If you want to add beauty and interest to your outdoor spaces, look no further than landscape lighting.

Using the right lighting, you can transform your yard from ordinary to extraordinary—whether it’s your garden, patio, or even a pool area. Here’s the thing: Landscape lighting not only looks good but also serves practical purposes, like providing extra light for security or helping to navigate pathways in the dark. 

Ready to upgrade your space? Here’s what you need to know. 

Types of Landscape Lighting

There are three common types of landscape lighting that we’ll be looking at:

1. Path lights
2. Spotlights
3. Wall washers

Path lights

The most common type of landscape lighting is path lights. Path lights are widely used to provide illumination along walkways and pathways for safety and visibility at night. They are usually placed at regular intervals along pathways, spaced about 6-10 feet apart, and often feature either solar powered or low voltage LED bulbs. Path lights come in an array of designs, from traditional to modern, and can be used to create a beautiful ambiance for any outdoor space. Additionally, path lights are easy to install and maintain, making them the perfect choice for adding extra safety and security to your outdoor area.

Spotlights

The second most common type is spotlights. Spotlights are highly versatile and can be used to add drama and focus to certain features in the landscape, such as a tree, fountain, or statue. They are also ideal for creating striking shadow effects on walls and pathways. Spotlights come in many shapes and sizes, so you can easily find one that fits your needs. Additionally, they usually feature LED bulbs with low voltage options available. This makes them energy efficient and long-lasting, as well as safe to use outdoors. With spotlights, you can create beautiful focal points in the landscape while also providing light where it’s needed most.

Wall washers

The third most common type is wall washers. Wall washers are perfect for creating dramatic effects with light, as they wash the walls and surfaces with a soft, even illumination. Wall washers are often used in combination with other types of lighting, such as spotlights or floodlights, to provide more depth and texture to an outdoor space. They can be installed on walls, fences, decks and even trees to help create a unique atmosphere and ambiance. Wall washers typically use either low voltage LED bulbs or solar powered lights, making them an energy-efficient option that is easy to maintain and install.

Tips For Getting the Most Out Of Your Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can be used in a variety of ways to provide your outdoor spaces with the perfect ambiance—it all depends on which type you’re using. 

For example, using spotlights can be great for highlighting certain features like statues, ponds, or trees. They can also be used to create beautiful shadow effects on walls and pathways. Try your best to aim them toward the focus point and space them evenly for the best possible illumination.

Conversely, floodlights provide a wide spread of bright light that is ideal for illuminating larger areas, such as a garden or pool deck. They should be positioned at a height that will spread their beams across the area they are meant to light.

If you’re looking into pathlights, they’re an excellent option to provide light along walkways to make them safer and easier to navigate at night. For the best results, they should be placed at regular intervals of 6-10 feet apart. They also come in a variety of designs depending on what you’re looking for. 

Wall washers are usually used in conjunction with other types of lighting, such as spotlights or floodlights, to help create dramatic effects by washing the walls and surfaces with light. 

Using the right lighting fixtures for your needs can transform an ordinary yard into something truly special, adding beauty and intrigue while also providing much needed security and safety benefits.

With careful consideration, landscape lighting can provide both beauty and practicality to any outdoor space.

Landscape Lighting Color

Color is important for creating certain aesthetics—the color you choose will depend on the overall look and feel you want to achieve. 

For example, warmer tones like soft yellows, golds, and oranges are great for creating a cozy atmosphere in your outdoor space Conversely, cooler tones like blues, purples, and greens can be used to create a more modern look. 

Additionally, white light is often used in landscape lighting—it’s the most neutral tone and can be used to highlight certain features without drawing too much attention. 

The best course of action for choosing colors is to consider how it will work with other elements in the space—for example, furniture or décor pieces. Warm tones may clash with cooler shades while cool tones may not match up well with warm colors. Ultimately, you should select a color that will best complement the overall aesthetic of your outdoor area.

Landscape Lighting Frequently Asked Questions

Do the wires need to be buried?

Landscape lighting wire does need to be buried for safety (and it also provides a better aesthetic!) Burying the wires eliminates any potential trip hazards and helps keep moisture out, preventing corrosion and ensuring a longer lifespan for the lights. Before burying your wires, it’s important to check with your local authority or an experienced electrician to make sure you are following all the necessary regulations and safety protocols. 

Do LED landscape lights use a lot of electricity?

