Outdoor lighting has the power to completely transform the look and feel of your home’s exterior. Whether it’s improving curb appeal, creating ambiance, or increasing safety, thoughtful lighting makes a big impact. In this Ask Brian feature, interior designer Brian Gluckstein shares expert outdoor lighting advice to help you choose the right fixtures, placements, and installation strategy for your home.

Current Trends in Outdoor Lighting

What are the trends for outdoor lighting right now?

There’s definitely a greater emphasis on outdoor lighting today than in the past. Homeowners are treating the exterior with the same attention to detail as the interior. That means a layered approach—combining sconces, pendants, and landscape lighting—to create both drama and function. You’re not just lighting the path or the door anymore. It’s about highlighting architectural features, guiding the eye through the garden, and creating a sense of atmosphere after dark. If you’re not sure where to begin, start with the basics of outdoor lighting advice: think about your entryway first, then build out from there with garden and pathway lighting.

Choosing the Right Style

How do I choose the right lighting style for my home? 

Start by considering either the architecture of your home or the style of your interior—whichever you want to express outdoors. If your home is traditional but your interiors are more modern, you might choose outdoor lighting that bridges both styles. Personally, I love the contrast of contemporary fixtures on a classic home. Outdoor lighting is a great way to express your design point of view.

Do all the outdoor lights need to match?

I always suggest keeping a consistent lighting style throughout the exterior. With so many other visual elements outside—brickwork, railings, plants, furniture—mixing lighting styles can create visual clutter. Choose fixtures from the same collection or with similar finishes and shapes to unify the look.

Should I use a pendant or a fan on a covered porch?

That depends on the airflow. If the space is enclosed or doesn’t get much breeze, a fan is a good option for circulation and comfort. If the area is already open and airy, a pendant might work better to add soft lighting and a decorative touch. Either way, make sure the fixture is rated for outdoor use.

Landscape Lighting and Garden Placement

How should I use outdoor lighting around trees and garden beds?

Lighting your landscape should be about creating mood—not replicating daylight. Focus on a few key focal points, like a beautiful tree, a sculptural hydrangea, or a feature wall. I like using a mix of lighting sources: fixtures mounted under porticos, sconces on walls, and soft garden lighting placed discreetly among the plants. This kind of layered approach is one of the most valuable pieces of outdoor lighting advice I can give—it elevates the space while keeping it visually calm.

Installation and Fixture Placement

How high should I hang outdoor sconces?

Sconces placed beside the front door should be mounted around five and a half to six feet from the ground. That height creates a balanced look and ensures the light is both functional and flattering.

How low should a pendant hang outside?

An outdoor pendant should hang high enough to avoid interference as people walk beneath it. I like to place it a little higher than I would inside. That extra height helps reduce swing from wind and keeps the space feeling open.

Can outdoor pot lights be converted to pendants?

Yes, it’s possible with the help of a licensed electrician. That said, I’m not a big fan of pot lights under the eaves. They tend to create harsh hot spots on brick surfaces. I prefer to focus on lighting the garden or architectural features rather than washing the structure in light. A well-lit exterior should feel elegant and atmospheric—not overlit.

Can I replace outdoor lighting myself? 

Any electrical work, even outdoors, should be done by a licensed electrician. It’s safer and ensures your fixtures are installed to code. Even if you’re replacing an existing light, professional installation guarantees a secure and weatherproof connection.

From selecting the right fixtures to planning the perfect placement, Brian Gluckstein’s outdoor lighting advice is all about enhancing your home’s beauty, safety, and ambiance. Whether you’re updating a porch, garden, or front entry, thoughtful lighting design will elevate your outdoor spaces and help them shine—day and night. Have more questions about outdoor design? Follow @glucksteinhome to submit your questions for the next Ask Brian feature.

Photography by A Plus Creative