As the sun sets earlier over the Des Moines metro and the first frost settles into the ground, navigating your front walk can feel like a trek across a skating rink. At Spectrum Lighting & Interiors in Urbandale, we believe your home should be a beacon of safety even in the harshest conditions. When the Iowa winter brings sleet and snow, proper exterior lighting isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s your first line of defense against slips and falls. Get started today.

Prioritize High-Visibility Pathway Lighting

To effectively combat "black ice" and uneven snow accumulation, you need consistent pathway lighting that eliminates deep shadows. We recommend spacing fixtures roughly 6 to 8 feet apart to create overlapping pools of light. For our local climate, LED bollards or tiered path lights are ideal because they direct light downward exactly where you need it most. By choosing fixtures with a warmer color temperature (2700K to 3000K), you can cut through the winter glare without blinding yourself or your guests.

Choose Durable, Weather-Resistant Outdoor Fixtures

Iowa winters are notoriously tough on hardware, with "frost heave" and road salt threatening to corrode your investment. When selecting outdoor fixtures, look for heavy-gauge materials like solid brass, copper, or high-quality die-cast aluminum with a powder-coated finish. These materials stand up to moisture and temperature fluctuations far better than thin plastics. At our Urbandale showroom, we help you find "wet location-rated" options that ensure internal components stay dry even when buried under a snowdrift.

Integrate Smart Landscaping Lighting for Early Sunsets

With darkness falling before many of us even leave the office, automation is key to winter safety. Incorporating smart landscaping lighting controls—such as astronomical timers or motion sensors—ensures your walkways are illuminated the moment you pull into the driveway. Motion-activated floodlights can also provide a burst of high-intensity light for high-traffic areas like stairs or side entries, giving you peace of mind that every potential hazard is visible.

STOP BY TODAY

Don't wait for the next winter storm to realize your walkways are a hazard. By investing in high-quality exterior lighting, you protect your family and enhance your home's curb appeal all year round. Visit Spectrum Lighting & Interiors on 104th Street today; our ALA-certified experts are ready to help you choose the perfect outdoor lighting solutions to keep your Urbandale home safe and bright this season.

Shop All Lighting