The Benefits of Cost-Effective and Durable Outdoor Lights
Investing in good quality outdoor lights can significantly enhance your home’s appeal. Not only does it add a sense of beauty and comfort to the space, but it also increases its usability after dark.
The best outdoor lighting fixtures are made from durable materials that withstand the elements. These include composite, aluminum, brass, and copper.
Cost-Effective
String lights can be a fun and inexpensive way to add illumination to outdoor spaces. They are also easy to install and require minimal maintenance.
These string plastic outdoor lights are often made with glass incandescent or LED light bulbs that have a classic, warm glow. They come in a variety of colors and sizes to suit different outdoor lighting needs.
Many of these bulbs last up to 50,000 hours, which means they won’t need to be replaced as often. They also don’t become as hot when they are turned on, which is a great feature for outdoor patio lighting.
They’re also a safer option than glass bulbs, which can shatter when they’re dropped. These lights also have an attractive, minimalist look that doesn’t overpower the space or other decorations.
Outdoor landscape lighting illuminates areas that are prone to tripping hazards, such as pathways and walkways. They can also highlight a home’s exterior features, such as sculptures and fountains.
Durable
Plastic outdoor lights can withstand the elements for years to come. Unlike powder-coated aluminum outdoor lighting, they won’t rust or fade over time.
They’re also able to handle the bumps and bangs that occur when they’re in use. They’ll stand up to strong winds, rain, and snow, without corroding or cracking.
When choosing an outdoor string light, look for a product that has a UL listing and meets a minimum IP rating. This number defines how much dust and water a string light can handle before it breaks down.
Many of the lights we tested feature a clip built into each bulb that makes it easy to hang them from gutters or other structures. Others have holes that allow you to affix the cord to rafters or other surfaces.
If you don’t have an outlet to power your string lights, consider USB-powered or solar options. These will help you avoid tangled wires and expensive electricity bills.
Recyclable
If you’re like most people, you have a string of Christmas lights that is in need of replacing. Some of your light strings have broken bulbs, and the rest of them are a little dimmer than they used to be.
The good news is that these older light strings are a highly recyclable commodity. They are made from a variety of plastics, copper, and glass, and once separated out for reuse they can be extremely valuable.
Keeping your old light strings out of the landfill is important because they can contain harmful materials that could seep into the soil. Alternatively, they can be donated to an organization that will spread some holiday cheer around your community.
If you’re unsure about where to drop off your old lights, check with a local recycling center. They should have a permanent facility for electronics and often hold special e-waste collection days throughout the year, which are also usually sponsored by your local government.
Environmentally Friendly
There are many eco-friendly options for outdoor lighting that will not only light up your home, but also save you money and protect the environment. You can choose from LED, halogen, or CFL bulbs, as well as solar powered lights that can be used with a timer to turn on and off automatically.
Another eco-friendly option is to use natural lighting. Unlike artificial light, sunlight has many positive benefits including mood enhancement and vitamin D intake.
The best way to incorporate eco-friendly lighting into your landscape is to shop for sustainable lamps and light fixtures that use repurposed or recycled materials. These can be found in lamp shades, sconces, pendants, or table and floor lamps.
Burrow curates a selection of sustainable lighting solutions from several brand partners. These include London sustainable lighting brand Tala, which produces woven lamp shades made from PET bottles and natural plant fibers.