Outdoor Lighting Ideas to Enhance a Landscape
Properties with water features like swimming pools, fountains, and ponds can use lighting for ambiance and added safety.
Carefully selected and strategically placed outdoor lighting solutions offer numerous benefits. They can elevate the overall landscape design, take the curb appeal to the next level, make the outdoor space usable at night, and increase the safety and security of the exteriors. Outdoor lighting helps create an inviting atmosphere for gatherings and highlights the best property features.
There are various outdoor lighting solutions available tailored for different areas and purposes. Homeowners should consider the purpose of lighting their outdoors before exploring different options and choosing the right light type. Here are some fantastic outdoor lighting ideas that can work for any landscape:
Illuminate the water features
Properties with water features like swimming pools, fountains, and ponds can use lighting for ambiance and added safety. The proper lighting design technique creates depth and ambiance. Appropriate lighting gives these features the attention they deserve after the sun goes down. Underwater lights combined with accent lighting can make the water features stand out and create a perfect backyard oasis.
Light up the trees
Lighting up the trees can amp up the landscape’s wow factor. Uplighting or downlighting can illuminate trees and plants to add life to the garden. Homeowners can consider moonlights to light up tall trees from above. Well lights or recessed ground lights can be used to illuminate the yard area or as an accent light to highlight plants and shrubs.
Enhance the architectural details
Place the outdoor lights strategically to focus on the property’s unique architectural elements like pillars, columns, or statues. Wall sconces can enhance the overall lighting plan, make the outdoor architectural feature more attractive, and create a lasting impression.
Walkways and pathways lighting
Lighting up the pathways and walkways helps navigate the property safely at night, adding a charming element to the landscape design. There are different styles of path lights available, and property owners can choose the light that blends well with the rest of the landscape and provides enough brightness for the traffic the walkway or pathway gets.
Highlight the deck and stairs
Integrated deck lights, wall lights, or deck post lights can brighten up areas where there is a risk of falling if someone misses a step. They are perfect for lighting areas around the edges of decks, patios, steps, and fences. Illuminating hardscaping features with appropriate light fixtures creates a warm, ambient light effect and emphasizes the unique material texture.
Illuminate the outdoor living spaces
Adding task lighting for areas like decks, patios, and pergolas can extend the use of these outdoor living spaces. It provides enough illumination for hosting get-togethers or dining, making these areas enjoyable even after sunset.
Some valuable tips to consider while designing outdoor lighting:
Opt for LEDs
Install sufficient fixtures, but do not overdesign the outdoors
Layer the lighting
Combine different types of outdoor lights and be creative with styles and finishes
Incorporate fire pits and bowls into the design
Consider motion-activated lights
Combine warm and cool lights
Several factors require consideration for outdoor lighting ideas, design, and installation. A professional can ensure proper landscape lighting to accomplish various goals, including safety, functionality, and aesthetics. Consult a local landscaper to fulfill all the outdoor lighting dreams.
