How To shop for premium outdoor lights online?

Outdoor lighting can make a huge difference in highlighting the best features of your home’s exterior and landscape. While affordable options may tempt you, investing in premium fixtures made of weather-resistant materials that provide superior illumination will elevate your space. Shopping for luxury outdoor lights simply requires knowing what features to look for and where to find reputable brands online. With this guide, you’ll be able to upgrade your home with beautiful lighting that withstands the elements, when you shop for premium outdoor lights online from premium sites like Fusion Lighting. 

Determine Your Lighting Plan

Carefully evaluate your needs before shopping so you select the best lights for your goals. Do you want to showcase specific architectural or landscaping details? Need pathway illumination from the driveway to the front door? Looking to create an ambient glow over a patio space for evening entertaining? Consider your home’s style as well so the lighting matches or enhances the exterior aesthetic. Having a lighting plan for both function and visual appeal will ensure you get the right fixtures.

Research High-End Brands

Outdoor lighting contains a wide spectrum of quality, so focus your search on brands known for using premium materials that back their products with generous warranties. Hand-blown glass, marine-grade brass, UV-resistant plastics, and weatherproof powder coating all indicate durability. Look for at least a one-year warranty but the best brands offer warranties of five years or lifetime replacement. Some reputable high-end outdoor lighting brands include Kuzco Lighting, Hudson Valley, Sea Gull Lighting, and Progress Lighting.

Verify Materials and Finishes

Outdoor lighting fixtures experience constant exposure to humidity, rain, snow, and sunlight. So only consider options made of non-corrosive materials like aluminum, stainless steel, tempered glass, and UV-resistant polyethylene. Also look at finish options like powder coating, plating, and anodized metals which prevent rust and stand up to extreme weather. These premium materials and treatments might cost more upfront but ensure your lighting fixtures last for years instead of one season.

Compare Lumens for Brightness

Lumens indicate the brightness of a light bulb, which directly affects the visibility and ambiance created. For subtle accent lighting, 100-400 lumens is likely sufficient. But for illuminating pathways, and entryways or highlighting architectural features, look for at least 800-1300 lumens. Consider the size of the area you want to light as well. The best outdoor lighting allows you to swap out bulbs as needed to increase or reduce intensity.

Evaluate Special Features

Many premium outdoor lights now come with special features that not only make them convenient to use but also enhance durability. Consider fixtures with built-in timers, motion sensors, solar panels, or smart technology to control lighting via your phone, tablet, or home assistant. Photocells that automatically turn lights on at dusk add convenience while helping bulbs last longer compared to constant burning.

Check Return Policies and Warranties

Before making any final purchases, ensure the retailer and lighting manufacturer offer strong return policies and product warranties. Know what timeline you have for returns if the items are damaged in shipping or simply not what you expected upon seeing them in person. Also, research the brand’s warranty so you understand what kind of replacement coverage you’ll receive if defects arise during ownership. Reputable lighting brands will have at least a 1-year warranty.

Compare Retailer Shipping Costs

When purchasing larger lighting fixtures like exterior sconces for chandeliers, shipping costs can really vary between online stores. Make shipping estimates part of your upfront price comparisons when evaluating options on lighting brand websites, Amazon, and specialty e-commerce sites. Consider bundling items in your cart to potentially qualify for free shipping minimums. For extremely fragile items, look for white glove delivery options even if they add expense for the extra care in transport.

Conclusion

By carefully planning your needs, vetting materials and features, comparing retailers, and inspecting policies around shipping and warranties, you can upgrade your home with spectacular premium exterior lighting that truly withstands the test of time and weather. Follow these tips when making investments into statement-making outdoor fixtures to showcase your home’s best architectural elements.