The use of outdoor landscape lighting techniques can create various moods, highlight unique features, and enhance safety. Even though outdoor landscape lighting systems may use the same tools, how they are used makes all the difference.
In a previous blog post, we delved into 5 different techniques for outdoor landscape lighting. But there are more lighting techniques to explore. This week’s blog post reveals 5 additional outdoor landscape lighting techniques that will transform your clients’ outdoor spaces into beautiful sanctuaries.
Discover 5 More Ways to Transform Outdoor Landscapes
With careful planning and design, outdoor landscape lighting does wonders for an outdoor space. Outdoor landscape lighting techniques go beyond simply staking a lightbulb into the ground. Try out these lighting techniques in your next outdoor landscape lighting installation and see how they can upgrade any outdoor space.
1. Cross Lighting
For a more balanced illumination of an object, try cross lighting. Cross lighting is when two or more light fixtures, such as flood lights, well lights, and uplights, are placed on opposite sides of an object to illuminate it. The light beams cross each other, resulting in the object being lit from different angles.
Using the cross lighting technique reduces harsh shadows. Lighting from multiple angles can also reduce glare, which gives a more comfortable viewing experience. This is especially advantageous in areas such as pathways, seating areas, or driveways.
Cross lighting is great for creating an even distribution of light and drawing attention to focal points. Features that would be perfect for cross lighting include: trees, statues, water fountains, and architectural elements.
2. Mirror Lighting
If there is a large body of water such as a pool or some other reflective surface, applying the mirror lighting technique would be stunning. Mirror lighting uses up lights, underwater lights, and path lights to create reflections for a mirrored effect. Outdoor light fixtures are placed between the object that is to be illuminated and the reflective surface (water or glass). This results in a cool effect that doubles the visual elements of the landscape.
Mirror lighting adds a sense of grandeur to an outdoor setting by giving depth and dimension to the space. It creates visual symmetry that is balanced and clean. The reflected light is soft and diffused, which gives off a tranquil vibe.
This lighting technique is best used on focal points like trees, sculptures, or structures like pergolas.
3. Cove Lighting
Consider cove lighting for soft and gentle ambient lighting to highlight architectural and landscape features. This lighting technique involves installing light fixtures in recesses, grooves, or architectural details to conceal them. The light will bounce off surfaces to produce a diffused look.
With cove lighting, you can enhance the ambiance of outdoor spaces and functional lighting without glare. Use LED strip lights, recessed linear lights, rope lights or mini spotlights to achieve cove lighting in your outdoor landscape lighting projects. Cove lighting can enhance any outdoor space by lighting up gazebos, retaining walls, garden beds, water features, pathways, outdoor bars, patios, and more.
4. Spread Lighting
Spread lighting uses fixtures that are positioned close to the ground and have light directed outward and downward. Outdoor light fixtures such as path lights, and well lights are perfect for spread lighting. They create a gentle and diffused light that serves a dual purpose: provide safety by illuminating pathways and enhance the overall appearance of the outdoor space by highlighting plants and architectural elements. Spread lighting can make an outdoor space inviting and comfortable.
Popular applications for spread lighting include lighting pathways, driveways, patios, and plant beds.
5. String Lighting
For a whimsical and festive feel, there’s no better option than string lighting. When it’s for permanent outdoor use, string lights are heavy-duty, weather resistant, and designed to withstand various weather conditions. Set them up in various patterns like zig-zig or X, or in parallel lines to achieve different lighting effects. Installation is straightforward, but may require structural modifications, weight-bearing cables, proper anchoring, and spacing of bulbs to ensure safety and visually pleasing effects. They come in a variety of style and color options which allows for maximum personalization.
The use of string lights will truly make patios, decks, pergolas, and outdoor dining areas one-of-a-kind!
Bring Out the Best in Outdoor Landscape Lighting with LightCh8in
Log into or register for a free LightCh8in account to get started. Our durable, brass outdoor light fixtures will provide you with the lighting solution. Premium direct burial cable allows for long lasting outdoor landscape lighting systems and LED lamps give the perfect amount of illumination without the drawbacks of traditional light bulbs.
Our extensive inventory has everything you need to complete any outdoor landscape lighting installation and when used in conjunction with these outdoor landscape lighting techniques, you can deliver stunning results to enhance your clients’ outdoor living spaces.