Before setting up an outdoor landscape lighting system, you have to determine how to light an outdoor space so that the best features are illuminated. That includes figuring out which focal points make the outdoor space beautiful as well as determining which lighting techniques would best showcase these elements and the overall outdoor space.
This week’s blog features some popular outdoor landscape lighting techniques to create an outdoor oasis your clients will rave about.
5 Outdoor Landscape Lighting Techniques to Impress Your Clients
Check out the following outdoor landscape lighting techniques to transform your clients’ outdoor spaces and leave them breathless.
- Silhouetting
This technique positions a light between the object that is to be lit and the wall. The light is then aimed at the wall. This lighting creates a bright surface so that the shape of the object and its dramatic outline can be seen.
The silhouette technique is best used against a plain, simple, untextured wall and tall features like trees or sculptures.
A wider beam spread is preferred as it ensures that the entire object is evenly lit. A less intense light can enhance the shadow effect and can prevent harsh lighting. This will help make the display more comfortable and visually appealing by adding mystery and depth to an outdoor landscape.
- Accent Lighting
Unique features are what differentiate one outdoor space from another. These focal points, such as water features, trees, or architectural elements like pillars, can be highlighted by using accent lighting.
Accent lighting uses a controlled, narrow, and intense beam of light on the object. The best outdoor landscape lighting fixtures to use in this instance are up lights or well lights. This lighting will draw attention to the object and leave people in awe. In accent lighting, playing with the light fixture’s distance and angle of light can lead to different effects. Lights can be installed above or below the object, in whichever way will deliver the desired look.
- Wall Washing
Wall washing is used to provide general illumination to walls or other surfaces in order to create a nice, smooth, and even glow. This type of lighting gives an outdoor space a cozy feel, while highlighting the unique features of a building’s facades, walls, or fences.
The best types of outdoor landscape lighting fixtures to use are wide-angle flood lights and well lights at lower lumens. These light fixtures will more easily provide nice,steady illumination and eliminate any shadows. Place them a few feet away from the wall or feature that is to be lit. Putting them too close to the wall will cast shadows, which is not ideal. You can also angle these light fixtures to create a more subtle lighting effect.
- Grazing
Grazing is a lighting technique that is used to highlight textured surfaces. Stone, brick, pillars, or decorative gates are perfect features to use a grazing lighting technique on because doing so will create high-contrast shadows and bring out the uniqueness of the material.
The typical set up to achieve the grazing technique is to place the outdoor lights parallel to the surface or object to be lit and about 12 inches away. The lights can be placed above or below the area to customize the shadow effect. Adjustable beams and dimmers can help control the intensity of the light and lead to a customizable look that is dramatic and engaging.
- Shadowing
With a shadowing technique, lit objects create soft and interesting shadows on the wall behind it or on the ground below. This can highlight the shape and movement of the object.
To use the shadowing technique, position the lights low to the ground and toward the object. This will cast the shadows on the nearby surfaces. The light can also be aimed toward walls or to create patterns on the ground.
The shadowing technique works best when using a wide beam angle and for features like shrubs, especially those with a unique shape and texture. It’s a great technique to use to create bold and visually interesting patterns. Plain or untextured walls are also the most ideal for this lighting technique.
The Perfect Landscape Lighting Supplies for Stunning Effects are at LightCh8in
It takes artistry and creativity to create a lighting design that truly lets an outdoor space shine. Using popular outdoor landscape lighting techniques, like the ones mentioned in this blog, brings forth an outdoor space’s beauty at night.
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