Landscape lighting transforms your outdoor living space by creating an elegant setting at night and amplifying the beautiful aspects of your home. This includes areas around a pool, on the deck and near fire pits. Furthermore, it adds security and visibility to the exterior.
Creating a lighting plan is about balancing functionality with visibility and security. With different lighting products in the market, it can be intimidating to settle on one type.
Here are four tips for choosing landscape lighting for your home’s exterior spaces.
Assess Your Property
The first step before comparing the different lighting options available is to assess your property, and determine the type of ambiance that you want to convey with the lighting plan.
Are you looking to highlight certain features that define your house? Understanding your needs will make it easier to know what to purchase. In your backyard, you can opt for lights that illuminate the fire pit and deck areas, allowing you to use these spaces at night.
You can determine your lighting needs by walking around your yard at night. Note the dark areas and those that require lighting. Next, check your power source, as this is where you’ll connect your lights. A close source will save you the hassle of using a cable or having someone install exterior outlets.
With these things in mind, you can then approach a retailer and discuss the options available. The retailer will also advise you on whether to have a contractor install the outdoor lights or you can simply do it yourself. Note that you may need to combine different lighting fixtures to create a cohesive appearance.
Understand the Various Lighting Types Available
There are different lighting types available depending on your preferences. Some outdoor lighting fixtures have app-controlled switches and timers that control the time the lights go on and off.
You’ll also come across various lighting types like low-voltage lighting, LED, solar lighting and CFL. Low-voltage lights use 12V and connect to a transformer through wires that run across the soil, or the wires can be buried underground.
Solar lighting is more eco-friendly and comes with a solar rechargeable battery. Although solar lighting fixtures remain bright for some hours, they are not as bright as wired fixtures. LED lighting fixtures are energy-efficient and durable. You can expect to spend less on your energy costs.
Compact fluorescent lighting or CFL bulbs are also an option to consider, but they are not energy-efficient or long-lasting.
Find a Lighting Fixture Style That Fits the Design of Your Home
Apart from functionality, the right light fixture needs to match your home’s design. The common outdoor lighting styles include:
- Smart lighting: You can control the lights from your phone via an app. With smart lighting, you can determine the brightness, change the color, or even set a custom ambiance.
- Motion sensor lights: These lights turn on when there’s movement and are perfect for securing your yard.
- Flood Lights: Floodlights cast a wide beam and provide a lot of light to an area. You can use them to light up house facades or trees.
- Wall-mounted lights: These are hung on a wall or on each side of the door to provide light.
- String lights: These lights have small light bulbs placed on a cord. They are available in different designs and are simple to install.
Ensure That the lighting Fixtures Match Your Yard
The right outdoor light fixture should blend with your landscape. For example, look for fixtures that curve downward if you have a sloped landscape or curved landscape features in your yard. Also, you can choose light fixtures that are taller if you have a small garden. Find fixtures that complement the light they’re meant to provide without being overwhelming.
Also, avoid getting multiple fixtures that cast light all over your exterior. Instead, opt for post lights, floodlights, or outdoor chandeliers for a striking effect if you have a big compound with a lot of trees. You can also create a dramatic effect with accent lights or recessed lights.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to landscape lighting. Your lighting needs may differ from your neighbor’s based on the type of effect you’re looking to create and the features you have in your outdoor living space. With the tips above, you should find the right fixtures that fit your home and needs.