LEDs are very efficient and their low power consumption makes them an excellent lighting option for outdoor areas. An average LED light will typically use up to 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer! This means that you won’t need to worry about replacing your lights as often and can save money on maintenance costs over time. LED landscape lights are also cooler to the touch than traditional lightbulbs which reduces their overall heat output, making them safer to operate in enclosed areas.

Can everyone install their own lighting?

It’s important to have a basic understanding of electricity and wiring before attempting to install your own lighting. Installation of landscape lighting requires knowledge of the local electrical codes, proper installation techniques, and safe handling of electrical components. 

Additionally, it is best to seek the help of a professional if you are uncertain or intimidated by the process. An experienced electrician will be able to advise you on the best type of lighting for your needs as well as how to properly install it so that it is safe and compliant with local regulations. Professional landscaping companies may also offer services such as installing lighting systems or fixtures so that they can ensure they are correctly installed and functioning correctly.

Put the Finishing Touches on Outdoor Areas With Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can be a great way to add an extra layer of beauty and safety to your outdoor areas. 

Using the tips above and choosing the right type of lights, you’ll be able to choose fixtures that best suit your needs and help you create amazing outdoor spaces. 

You can also incorporate LED technology, helping you save on energy costs and increase the lifespan of your fixtures. 

For more information on how LED lighting works (and why it’s best for your lighting fixtures), check out this page. 

LED lighting continues to surge in popularity for residential and commercial applications as the years go on.

The question is: Why use LED lighting? What makes it an attractive option?

Below, we’ll look at the advantages of LED lights over traditional incandescent bulbs, why it is often used in many different settings, how they can be better than a regular bulb, and the pros and cons of using LED lighting. But first, let’s define LED lighting.

What is LED Lighting?

LED lighting, or Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting, is an energy-efficient form of lighting that uses diodes to convert electrical energy into light. This type of lighting has been around since the early 60s but has become increasingly popular for residential and commercial applications due to its cost-saving benefits: They use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last seven times longer.

Advantages of LED Lighting

LED lights offer a range of advantages over traditional incandescent bulbs such as improved light quality and color rendering, better illumination control, lower power consumption, and increased safety. 

They also emit more natural light which can be beneficial for health reasons. LED lights are much cooler than regular bulbs meaning they do not need to be replaced as often since the heat they generate is minimal compared to traditional lightbulbs. 

Furthermore, LEDs have no filament or glass parts, making them much less prone to breakage or shock hazards.

LED lighting is also much more versatile than traditional bulbs due to their smaller size—this allows them to be used in smaller spaces or places with limited space. 

Lastly, as we mentioned, LED lighting provides far better energy efficiency. LED lights can last up to seven times as long as a traditional bulb—this makes them an incredible green option that reduces both your carbon footprint and your energy bill cost.

Disadvantages of LED Lighting

No lighting solution is without disadvantages, and LED lighting is no exception. While we stand behind the efficiency and effectiveness of LED lighting, we need to discuss certain cons. 

For starters, the initial cost is higher than traditional bulbs. You’ll need to spend more upfront to get set up with LED lighting, but the cost savings down the road will more than offset the initial price. 

Although LED lighting produces much less heat than incandescent bulbs, you’ll still need to take heat production into account. This could potentially pose a problem where there are limited ventilation options available for cooling purposes.

Finally, there’s the issue of light dispersion. LED lights with narrow beam angles may require additional lighting fixtures to get the desired light coverage in a room or area. In turn, this may increase installation costs, but it can help create better illumination effects by diffusing light more evenly around the space.

Is LED Lighting the Right Option For You?

Overall, LED lighting has many advantages over traditional incandescent bulbs and is becoming increasingly popular for residential and commercial applications. With improved light quality and color rendering as well as lower power consumption, LED lighting is the perfect choice for anyone looking to reduce their energy bills while helping the environment. As LED technology advances, products will become more affordable and accessible making them an even better choice for those looking to switch over from traditional lighting systems.

It is important to consider all the advantages and disadvantages when deciding what type of lighting system is best for you, but LEDs certainly have a lot going for them. Regardless of why you are in need of lighting solutions, LEDs should definitely be on your list of considerations!

Looking For More Information?

For more information on LED lighting and how they receive power, check out our page on how LED drivers work.

LED lighting provides many benefits for businesses and consumers alike—especially as technology advances through the decade. 

However, one of the biggest benefits of LED lighting is reducing our impact on the environment.

Making the switch to LED lighting is an important step in helping to protect our environment. Not only is it a more energy-efficient form of lighting, but it also produces no emissions or pollutants that can harm the air we breathe and the land we inhabit. This makes LED lighting one of the most eco-friendly options available for illuminating your home or business. 

