10 Creative Outdoor Lighting Ideas to Light Up Your Driveway in Hinsdale, IL
If your driveway is illuminated by a single light set atop a post - or a garage-mounted floodlight - and you feel that look is boring or outdated, then you’ll be glad to know that there are alternatives that look better and perform better, to make your driveway more appealing. Here are 10 creative outdoor lighting ideas to light up your driveway in Hinsdale, IL.
Driveway lighting can be hard-wired or solar-powered.
The pros to hard-wired lighting is that you won’t have to replace the fixtures, only bulbs (and with modern LED lighting technology, this is something you won’t have to worry about for many, many years). The cost of adding lighting along the length of your driveway isn’t huge, either up front (the cost of the fixtures plus installation), or long-term. Outdoor LED landscape lighting technology is extremely efficient and bulbs last into the tens of thousands of hours, which translates to worry-free lighting for 5-10 years.
The pros to solar lights is that there is no electricity cost, and no installation cost (many are set on stakes you simply push into the ground); however, they may not have replaceable bulbs, meaning you will have to replace the entire fixture, which could be a hassle if a particular style of light has been discontinued.
String lights add a festive flair to your driveway. A series of lights along the length of your driveway offers plenty of illumination, but with a more fun vibe than fixed lighting. The downside is that they will need to be replaced every couple of seasons.
Up-down lights at the garage: this chic approach adds curb appeal while adding light to the area immediately by the garage - this is a good solution for a short driveway and adds a focal point for visitors that says, “You’ve arrived.”
In-ground lighting: Runway-style lighting integrated into the driveway’s surface (along the slides) can be a dramatic way to add light; the look is unobtrusive during the day, and show-stopping after dark.
Post-mounted solar lights: if your driveway has a fence along its length, you can add solar-powered fixtures to each post (no wiring needed).
Path lighting. Knee-high path lighting doesn’t just illuminate walkways or stepping stone paths; in fact, you can create an integrated look by using the same lights on your front walkway as you do your driveway.
Barn light: add some farmhouse chic to your garage with a rustic downward-focused barn light, to offer plenty of illumination at the garage. You can echo the look at the front door, or even where your driveway meets the road.
Add more post lights. If you already have one post light, adding several more along the driveway will add elegance; you can also continue this along the walkway to the front door. Keep them the same style for elegance, or mix styles for a fun boho look.
Outdoor-rated rope lighting works in the same way as fixtures integrated into the driveway’s surface, although it’s a more temporary solution as the ropes will need replacing every couple of seasons.
Pillar lights: if your driveway entrance is defined by masonry pillars, you could continue this look along its length with attractive pillar lights. This is another technique that could also be used to create a warm welcome along your front walkway.
Add drama and interest with spotlights integrated into shrubbery, rock gardens, or other landscape features that line the driveway.
