The Do’s And Don’ts Of Outdoor Landscape Lighting
Whether you’re a seasoned landscaper or just starting your outdoor makeover, lighting plays a key role in creating an inviting and functional space – read on to find out our top tips & what not to do!
Welcome to the ultimate Do’s and Don’ts guide to outdoor landscape lighting! Whether you’re a seasoned landscaper or just starting your outdoor makeover, lighting plays a key role in creating an inviting and functional space that meets the needs of the property.
We’re here to help you illuminate your yard, retail business, shopping center, parking lot, rental properties and more. Let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts of outdoor landscape lighting.
The Do’s
Do Plan Your Lighting Design
Before you start, sketch out a plan of your yard or property with critical areas to light. Consider the focal points like pathways, trees, entrances, exits and architectural features.
A well-thought-out plan ensures that you highlight the best parts of your property. Design plans can be developed with the help of a landscaping professional or by yourself.
You know your property best which is a benefit when thinking about how to light it up when it gets dark outside.
Do Use LED Energy-Efficient Lights
LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting and available in various colors and intensities. They save you money on your energy bill and reduce maintenance since they don’t need frequent replacement.
LED lights offer best-in-class energy-efficiency, light strength, hue accuracy and quality for outdoor landscape lighting.
Do Mix and Match Lighting Types
Combine different types of lights to create a dynamic and layered look. Path lights, spotlights, and accent lights each serve unique purposes.
Path lights guide your way, spotlights emphasize features and accent lights add a touch of magic. Use the thousands of types of lights available to your advantage.
Lights designed to illuminate corners can be done with specialized light fixtures, pathway lights can be completed with pathway specific lights with covers that keep the light on the walkway and out of competing streams of light.
C2CLights.com carries thousands of lighting fixtures, many with very specific illumination purposes. Mix and match models and fixture types to your advantage to create a custom outdoor lighting plan.
Do Consider Solar Lights
Solar lights are an eco-friendly option that harnesses the power of the sun. They’re easy to install and perfect for areas where wiring is impractical. Just make sure they receive enough sunlight during the day to work efficiently at night.
Solar lights allow you to place lights in isolated areas or areas with no access to electricity. Running a wire from lights over or under multiple ground types can be difficult.
Do Focus On Safety
Ensure your pathways, stairs, and driveways are well-lit to prevent accidents. Proper lighting around these areas enhances safety for you and your guests. This may require flood lights or large areas or small and hidden lighting fixtures for rails, steps and walkways.
Lights on a timer also allow you to ensure that outdoor areas remain well-lit throughout the evening and night to avoid accidents and injuries.
Image Source: Generated by AI
Use Timers And Smart Controls
Automate your lighting with timers or smart controls. Set your lights to turn on and off at specific times or control them remotely using a smartphone. This saves energy, helps increase the safety of your property from potential accidents and increases convenience.
Smart lights and timer lights are a great addition for commercial properties and can be an amazing time saver for homeowners that travel or do not want to have to turn on their outdoor lights every night.
The Don’ts
Don’t Overdo It
Avoid the temptation to light up every inch of your garden. Too much lighting can be overwhelming and detract from the natural beauty of your landscape. Too many lights is inefficient and overwhelming. Be careful and deliberate with your lighting placements and lumens.
Don’t Forget About Light Pollution
Be mindful of your neighbors and the environment. Excessive outdoor lighting can cause light pollution, affecting wildlife and disrupting sleep patterns.
Use shields and direct lights downward to minimize this impact. This also ties into the don’t overdo it step, light pollution will be caused by too many light fixtures or by lights that are too strong or do not have the appropriate filtering or shields to block errant light.
Don’t Ignore Maintenance
Outdoor lights are exposed to the elements and need regular maintenance. Clean the fixtures, check for damage, and replace bulbs as needed.
Well-maintained lights ensure consistent performance and longevity whereas dead lights can lead to potential hazards or accidents on the property and will not look aesthetically pleasing.
Don’t Mix Color Temperatures
Stick to one color temperature for a cohesive look. Mixing warm and cool lights can create a jarring effect.
Warm lights (around 2700K-3000K) are ideal for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and bright blue-white lights (4500K-6500K) are similar to daylight and will not match well with warm lights.
Don’t Place Lights Too Close Together
Space your lights appropriately to avoid a cluttered look. Placing lights too close together can cause overlapping beams and uneven lighting. Let light breathe and space out evenly on their own.
Too much light will be overpowering and difficult to look at and maintain. Aim for an even distribution that highlights your landscape’s best features.
Don’t Forget About Energy Consumption
It’s important to be energy conscious while planning your outdoor lights. Opt for energy-efficient fixtures and bulbs to minimize your carbon footprint and reduce electricity costs. LEDs are a great option for this.
Fun and Functional Lighting Ideas
String Lights In Trees
Add a whimsical touch by draping string lights in your trees. This creates a fairy-tale ambiance perfect for outdoor gatherings. This can be a great idea for a backyard deck or seating area.
Image Source: standret on Freepik.com
Lanterns For A Classic Look
Use lanterns to line your pathways or decorate your patio. They provide a timeless aesthetic and can be either solar-powered or traditional. These are great because they can brighten up spaces from the floor, sitting on ledges, handing from posts or branches and more.
Underwater Lights For Pools
Highlight your water features with underwater lights. They add a dramatic effect and create a stunning nighttime focal point. Not to mention pool lights make your pool usable and enjoyable at night without causing much light pollution to the surrounding areas. No pool should be used without proper pool lighting for safety.
This can also apply to fountains and ponds on your property. Properly lighting water features is highly important for safety and for highlighting and illuminating beautiful features on your property.
Motion Sensor Lights For Security
Enhance your home’s security with motion sensor lights. They provide illumination when needed and can deter unwanted visitors. These are great because they are not always running. These lights turn on when the sensor picks up on motion in its proximity.
Tips For Landscape Lighting
Choose The Right Fixtures
Selecting the appropriate fixtures is critical for successful uplighting. Look for fixtures that are specifically designed for outdoor use and are weather-resistant.
Uplights come in various styles, including bullet lights and well lights, each serving different purposes.
Bullet lights are versatile and can be angled to highlight trees or architectural features, while well lights are set into the ground for a subtle effect.
Highlight Focal Points
Uplighting is perfect for showcasing the most stunning features of your landscape. Use it to accentuate trees, statues, or the façade of your home.
Position the lights at the base of the feature and angle them upwards to create dramatic shadows and striking visual effects.
Experiment With Angles
The angle at which you position your uplights can significantly impact the overall look. A steeper angle will create a more dramatic effect with elongated shadows, while a shallow angle offers a softer glow.
Play around with different positions to find the most flattering illumination for each feature.
Layer Your Lighting
Combine different types of uplights for a layered lighting effect. For example, use a mixture of bullet lights for tall trees and smaller accent lights for shrubs or garden sculptures.
This approach adds depth and dimension to your landscape, making it more visually appealing.
Consider Light Intensity
Not all uplights need to be equally bright. Use higher intensity bulbs for tall trees and larger architectural elements, and softer lights for smaller plants and features.
This variation creates a more balanced and natural appearance.
Mind The Shadows
Uplighting creates beautiful and sometimes dramatic shadows that can add intrigue to your landscape.
Position your lights in a way that casts shadows where they enhance the beauty of your garden or home.
However, avoid casting shadows that obscure pathways or other essential areas.
By following these do’s and don’ts and learning from our helpful tips and tricks, you’ll create a beautifully lit outdoor space that’s both functional and enchanting.