When done right, landscape lighting can completely transform the look and feel of your outdoor spaces. Not only does it boost curb appeal, but it also enhances safety and security of your home. Whether you’re lighting up a pathway, accenting architectural features, or highlighting garden elements, designing the perfect setup requires some thought and planning. That’s where this landscape lighting placement guide comes in especially handy!
This guide will walk you through the key considerations for creating a stunning and functional outdoor lighting plan!
Why Landscape Lighting Matters
Outdoor lighting is about more than just aesthetics. It serves multiple purposes:
- Safety: Illuminate walkways, driveways, and stairs to prevent accidents.
- Security: Well-lit homes deter intruders and enhance visibility.
- Ambiance: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.
- Showcasing Features: Highlight your home’s best architectural and landscaping elements.
With so many benefits, it’s no wonder landscape lighting is a top choice for homeowners looking to enhance their property’s exterior.
When Starting Landscape Lighting, Consider This…
1. Start with a Landscape Lighting Placement Guide
Proper placement is crucial for achieving a balanced and harmonious look. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Pathways: Use low-level lighting to illuminate walkways without overpowering the space.
- Entrances: Place lights on either side of the door or overhead for welcoming illumination.
- Garden Features: Accent trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds with spotlights or well lights.
- Water Features: Add underwater lights to fountains or ponds for a dramatic effect.
- Decks and Patios: Incorporate step lights or recessed fixtures to ensure safety and create ambiance.
2. Choose the Right Fixtures
The type of fixture you choose can significantly impact the overall design and functionality. Common options include:
- Spotlights: Ideal for highlighting focal points like trees or statues.
- Floodlights: Best for covering large areas, such as driveways or patios.
- Path Lights: Great for guiding pathways and enhancing safety.
- Well Lights: Perfect for creating an uplighting effect.
- String Lights: Add charm and warmth to outdoor seating areas.
3. Consider Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient options like LED lights can save money and reduce your environmental impact. LED bulbs last longer and consume less power, making them a smart choice for homeowners.
4. Voltage Systems: Low Voltage vs. 110V
When planning your landscape lighting system, you’ll need to decide between low-voltage (12V) and standard voltage (110V) systems. Low-voltage systems are generally safer and more energy-efficient, while 110V systems are better suited for large, high-intensity lighting setups.Â
Consulting with a professional can help you determine the best option for your needs.
5. Balance Functionality and Aesthetics
A well-designed landscape lighting plan strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Avoid overcrowding with too many fixtures, and use layered lighting to create depth and dimension.Â
Additionally, you can experiment with different styles, colors, angles and brightness levels to achieve the perfect look.
Other Aspects to Consider
Before you begin the process of placing landscape lighting around your home, there are a couple of things to keep in mind in order to get the best results.
Keep reading to learn some aspects to consider when adding landscape lighting to your home!
1. Focal Points
Do you have parts of your outdoor areas that you love and want to draw more attention to? Carefully consider light placement for these spots and decide the best way to illuminate them.Â
With proper light placement, you can create focal points around your outdoor space to highlight your favorite spots!
2. Consistency
If you’re planning to put landscape lighting in more than one area, make sure your lighting is evenly distributed.Â
For example, don’t leave a big section of your backyard dark when the rest is illuminated with bright lights. Unlit portions that don’t match the other areas will throw off your aesthetic and also make people ignore or overlook that area.
3. Understand Uplighting vs. Downlighting
The way you position your lights will make a big difference when you turn them on. Learn about some positioning options:Â
Uplighting refers to lights that are installed at low or ground level and shine upward. Downlighting refers to lights that shine downward, so they would be installed at a higher level to create a downward light effect.
Choose the lighting effect that you think works best for the features you’re planning to highlight. For instance—if you have a tree that you really love in your yard, uplighting would be the best way to go. On the other hand, consider downlighting to illuminate features like water or pathways.
4. Light Size
Make sure to choose a lighting fixture size that blends well with the elements in your outdoor spaces. For example, if you’re lighting a pathway, don’t choose lights that are too big—they may block parts of the walking area.Â
Alternatively, choosing a small light to illuminate larger features of your home may look tacky or not work sufficiently for that space.
5. Style & Color
You’ll find that there’s a plethora of options from which to choose when you begin shopping around for your lights. Choose styles and colors that compliment the features of your outdoor spaces.Â
If you have a more modern home, you may opt for more contemporary outdoor lights with a minimalistic look—like square or sphere-shaped fixtures with neutral colors, for example.Â
You can also choose more ornate fixtures as well, like those with florals or decorative hooks. It all depends on your taste and what style suits your home best.
Enhance Your Outdoor Space with Shine
At Shine, we specialize in creating beautifully lit outdoor spaces that enhance your home’s appeal and functionality. Whether you need help designing a landscape lighting placement guide or want to explore additional residential services like window cleaning, gutter cleaning, or holiday lighting, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to make your home shine? Get your free estimate today, or find a location near you to get started with our professional landscape lighting services.