Below, we’ll dive into the reasons why LED lighting is the best choice for reducing our environmental footprint. But first, let’s talk about what LED lighting really is.

What is LED Lighting, and How Does it Work?

LED lighting is an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly form of illumination that has gained immense popularity since its invention. An LED (Light Emitting Diode) light comprises two main components: the diode itself and an encapsulating package. The diode is the source of the light, while the encapsulation package protects it from the environment and other elements. 

The diode itself consists of a semiconductor material that contains electrons that are able to move freely between two layers when electricity is applied. When this happens, electrons move from one layer to another, releasing photons, also known as light, as they do so. This process creates a bright white light that can be used for various applications, such as indoor lighting, street lights, and spotlights.

The package surrounding the diode is designed to protect it from outside influences like moisture, dust, and other environmental factors that could potentially damage it over time. It’s also designed to dissipate heat away from the diode so that it doesn’t become too hot and burn out prematurely. 

What Makes LED Lighting Environmentally Friendly?

Let’s dive into some of the reasons why LED lighting is more environmentally friendly than other alternatives.

Higher Efficiency

LED lighting is exceptionally efficient, with as much as 85% of the electricity used being converted to light. This efficiency is far better than traditional incandescent bulbs, which only convert around 10-15% of their energy into light. Because LED bulbs produce very little heat, much less energy is wasted in the form of heat compared to other lighting options such as halogen lamps or fluorescent tubes. 

This means that LED lights can provide a brighter source of illumination at a fraction of the power used by these other options—saving you on your energy bills while still enjoying a bright and vibrant atmosphere.

Longer Lifespans

LEDs also have incredibly long lifespans compared to traditional lighting technologies, with an average rated lifespan of 35,000 hours or more. This means that each LED bulb lasts significantly longer than any regular incandescent bulb and needs to be replaced far less often, leading to even more savings over time. 

No Toxic Components or Byproducts

Another major advantage of LED lighting compared to traditional forms of lighting, such as incandescent bulbs or halogen lamps, is its lack of toxic components or byproducts. LEDs contain no mercury or lead and are 100% recyclable—allowing users to take advantage of an efficient light source without worrying about any hazardous materials being released into their environment. 

Furthermore, LED lights don’t generate any harmful UV rays, which can potentially cause skin damage or cancer if exposed over long periods of time. This gives users additional peace of mind regarding their safety when using these products in their homes or offices. 

Recyclability

LED bulbs can also be recycled through special facilities that are designed to handle the specific materials in an LED bulb. These facilities break down the bulbs, extract any usable components and safely dispose of any hazardous materials. This process ensures that no toxins or pollutants are released into the environment, making it a safe and responsible way to dispose of LED lighting products. 

Recycling LED bulbs has several environmental benefits:

• Reducing the amount of waste in landfills – Landfill waste is damaging to the environment due to the potential release of hazardous substances into the soils and water systems over time. 
• Reusing components – By recycling LED bulbs, manufacturers are able to reuse some of the components instead of having to create new ones from scratch, saving resources like energy and raw materials in the process. It also aids in reducing emissions associated with production while saving money on production costs. 

• Protecting ecosystems – Thirdly, recycling LEDs helps protect ecosystems as well as human health. Since LEDs contain no toxic substances or material that can leach into surrounding ecosystems, their recycling helps maintain these areas for future generations without risking their health or safety. Additionally, many of these facilities use energy-efficient processes in order to further reduce environmental impacts from their operations. For example, using solar panels or wind turbines for power instead of relying on traditional sources like coal-fired plants, which have much greater emissions. 

A Greener Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process for LED lights also has positive environmental impacts. The materials used are generally non-toxic and safe, such as gallium nitride, aluminum gallium arsenide, and silicon carbide. This helps reduce the amount of waste going into landfills and cuts down on pollution associated with creating new products from scratch. 

Furthermore, LED production facilities are often powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind turbines, which helps lower their overall carbon footprints compared to traditional power sources such as coal-fired plants. This is especially beneficial for large-scale LED factories producing products on a global scale and selling them across multiple continents. 

Less Heat 

In addition to lowering emissions and preserving resources through recycling, LED lights also create less heat than traditional bulbs do when turned on.

In other words, households won’t need to use as much air conditioning during the hot summer months, which can help cut down on energy use even further. 

