Guide to Landscape Lighting: Everything You Need To Know

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.