Considering Lighting Needs
The right landscape lighting ideas for your space depends on what you want to accomplish. Pathway and stair lighting provides safety for those entering or leaving the home. Lights placed in darker areas near doors and windows increase security by deterring intruders. Decorative lighting, such as posts, pendants and cove lighting, add ambiance to any outdoor space. Spotlight and bullet lights highlight yard features so they are visible at night. Incorporating landscape lighting ideas into deck, patio, pool and backyard areas increases the amount of time family and friends can stay outdoors for entertainment and relaxing.
Landscape Lighting Options
Lights for the landscape come in different power sources, including low voltage, solar and line voltage. Solar lights rely on the sun for power. They come on at dusk and typically remain on for several hours depending on how sunny it was during the day. Low voltage lights require 12 or 24 volts, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle and an appropriately rated outdoor transformer for operation. Line voltage landscape lighting is ideal for commercial settings and large properties. This style of lighting requires professional installation due to the increased electrical load.
Bulb Type
Another consideration for types of landscape lighting is the bulbs. Halogen bulbs are budget friendly, but do require more electricity than the other options. Incandescent and fluorescent bulbs are still used in some lighting fixtures, but they have a shorter lifespan than halogen and LED models. LED landscape lighting bulbs require less electricity, burn at a lower temperature and last longer than the other types available. Metal halide bulbs are high-intensity but require vaporized metal halides and mercury to produce light. These and Xenon bulbs work well for showing off color and in areas requiring bright light.
Types of Lights
Planning your landscape lighting ideas requires an understanding of the types of lights available. Place post lights around 12 inches from a walkway, or use a brighter light that shines downward for pathway lighting. In-ground or well lights are ideal for lighting pool areas and accenting specific features in the landscape. Flood and spotlight lamps can shine up or down through trees or along the home’s facade for increased ambiance. Bullet lights highlight decorative elements and are adjustable for increased control of the lighting direction.
Landscape Lighting Components
Most landscape lighting requires additional components, including electrical cables and wires, transformers, sockets and lenses. Make sure to verify what is included with the lights you choose for a smoother installation. There are also photocells and timers available that let you control when the lights turn on and off each day.
Lumens
The lumens, or brightness, of different types of landscape lighting varies by the overall look you’re trying to achieve. Use bulbs with lower lumens for ambient light and brighter ones for path and outdoor entertainment areas.
Lighting Styles for Any Decor
Landscape lights are available in different colors, finishes, materials and styles that match the look of your home. Choose modern landscape lights for a contemporary feel, or go with transitional options and create a more rustic appearance. Mix and match materials and colors that complement the exterior of your home.
Create New Spaces with Lighting
Landscape lighting ideas help you transform your outdoor spaces at night. Use different fixtures to create entirely new looks after dark, or let strategically placed lights show off the beauty of your home and yard in new ways.