Get ready for the conclusion to our guide on good vs. bad outdoor landscape lighting. Last week, we discussed how to avoid a bad outdoor landscape lighting design as it can ruin the look and feel of an outdoor space.
This week’s blog post discusses how a well-thought out and executed outdoor landscape lighting design creates a welcoming environment that is perfect for any outdoor gathering. We highlight the key elements of a good outdoor landscape lighting design and offer tips on how to create a stunning outdoor environment for your clients.
What Contributes to a Good Landscape Lighting Design
A good outdoor landscape lighting design highlights the beauty and unique features of an outdoor space. It also enhances the space’s functionality at night. The key elements to a good outdoor landscape lighting design are:
- Lighting Important Areas for Safety and Security
Be sure to install step lights along important areas like stairways for safe navigation. A property that is also well-lit is unlikely to be targeted by intruders or other unwanted visitors. Flood lights can help add a wash of light to a broad area, increasing security while blending in different lighting types for a more cohesive look.
- Highlight Focal Points
Outdoor landscape lighting enhances a property’s visual aesthetics and showcases its beauty at night. Bring attention to the most captivating elements of the landscape and architectural details by lighting them with up lights or well lights. Doing so will draw the eye to these beautiful outdoor elements.
- Strategic Placement
Careful placements of outdoor light fixtures will give balanced and purposeful light. For example, path lights should be placed 1 to 2 feet away from the path and 5 to 8 feet apart from each other. This distance ensures that path lights can gently illuminate the walkway, while also being out of the way while conducting lawn maintenance. This thoughtful placement protects them from damage and ensures their longevity. More importantly, careful and thoughtful placement results in getting the desired lighting effect.
- Varied Light Levels
Outdoor landscape lighting is not one-size fits all. Each area of an outdoor space may require different light levels or intensity. For example, it’s okay to give bright light to an outdoor kitchen, but for an outdoor gathering place like a deck, a softer light may be better in order to create a cozy mood. Varied lighting levels also allow for visual interest and give depth to a space.
- Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs and Light Fixtures
Outdoor landscape lighting should not only last long but also be considerate of surrounding neighbors and wildlife. That’s why LED lamps are now the preferred choice for light bulbs. They are not only long lasting, but they consume less energy while being brighter than traditional light bulbs. To reduce light pollution, opt for outdoor light fixtures that have glare guards or ensure that the light is directed only where it’s absolutely necessary.
- Aesthetic Harmony
Go for harmony between the lights, the style of the home, and the natural surrounding landscape when planning an outdoor landscape lighting design. This is to ensure that the outdoor landscape lighting will be blended into the surrounding landscape and not be an eyesore.
- Layered Lighting
Combining the different types of lighting allows for visual interest, creates depth in the space, and allows for effective functionality of the space. If you only use one type of lighting or one type of light fixture, the lighting design can look dull, uninteresting, or worse, cause more harm than good by being blinding and distracting.
Design an Impressive Outdoor Landscape Lighting System with LightCh8in
Outdoor landscape lighting schemes should showcase the best features and beauty of an outdoor space. An effective outdoor landscape lighting scheme employs factors such as strategic placement of outdoor light fixtures, variation of the light levels, and more.
At LightCh8in, you can sign up for a free account. Find high-quality outdoor landscape lighting products that will aid you in creating dazzling outdoor landscape lighting systems for your clients that will enhance the curb appeal and functionality of any outdoor spaces.