Overall, LED lights offer numerous benefits—not just in terms of cost savings but also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting precious resources through responsible manufacturing processes. 

It is this combination of practicality and sustainability that makes LEDs one of the most popular lighting solutions available today. They’re an excellent choice for anyone looking to save money while helping preserve our planet’s future at the same time.

Looking For More Information About LED Lighting?

If you want more information on LED lighting, we’ve got you covered. Check out our section on LED lighting information ranging from myths to use cases here.
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There’s nothing better than tailoring your living space to suit your needs. With the rise of smart homes among the general public, there’s never been a better time to start turning your home into a smart home.

Smart lighting is one of the easiest ways to begin the transformation. They have a low barrier for entry, and they’re highly accessible—a perfect starting point for everyone from newer homeowners to those who want to update an older space. Most people choose to start with smart lighting because it’s an easy way to get introduced to how much easier and convenient having a connected home can be. 

However, smart lighting might be a completely new concept for some. If you’re wondering how to set up smart lights, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve provided a complete guide to smart lighting, including benefits, downsides, types, and installation advice.

What Are the Benefits of Smart Lighting?

Choosing to update all of your home lighting is a big decision. Before you make the switch, you should know about all of the benefits of smart lighting. Some of these include: 

• Savee you money on your energy bill 
• Gives you more control over your home lighting 
• Offers convenience and automation 
• Adds security to your home 
• Enhances your home’s ambiance and decor
• Saves energy by setting timers or connecting them to your home’s energy monitoring system 
• Creates the perfect ambiance for any occasion with adjustable colors and brightness 
• Allows you to set up rules and automation so your lights turn on/off or change color based on time of day, sunset/sunrise, motion sensors, etc. 
• Allows you to use voice commands with devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home 
• Integrates with other smart home devices like door locks, security cameras, thermostats, and more

What Are the Downsides of Smart Lighting? 

Though there are a few downsides to smart lighting, it’s important to take them into consideration before making the switch. Some of the downsides include: 

• They require an initial investment to purchase the smart lights and any necessary hubs or controllers 
• You’ll need a reliable internet connection for most features to work properly 
• Your smart lights will become useless during a power outage unless you have a backup power source

What Types of Smart Lights Are Available? 

Before we dive into how to set up smart lights, it’s crucial for you to know which types are available to you. Each type of smart light has different use cases—here are some of your options.

• Wired – Wired smart lights connect directly to your home’s electrical system and can be controlled with a smart switch, dimmer, or bridge. 
• Wireless – Wireless smart lights use batteries or are solar-powered and can be placed anywhere in your home without running new wiring. They typically communicate with a central hub using different wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Zigbee. 
• Color changing – Color changing smart bulbs can produce millions of different colors so you can create any mood or ambiance you want. 
• White light only – White light only smart bulbs can only produce white light, but they often have a wider range of brightness levels and shades of white to choose from. 
• Multi-function – Multi-function smart bulbs offer the same benefits as a traditional smart light, but they also include built-in features like music speakers, security cameras, or air quality sensors.

What Are Some Things to Consider When Choosing a Smart Lighting System? 

When choosing a smart lighting system, you’ve got a few things to take into consideration. These factors can help you choose the right system for your use case and specific needs. 

Ease of installation

Anytime we integrate new technology into our lives, ease of use and ease of installation is important to consider. Most high-end smart lighting systems are designed with seamless installation in mind, but be sure to research the installation process to avoid any potential headaches. 

Compatibility

When choosing a smart lighting system, make sure that you choose one that is compatible with any current smart devices that you use. This is crucial for those adding smart lighting to an already connected home. 

Features

What features are important to you, and which ones does the system offer? Smart lighting is an investment—make sure the system you choose offers the features you’re looking for! Research the capabilities of the smart lighting systems on your list to make sure you’re getting the best solution for your needs. 

Price

One of the first things to consider anytime we make a purchase is the cost—are we getting a good deal?

In most cases, a good rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for. However, this isn’t always the case. The most expensive option isn’t always the best, and a cheaper option doesn’t always mean you’re getting a subpar product. Researching reviews and combining them with your cost research can help you determine what the best deal is for your situation. 

Reliability

Having reliable smart lights that perform how you want them to is crucial—otherwise, you’ve just wasted your money. Consulting product reviews and recommendations are great ways to evaluate specific smart lighting systems for reliability. 

What Are Some of the Best Smart Lighting Systems On the Market? 

There are so many different smart lighting manufacturers out there: Which one should you choose? 

