Outdoor landscape lighting for small outdoor spaces can be especially difficult due to the limited amount of space.
This week’s blog will show you the impact the right outdoor landscape lighting can have on small outdoor spaces. These tips and tricks will help you transform any outdoor space, no matter its size, into a space that your clients will be able to enjoy again and again.
Challenges and Benefits of a Small Outdoor Space
Innovative outdoor landscape lighting solutions can lead to well-lit and enjoyable small outdoor spaces.
Small outdoor spaces can feel restrictive, and a concern is overcrowding the space with too much light. The choice of outdoor light fixtures and their placement around the space must be well thought out and intentional.
A great way to show off your expertise and skill is through lighting these challenging outdoor spaces. In this situation, the quality and versatility of the light fixtures are going to be vital. Your creativity in coming up with aesthetic yet versatile outdoor landscape lighting solutions is going to matter the most when it comes to landing that job.
Whether it’s a cozy patio, a courtyard, or a small garden area, installing the right outdoor landscape lighting system that highlights its beauty and functionality will give your clients a great impression of your work.
Creating the Perfect Outdoor Landscape Lighting Design for Small Outdoor Spaces
To create an outdoor landscape lighting plan for small outdoor spaces, keep in mind these tips:
1. Start with a Lighting Plan
The first thing you need to do when designing an outdoor landscape lighting plan is to determine the space’s purpose. The answer will narrow down options. Creating a sketch of the small space will help point out important features or focal points such as furniture, plants, water features, or architectural elements.
Having a plan will help envision what the lighting will look like within the space and prevent mistakes.
2. Light the Most Important Zones
A plan will also help you figure out which important zones need to be lit. Examples of important zones include:
● Pathways: Use low-voltage path lights to define these areas and guide people.
● Seating areas: You can add under-bench LEDs or wall lights to add safety and comfort to the area.
If there is really limited space, you can try adding up lights or flood lights to a fence or vertical planter. Doing so will add visual dimension to the space.
Remember not to overdo it. Small spaces can quickly become overwhelmed. Focusing on 3-5 zones will avoid visual clutter and glare.
3. Choose the Right Fixtures for Small Spaces
Small outdoor spaces require more creativity when it comes to lighting them. It also means you don’t want to overwhelm the space with too much light or overly large light fixtures. Compact, low-profile outdoor light fixtures such as mini uplights, wall lights, or deck lights are preferable in these spaces. Use them in a way that will make the space feel roomier, such as installing fence-mounted wash lighting to expand the visual boundary of a small patio.
Versatile, subtle outdoor light fixtures that won’t overwhelm the outdoor space will greatly enhance its features.
4. Add Multi-Functional Lighting
Multi-functional outdoor lighting is great for illuminating small outdoor spaces. Lanterns with dimmers, under-rail lighting, and adjustable LEDs are examples of using fewer light fixtures to serve different purposes. An LED strip underneath a bench will add safety and at the same time create ambiance in the small outdoor space.
Multi-functional outdoor landscape lighting that serves multiple purposes will lead to great savings in space and budget.
5. Be Eco-Smart
Eco-friendly outdoor landscape lighting can lead to big savings while adding modern convenience.
LED lamps are popular in outdoor landscape lighting. They are affordable and energy-efficient. They are not hot to the touch and have incredibly long lifespans. LED lamps are sure to make any outdoor landscape shine bright.
For convenience and easy-to-control lights, consider installing devices such as timers, dimmers, and motion sensors.
Other smart tools, such as motion-activated stair lights, can reduce energy use and increase safety in an outdoor environment as the sun sets.
Smart lighting will give your clients ease and convenience over the control of their lights.
6. Choose the Right Color Temperature
The right color temperature will greatly affect the mood and usability of small outdoor spaces. For example:
● Warm Color Light Temperature: A color light temperature around 2700K will give an intimate, cozy vibe. This color light temperature is perfect for outdoor spaces meant for social gatherings.
● Cool Color Light Temperature: A color light temperature around 3000K will provide sharp, crisp illumination. This color light temperature is preferred for outdoor areas where tasks need to be completed or for a clean aesthetic.
Focus on the purpose of the space and the desired lighting effect to choose the appropriate color temperature.
7. Minimize Glare and Light Pollution
In small spaces, it’s important to reduce the amount of glare to ensure comfort. Use features such as hoods or shields to avoid getting the light into direct lines of sight. Frosted lenses will also help soften the light by diffusing it. A great outdoor landscape lighting design for small outdoor spaces is one that takes into consideration how to limit glare.
8. Add Decorative and Seasonal Touches
Adding some decorative outdoor lighting can personalize and elevate small outdoor spaces. For example:
● String Lights or Fairy Lights: Hanging up string lights or fairy lights is a simple way to add a bit of whimsy and charm to any outdoor space.
● Wall Scones: Add a bit of atmospheric light and personal style by installing wall sconces. With a variety of styles, sizes, and finishes, you’re sure to find one that will complement the space.
● Outdoor Chandeliers: For outdoor dining areas, consider installing an outdoor-rated chandelier. They’ll bring not only the necessary light but also sophistication to any outdoor dinner party.
There are many ways to add some personality to a small outdoor space to make it feel like home.
Efficient, Elegant Lighting Options for Small Outdoor Areas at LightCh8in
Good planning, design, and creativity are especially important for small outdoor spaces to make them feel expansive and stylish. Figuring out how to effectively light small outdoor spaces is a great way to prove your expertise in the field of outdoor landscape lighting and get more jobs.
A free LightCh8in account enables you to shop our extensive inventory of all things outdoor landscape lighting. We’ve got brass outdoor light fixtures, brilliant LED lamps, premium direct burial cables, and more. Shop for everything you need to light any-sized outdoor space and impress your clients with LightCh8in!