Location

• Like interior lighting, there are a myriad of places that you can locate your exterior light sources. The most important thing is to determine what the purpose of the light source is--is it to illuminate a pathway at night, to show off a focal point in your garden or just to look pretty. Whatever its purpose, it must be located to actually achieve this aim.
  
  The different types of exterior lighting include wall-mounted lanterns and spot lights. Wall-mounted lanterns are usually installed for practical purposes such as illuminating a wall or passageway. Spot lights tend to be used as accent lighting, to show off a sculpture or particular plant. Especially in the case of wall lanterns, it's often difficult to decide where to position the light. In this case, it may be helpful to make a cut-out in the shape of the lamp and move it around to decide where it would look the best.
  
  

Lighting Period

• As a general rule, you should only turn on lights if and when you need them--this rule applies for both interior and exterior lighting. This not only is good for the environment but it also reduces your electricity bill and household energy consumption.
  
  Using motion-sensitive lights is a common way to decrease the amount of time that lights are turned on. This is primarily for exterior lighting that is used to illuminate a pathway or doorway for practical reasons. By installing motion detectors, the lights will only come on when someone comes near and the passageway needs to be illuminated. At other times, the lights will be off, saving electricity.
  
  

Light Pollution

• You should remember that wherever you put lots of lights, you are creating light pollution in your neighbourhood. Even if it's just in your garden, you should be aware of how your exterior lighting is affecting your neighbors.
  
  For example, the spotlight you have illuminating your cherry tree may look very good, but it also shines into your neighbor's bedroom window. Not only is this irritating for your neighbors but they could also lodge a complaint against you with the local authorities. Therefore, remember that you can have too much exterior lighting around your home.