How to Place Floodlights Around Your House

How to Place Floodlights Around Your House
Written By
John Smith
John Smith
Published: Dec 28, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Security

Step 1

Place floodlights with a motion detector above all the exterior doors of your house, including entryways from patios or decks. Mount the floodlights at a height of 7 to 8 feet.

Step 2

Locate a floodlight with a motion sensor above your garage door to shine light on the driveway as you come and go.

Step 3

Install floodlights with motion sensors on the corners of your house. Make sure the lights are facing downward and inward so they don't disturb your neighbors.

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Safety

Step 1

Place a floodlight so it illuminates the number on your house. This will help visitors and emergency workers find your home more easily.

Step 2

Install floodlights to shine on the pathways around your house, such as from the driveway to the front door.

Step 3

Position floodlights to shine on decks, pools and patios. Illuminating a pool is particularly important for safety reasons. Consider floodlights with colored bulbs for these areas to create a festive atmosphere.

Appearance

Step 1

Install floodlights at ground level to show off landscaping features, such as a tree or flowers, in front of your house. Angle these floodlights slightly upward up at an angle.

Step 2

Locate floodlights where they will cast light on an architectural feature of your home, such as a column or bay window. Tilt these lights upward.

Step 3

Install temporary floodlights to highlight seasonal decorations, such as a ghost in a tree for Halloween, or a Christmas manger scene.

Tips

Floodlights that have an electric-eye switch are a good option. These lights come on when the sun goes down, and turn off at dawn.

Warnings

Don't place a floodlight where it will shine directly into the house. A bright light actually will reduce your security, because it will limit your ability to see outside.

Photo Credits

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images News/Getty Images

John Smith

John Smith began writing back in 2003. Smith is a technology writer currently living in Lansing, Mich. His articles have appeared in online publications including PC World and IGN, where he specializes in mobile apps for both Android and…

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