To help you make the decision, we’ve chosen five of our favorite smart lighting systems on the market. Each has its pros and cons, along with specific features for certain use cases. 

Some of these manufacturers include: 

• Philips Hue
• Belkin WeMo
• LIFX
• Cree Connected
• Sylvania Smart+

All of these manufacturers offer a wide range of products, including bulbs, lamps, light strips, and fixtures. Their systems are compatible with many smart home devices and apps, and they offer a variety of features, including color changing, white light only, and multi-function. 

How to Set Up Smart Lights 

Once you’ve chosen the right smart lighting system for your needs, it’s time to install your smart lights! 

Installation specifics will depend on the manufacturer you’ve chosen—we recommend following the step-by-step instructions found in the instructions manual that comes with your smart lighting system. However, we can provide a general outline of what to expect.

To set up your new smart lights, you’ll likely need the following materials:

• Smart light bulbs 
• Lamp or light fixture 
• Internet router 
• Power outlet 
• Screwdriver (if necessary)

There are different ways you can install your smart lights, which will mostly depend on the manufacturer’s instructions. Here are two of the most common ways:

Wi-Fi

The steps for Wi-Fi installation may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer, but here’s what you can expect:

1. Install the light bulbs in the lamps or light fixtures that you want to be controlled by your smart lights. If you’re using LED bulbs, make sure they are screwed in tightly, so they make good contact with the socket. 
2. Download the app for your chosen smart lighting system on your smartphone or tablet. 
3. Open the app and create an account. 
4. Follow the instructions on the app to connect your new smart lights to your home’s Wi-Fi network. 
5. Once your lights are connected, you can start controlling them via the app. 

Bluetooth

Just like Wi-Fi installation, Bluetooth setup steps may vary depending on the manufacturer. Here’s a general outline:

1. Install the light bulbs in the lamps or light fixtures that you want to be controlled by your smart lights. If you’re using LED bulbs, make sure they are screwed in tightly, so they make good contact with the socket. 
2. Look for the “Bluetooth” button on your smart lighting system’s hub or controller. 
3. Press and hold the Bluetooth button until it starts flashing. 
4. Open the app for your chosen smart lighting system on your smartphone or tablet. 
5. Follow the instructions on the app to connect your new smart lights to your home’s Bluetooth network. 
6. Once your lights are connected, you can start controlling them via the app. Most apps will allow you to turn the lights on or off, dim the lights, change the light color, set timers, and create rules and automations. 

Troubleshooting tip: Are you having trouble connecting your smart lights to your home’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network? Make sure your router is within range of the light bulbs. Also, check to see if there are any firmware updates available for your system’s hub or controller.

Reminder: If you have more than one smart light, be sure to name each one so you can easily identify them later. 

Changing Colors On Your Smart Light After Setup 

One of the best features of smart lights is the ability to change colors on a whim. Note that you’ll only be able to take advantage of this feature if you have smart bulbs that have colors and not just white light. 

How you do this will vary slightly depending on the brand of smart light you have, but this is typically the process:

1. Open the app. 
2. Select the light you want to edit.  
3. Click on the color palette. 
4. Choose the color you want. 
5. Click “apply” to save your changes. 

In most cases, you can also change the brightness and other settings from this menu. Experiment with different colors and settings to create the perfect atmosphere in your home.

Setting Up Schedules With Your Smart Lights

Finally, many smart lights come with the ability to create custom lighting schedules. This is a great way to turn on your lights automatically when you get home from work or turn them off when you go to bed. 

Again, consulting your instruction manual is the best way to figure this out. However, the general process looks something like this:

1. Open the app. 
2. Select the light you want to edit.  
3. Click on the “schedule” tab. 
4. Set the time and day you want the light to turn on/off. 
5. Click “apply” to save your changes. 

Now your smart light will turn on and off automatically, giving you one less thing to worry about! 

You Can’t Beat the Convenience of Smart Lighting Systems

With many benefits and a low barrier to entry, smart lighting systems offer an easy-to-use platform that can serve as the foundation for a connected home. 

Now that you know what to look for, how to set them up, and how to take advantage of core features, you’re ready to add smart lighting systems to your home and tailor your space to your liking. 

Bringing it back to basics, smart lighting systems are the product of significant LED lighting advancements. For more information on LED lighting, check out our LED Lighting 101 article.

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5 US Cities Leading in Adoption of LED Lights

With this handy infographic you will learn which 5 US cities are leading the way in adoption of LED lights down to the number of light bulbs used.

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