Permanent Outdoor Lights: Outward VS Downward-Facing. Which Is Better?

When choosing permanent outdoor lights for your home, it’s essential to consider several factors, including design, functionality, and budget. Among the decisions you'll need to make is whether to install outward-facing or downward-facing lights. This decision may seem small, but it can have a significant impact on how your home looks and how you experience the lighting every day.

While many homeowners research key features like color options and app functionality, the choice between outward and downward-facing lights is often overlooked. However, this choice can make the difference between being thrilled with your lighting system, or, having a system that looks like it wasn't properly installed. You want your home to be the talk of the town, not the butt of your neighborhood's worst dad jokes.

So, which option is better? The honest answer is—it depends. In this article, we’ll explore both options in depth, helping you make the most informed choice for your specific needs.

What Are Outward-Facing Permanent Outdoor Lights?

Outward-facing lights are the classic, forward-projecting lights most people envision when thinking of holiday lighting. Here’s what you need to know about this style:

• Design: They are most commonly installed in the gutter and drip edge of the home but for an added cost you could add a channel. With the LED bulbs facing outward, projecting light directly away from the structure.
• Functionality: Outward-facing lights can be controlled via a smartphone app, allowing you to adjust colors, set timers, and program holiday displays.
• Purpose: They are ideal for creating a traditional holiday lighting look, offering high visibility from a distance. You’ll never need to climb ladders or deal with tangled strings of lights again!

When to Choose Outward-Facing Lights:

• Punchy, Bright Displays: Outward-facing lights are bold, highly visible, and great for making a strong statement. Businesses, in particular, love these lights because they attract attention.
• Simpler Installation: These lights are generally less expensive and less complex than their downward-facing counterparts, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners who want the basics.
  
  

What Are Downward-Facing Permanent Outdoor Lights?

Downward-facing permanent outdoor lights offer a more sophisticated alternative to the traditional outward-facing option. While they provide the same app-based control and customization, they open the door to more refined and flexible lighting solutions.

• Design: These lights are installed inside channels with the LED bulbs pointing downward, illuminating your home’s architecture rather than projecting light straight out.
• Functionality: Downward-facing lights provide all the features of outward-facing lights, with additional benefits, such as more nuanced lighting effects.
• Purpose: Ideal for homeowners who want their lights to complement and enhance the design of their home, rather than just serving as a bright holiday display.

When to Choose Downward-Facing Lights:

• Architectural Enhancement: If you want your lights to highlight the architectural details of your home, downward-facing lights offer a soft, ambient glow that enhances the beauty of your property.
• Greater Versatility: Downward-facing lights allow for more sophisticated lighting effects, such as color washing, animations, and shading. This flexibility lets you customize your lighting for various moods, seasons, or special occasions.
  
  

What’s the Difference Between Outward-Facing and Downward-Facing Permanent Outdoor Lights?

The main difference between these two options lies in how they illuminate your home and the overall effect they produce. Here’s a breakdown of key differences:

Outward-Facing Permanent Outdoor Lights: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Ideal for traditional holiday displays
• Highly visible from a distance
• More affordable
• Easier and faster to install

Cons:

• Limited versatility (not ideal for year-round architectural lighting)
• Can be too bright or overwhelming for some settings
• Lacks more advanced color and animation options

Downward-Facing Permanent Outdoor Lights: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Perfect for subtle, sophisticated lighting effects
• Great for enhancing the appearance of your home’s architecture
• More versatile in terms of color, shading, and animations
• Can still mimic traditional holiday lighting when needed

Cons:

• More expensive
• Requires a more complex installation
• Not as punchy or visible from a distance for those who prefer bright, bold displays

Which Style Of Permanent Outdoor Lights Is Better for You?

Now that you know the difference, which is better for you? Outward or downward-facing lights? The truth is, that both options have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your goals.

Consider Outward-Facing Lights If:

• You want bright, bold lighting that grabs attention.
• You primarily need lights for holidays or events, and you’re less concerned about subtle, year-round lighting.
• You’re looking for a more cost-effective solution.
• You’re installing lights on a business or commercial property where visibility is key.

Consider Downward-Facing Lights If:

• You want your lights to blend more seamlessly with your home’s design, offering a refined look.
• You’re interested in using your lights year-round, for both holidays and regular architectural accenting.
• You want the flexibility to create more complex light displays, including animations and shading.
• You’re willing to invest a bit more in exchange for greater customization options.

Key Questions to Help You Decide

To determine whether outward-facing or downward-facing lights are right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What kind of lighting effect do I want?
   • Do you want bright, eye-catching lights, or a more subtle, elegant glow?
2. How versatile do I need the lights to be?
   • Will you use the lights only for holidays, or would you like to use them year-round?
3. What is my budget?
   • When researching how much permanent outdoor lights cost, you will find that outward-facing lights are less expensive, while downward-facing lights offer more features at a higher cost.
4. Am I installing lights on my home or business?
   • For homes, downward-facing lights can enhance curb appeal, while outward-facing lights are more effective for drawing attention to a business.
5. How do I want my home to look at night?
   • Do you want bold illumination or a subtle enhancement of your home’s architecture?

Which Type Of Permanent Outdoor Lights Are Right for Your Home?

This article gives you everything you need to choose between outward-facing or downward-facing permanent outdoor lights. But, this is only one of many choices you will need to make while shopping for the lights that are best for your needs. 

There are many other topics to consider and many other questions that need to be answered before you can make a final decision. Would you like to learn more about permanent outdoor lights so that you can choose the lighting solution that is most appropriate for your requirements? 

If you answered yes, then it is time to move on to the next article which is called Permanent Christmas Lights: What You Need To Know Before Buying. With the information in this blog article, you will have everything you need to figure out if permanent outdoor lights are a good solution for your home’s outdoor lighting needs, or not.