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There are many types of outdoor sconces available, which cater to different needs and aesthetic preferences. Security is often a concern, especially for exterior staircases and other dark outdoor spaces, which is vastly improved with proper lighting. These areas can be converted into comfortable and inviting zones by carefully and tastefully choosing different types of outdoor sconces.

Outdoor sconces are available in several shapes and designs and are constructed of various materials such as wrought iron, glass, pewter, or brass. Some designs are contemporary, while others tend towards traditional. Other styles include Mission, Moroccan and Southwestern. Often, outdoor sconces combine several styles and fall somewhere between nostalgic and modern. Whichever style of sconce you choose, rest assured you’ll be adding elegance to your home while making your home and yard a safer place.

Aside from the many styles of sconces available, there are many garden lighting manufacturers from which to choose. You may decide to select a sconce that also matches other fixtures within the manufacturer’s line that you can also incorporate into your outdoor lighting scheme such as pendant fixtures, lanterns or other accent lights.

Some sconces project light up and down, which is referred to as uplighting and downlighting, while others only aim light in one direction. If you prefer clean, white light, the sconces featuring xenon or halogen bulbs provide that effect. There are also various features, such as dimmers, which allow you maximum versatility with your outdoor sconces.

For more general lighting rather an directional, the preferred material is glass. A glass outdoor sconce, fitted with standard bulbs, produces diffused light, which is suitable for areas like stairways or porches. Some areas need mood lighting instead of  bright lights; a good choice is LED outdoor sconces. LEDs are found in everything from LED plant grow lights to LED traffic lights, and they work wonders in terms of producing even lighting levels for an outdoor setting without blinding occupants.

It’s one thing to simply install a light fixture, but it takes a little knowledge of good techniques for garden lighting to really set your yard apart. Push yourself beyond the expected  path lights or lanterns and add a little drama by trying out one or a combination of these garden lighting techniques:

Spotlighting
Also called accent lighting, spotlighting involves intense, focused light trained at one surface, such as a statue, a tree or a garden trellis or wall of ivy. Spotlighting adds drama, but if overused, can create too much contrast in your garden lighting scheme.

Cross Lighting
By lighting an object from two or more sides, you can emphasize its three-dimensionality against the landscape. A statue, fountain or particularly beautiful tree are all good candidates for cross lighting.

Uplighting
By positioning a fixture at the base of a tree, you can illuminate its canopy by using the uplighting technique. This garden lighting strategy also works against a trellis, statue or any other special surface or object. The effect is dramatic and if not used properly, may look ominous.

Downlighting
A fixture is mounted in a tree or on the edge of a building and directed downwards, casting a wide pool of light. A security fixture, such as flood lighting, qualifies as a downlight, but this technique can also be used to highlight special features within in your garden.

Backlighting
Also called silhouetting, light is aimed at an object from behind so you appreciate its outline or silhouette, with soft light spilling from behind. Statues and trees are the best candidates for this treatment.

Shadowing
The opposite of backlighting, this technique involves lighting an object such as a statue or bush from the front, causing it to cast a dramatic shadow on the surface behind.

Grazing
This technique, also called washing, highlights textured surfaces, such as tree bark or a brick or stucco wall that provides the backdrop for your garden. The fixture “grazes” the surface, exaggerating cracks and crevices.

Moon Lighting
Install a low voltage fixture high in a tree or use a special lens to diffuse the light. This technique emulates natural moon light, creating soft shadows and patterns on the ground below as it filters through the branches.

While it’s not necessary to memorize the name of every garden lighting technique, hopefully these concepts will inspire you to try out a few creative lighting effects in your own garden.