Install Dusk to Dawn Lighting

There are many practical and aesthetic reasons to invest in dusk to dawn lighting. The right lighting scheme will open up areas of your property for use at night, deter criminals from breaking into your home, and improve your home’s curb appeal. Let’s look at some of these factors.

1. So You Can Enjoy Your Yard at Night

Imagine sitting outside on the porch on a fresh summer evening. The tree light on the bough of your favorite tree is casting dappled shadows on the grass. The seating area around the pool is all lit up, and your friends are splashing around in the water.

Now imagine that same scene with no lighting. It’s a very different ambiance.

Outdoor lighting allows you to make the most of your property. With the right lighting scheme, outdoor gatherings with friends and family in the gazebo, night parties around the pool, and food and drinks at your outdoor kitchen are all options.

Landscape lighting of palm tress in the front of a white house

If you enjoy hosting friends and having fun, investing in outdoor lighting is a no-brainer.

2. Make Your Home More Secure

According to the FBI, there were nearly 200,000 break-ins at night in the mainland United States in 2020. That’s an alarming number. That figure belies some terrible horror stories of families traumatized and precious possessions stolen.

One of the best ways to reduce the chance of your home being broken into is by ensuring your property is secure.

Outdoor lighting acts as an external deterrent. Outdoor lights make it harder for an unwanted stranger to cross your yard and approach your property in the dark. 

3. Improve Your Curb Appeal

Security is an important consideration when deciding whether to invest in dusk to dawn lighting. Outdoor lights will scare off unwanted strangers from your property.

However, you want to make your home inviting to friends, family, and neighbors.

Appropriate outdoor lighting can help you create that inviting climate. A well-lit porch with lights along the path up to your home sends the world a signal that guests are welcome. It can also leave a good impression with your neighbors, who no doubt appreciate neighbors with a tidy home and an attractive yard.

Finally, outdoor lighting can make your home easier to sell when it comes time to move out. After all, showing a prospective buyer that you care for your property matters.

Summing Up

If you’re a property owner, you want to be able to enjoy your home at all times of the day. You can make various home improvements to help you achieve your goal. One of these improvements can be proper outdoor lighting for your home.

The right outdoor lighting makes your yard somewhere to enjoy after the sun has set. It also makes your home safer. You’ll be able to see where you’re going. Plus, it dissuades burglars from creeping onto your property.

At CAST, we specialize in quality durable lighting fixtures made from bronze and brass. Contact our friendly team today to find out more about our products and where you can purchase them.