Having a well-lit outdoor space can not only elevate your yard, but it can also help you create a welcoming and inviting space. There are many ways to create a warm ambiance and balanced look with your landscape lighting. Before you invest in outdoor lighting, it’s important to know what you want to illuminate and emphasize in your yard – and how to do it. These are 10 landscape lighting tips that will help you create a beautiful, stylish property that glows.
1. Plan Ahead
Before choosing fixtures and lighting for your home and yard, it’s important to plan where you want your fixtures placed, and what size of fixtures to use. Use a small template to check the exact size and placement of the fixture you want to buy before making your purchase to ensure it fits well and compliments the area. Some lighting designers even recommend knowing where you want light in your yard before plants or other decorations go in to make the process easier.
2. Calculate What You Need
Knowing how much lighting you need before you start shopping is essential when it comes to keeping within a budget and having an idea of how much your lighting will cost. To get a rough estimate of the total wattage required, multiply the square footage of the area you want to light by 1.5. Once you know how much lighting you’ll need, you’ll have a better idea of your price range, how many lights you need, and what type of lights will fit into your budget.
3. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Although it might be tempting to save a little by choosing lesser quality lights that have a lower price tag, it’s best to invest in sturdy, durable lighting. Outdoor lights have to be durable enough to last through all sorts of various weather which is why you’ll want high-quality fittings made from weather-resistant material that will last. Lights made from high-quality brass are resistant to corrosion and can withstand extreme weather. You can also use brass as a base for your finish which you can then electroplate or powder-coat in nickel, copper, matte black, or bronze.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with using cheaper lighting, but expect it to not last as long. I’ve bought a variety of cheaper lights that often only last a season or two, which is fine if that’s what you need. There’s always a trade-off, so keep that in mind when balancing your budget and lighting choice.
4. Use LEDs
LEDs use far less energy than incandescent bulbs and have become the standard for landscape lighting. They are energy-efficient, durable, and have a reduced heat output. LED lights also come in a variety of lights including yellow and white, so if you’re looking to create a warm ambiance, yellow LEDs are a perfect choice. Another benefit of LEDs is that they are practically maintenance-free, so you won’t be stuck constantly changing the bulbs throughout the year.
5. Get Familiar With The Right Fixtures & Placements
Creating a balanced, well-lit garden means getting to know the right fixtures to ensure you get your landscape lighting right. Pay attention to the type of lights you use in your garden.
Floodlights can light up the entire garden and create a harsh brightness that’s unpleasant if not managed correctly. You’ll also want to ensure that you’re familiar with the placement of the fixtures.
When you place your lights horizontally, you will enhance obstacles or trip hazards on the ground. Vertical lighting, on the other hand, can help accentuate trees and highlight the depth of obstacles like steps. Try not to place lights in a straight line, as this can resemble an airport runway and take away from your yard’s unique appearance.
6. Use a Mixture of Subtle & Dramatic Lighting
There are certain areas where it’s best to use subtle lighting, while other spaces were made to be shown off with dramatic lighting. In areas where you or guests will be eating or sitting and relaxing, keep the lighting low and warm, to create a relaxed atmosphere. Outdoor dining areas look best with indirect, subtle lighting that gives a warm glow and inviting warmth. You can also choose to get a dimmer so that you can adjust the brightness and dim your lights down when you have guests over.
7. Highlight Your Yard’s Best Features
Think about the favorite areas of your yard that you want to accentuate and bring attention to. Once you know what your yard’s best features are, you can use lighting techniques that emphasize them. First, create an evenly lit area, and then add layers by adding spotlights to individual elements and areas gradually. Make sure to add spotlights slowly to avoid overlighting and causing hash lighting.
8. Prioritize Safety & Security
Not only does outdoor lighting create a warm, pleasant ambiance – it can also help secure your home by lighting all of your entrances. A common goal when setting up lighting is to make sure that your entrances and pathways are well-lit.
You can also illuminate the sides of your house, especially shadows that are tough to see. Spotlights and lanterns can help keep your home secure and safe. By doing this, you’ll also light hazardous areas in your garden including stairs, pathways, and walls that may present a tripping hazard in the dark.
9. Include The Three Types of Lighting
There are three main types of lighting you can include when lighting your property. Ambient, task, and accent lighting will give your yard a well-balanced look. Ambient lighting is achieved through wall lights, hanging lights, and post lights, while task lighting includes pathway, security, and deck lights. Accent lighting, also known as highlighting, emphasizes certain areas and objects to make them stand out. Including the three types of lighting will help you get a balanced, beautifully lit property.
10. Don’t Overdo It
One of the most important things to keep in mind while lighting your property is to not overdo it. It can be tempting to add bright lights all over your yard, but overlighting your garden can be overwhelming and create a harsh light that’s difficult to look at. Dark areas in your yard are essential to creating contrast and balance. Not only will this help tie together the look of your property, but it will also help you reduce light pollution and save on your energy bill.
Regardless of the style of lighting you choose for your property, it’s important to know the right way to light your property to create a warm, inviting ambiance. With these landscape lighting tips, you’ll be able to create an elegant and beautifully lit property that will stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.
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