Have you ever complained that your patio does not get enough light or even about an ugly light fixture sticking out like a sore thumb? Consider outdoor recessed lighting for illuminating virtually any outdoor area around your home. This type of lighting is unobtrusive, meaning you won't even notice them until you turn them on to chase away the dark at dusk and night. Your patio, covered walkway, pool area, deck stairs and even driveway can benefit from recessed lighting.

With the big push for going green, outdoor recessed lighting definitely is an environmentally friendly option. With big spotlights, flood lights and even porch lights shining like a beacon over not just your property but others as well, the recessed option for your outdoor lighting needs makes sense. You contribute less light pollution which means no light shining into your windows while you are trying to sleep. Plus, outdoor recessed lighting does not disrupt the life cycle of birds, insects and bugs.

Because outdoor recessed lighting requires that you install your lighting fixture into a recessed area of a wall, ceiling or other surface, it is much harder to relocate. Therefore, you need a plan of action when choosing your lighting options for your outdoor areas. Location is everything. If you install a fixture under a roof overhang, will the light shine into any windows of the home? Will changing the light bulbs be a hindrance because you put the lighting fixture in a high traffic or well-used area?

For outdoor recessed lighting, choose fixtures that allow you to direct the light into various directions. Being able to adjust the angle of the light shining into your outdoor area is important, particularly if you are trying to highlight a special part of your yard such as your barbecue grilling area, a waterfall fountain, a stone garden or special landscaping. Besides, being able to adjust your lighting outdoors is a great feature when you bring any party or friendly gathering outside.

Types of Recessed Lighting to Consider Outdoors

Covered porches and patios are great candidates for outdoor recessed lighting. Without having light fixtures protruding from the ceiling, you do not have to worry about them being damaged or broken by playing children, tall people running into them with their heads, or even carrying large objects that could knock into them.

Wall-mounted outdoor recessed lighting requires installation on a vertical surface. While not as popular as ceiling or overhead options, they are still quite functional. They come in a variety of colors, styles and finishes because they are more visible. These wall-mounted options are great for decks or patio areas that have no overhead coverage, just vertical surfaces of the home or other nearby outdoor building like a garage or shed.

Steps or stairs can benefit from outdoor recessed lighting. Perhaps you have a set of stairs leading from the deck to the yard or even an outdoor stair case leading to the second story of your home. Installing recessed lighting under the steps can help light the way so you can avoid tripping or falling. If you have walking paths that meander through your garden, yard or landscaped area, a great outdoor recessed lighting option to light the way is well lights. These are installed at ground level, either in a specially constructed stand or even within the walkway itself. Water features outside your home such as fish ponds or fountains can also benefit from recessed lighting and there are waterproof options available for this purpose.

In regard to outdoor recessed lighting, create a plan of action when it comes to viable places to install your fixtures as well as what you are trying to accomplish with this lighting. You want the right places to shine.