You can improve landscape lighting by using a variety of lighting techniques with a mix of lighting fixtures. You might be surprised just how much lighting can impact the look and feel of your commercial or residential property. The following tips are sure to set you up for success.
4 Tips to Improve Landscape Lighting
#1. Use a variety of landscaping lighting techniques
There are many different types of landscape lighting techniques from accent or spot lighting to shadowing effects. Using an assortment of different techniques is a great way to add style and dimension to your yard.
Here’s an overview of some of the more commonly applied landscaping lighting techniques:
Accent lighting (spot lighting): This involves using an intense beam of light that is focused on a certain accent point in your yard, such as a small shrub, sign, or flower. The goal of accent lighting is to draw the eye to the areas you want to bring attention.
Shadowing: Lighting an object from two different locations – typically behind or in front, as well as below, this creates a mystical effect similar to what is naturally created around dusk.
Downlighting: Using something like a tree ring light fixture allows you to mount lights in higher up locations, and as a result, you can cast light over a broader area. Landscape flood lighting grants more opportunity for entertaining after dark because it bathes the yard in fluid light. Downlights can be placed farther down near the ground if being used to highlight a flower or garden bed.
Uplighting: The opposite of downlighting, uplighting involves aiming light upwards. This often involves burying lighting fixtures in the ground so that they point straight up. This creates a dramatic effect that is somewhat reminiscent of theater lighting.
Diffused lighting: Also known as spread lighting, diffused lighting offers coverage over a wider area at lower levels. For instance, bollard lights are often used to cast a soft glow across patios, driveways and pathways. Keep in mind, the goal is to illuminate the actual path or focal point more than the actual fixture.
#2. Light up the right areas
Lighting up the right areas of your landscaping is key to a job well done. Some of the most important areas to focus on adding lighting elements to include:
- Near the building or home – focusing on entry points and access windows. This adds charm and can even help deter thieves and criminals from breaking in.
- Driveway – anywhere that cars frequent should be well lit to improve safety and visibility.
- Signs & front entrances – from addresses to your business name, all key identifiers should be well-lit.
- Steps and pathways – steps and pathways need to be lit so that people can safely navigate after dark and know where to go.
#3. Use a variety of lighting fixtures
There are a wide range of lighting techniques, and there is an equally broad range of lighting fixtures. There are bollards, in-ground lights, tree ring lights, and the list goes on. Using a mixture of different types of lighting fixtures is key to moving the eye around and creating a dynamic space.
Here’s an overview of different types of lighting fixtures that work great when mixed and matched:
Bollard and post lights: Bollards come in a couple different heights but offer a little leverage for lighting. They are also a stylish addition to your yard.
Mushroom lights: Lower than bollard lights, but still with a little bit of height, mushroom lights are low to the ground with a mushroom-like cap that filters light to cast a soft glow.
Tree ring light: This fixture hangs in the trees, creating an awesome downward or upward lighting effect depending on how you adjust the bulbs.
Rock light: This light rocks – quite literally! It is disguised as a rock with a built-in LED light that puts off a warm glow perfect for highlighting your palm trees or flowers.
Bullet light: Impervious to the outdoor elements, like all of our products, the bullet light provides a sharp stream of light that can be used to illuminate features or cast a glow over your patio or walkway.
Landscape flood light: These high-powered lights offer a surplus of light, quite literally flooding your space in adequate lighting.
#4. Switch to LED lights
You can improve energy efficiency and quality of light by switching to LED lighting. LED is leading the way and is the future of landscaping. For one, it is more efficient and saves a lot of energy. Plus, bulbs last a lot longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Therefore, you don’t have to change them as often and that means less maintenance and money spent. LED is quickly becoming the number one choice across industries. That’s why we include LED lights in all of our landscape lighting fixtures.
Landscape Lighting by TerraCast Products
Shop our complete collection of landscape lighting – from bullet lights to tree ring lights, we offer a great variety of options to choose from. Plus, our fixtures are made in the USA using high quality materials and a unique mix of materials that make them resistant to rust, corrosion, fading, and more. Learn more