Uplighting is a popular lighting technique that highlights many different elements in an outdoor space, such as trees or entryways. But not all lights used for uplighting are the same.
Up lights and well lights are two popular lighting fixtures used in outdoor landscape lighting to achieve an uplighting effect. While they serve a similar purpose, their designs and results are vastly different.
This week’s blog post will detail the key differences, best applications, and how to determine whether up lights or well lights are best suited for your outdoor landscape lighting needs.
What are Uplights?
One way to achieve uplighting is through the use of up lights. Up lights are outdoor landscape light fixtures that are used to highlight trees, architectural features such as columns, statues, and other tall focal points. The fixture sits above ground. Up lights can be directed to shine in any direction, as the light beam can be easily adjusted. Up lights are aimed upward toward the focal point. Up lights are a great way to add a dramatic spotlight to focal points at night.
What are Well Lights?
Well lights, also known as in-ground lights, can also be used to achieve the uplighting effect. They are installed into the ground with the top of the light fixture flush with the ground, and a beam of light is directed upward. During the day, they are nearly invisible, but at night, they can provide just the right amount of light. Applications for well lights include highlighting tall features such as trees or statues. They would also look great illuminating pathways or providing gentle lighting of walls. They have many different types of covers, such as open face, grill, directional, and glare shielded, and these covers offer different lighting effects.
Key Differences: Upligts vs. Well Lights
Up lights and well lights have their own unique characteristics that give different effects and looks. You can first determine which effect is desired and use that information to decide between up lights and well lights.
● Visibility & Aesthetics
Up lights stick out from the landscape a bit during the daytime, but they add a dramatic effect to any outdoor landscape at night.
Well lights easily blend into the landscape during the day. They also tend to stay out of the way until they shine their light at night. They can offer a clean and subtle look.
● Installation Style
Up lights are installed above ground, but their light is aimed upwards. Stakes can be used to install them into the ground. Well lights are installed flush to the ground to avoid being a distraction.
● Adjustability
Up lights are typically easier to reposition and adjust the angle of the light beam after installation. Once well lights are installed, it’s harder to make any adjustments. They are also more susceptible to blockage if the plants around them aren’t well maintained.
● Durability & Safety
Due to their unobtrusive design, well lights are safer to use in high-traffic areas and won’t be damaged during outdoor activities such as gardening. Up lights, because they are more visible, can be more vulnerable to damage and potentially be tripping hazards. That’s why with up lights, it’s best to place them where they won’t cause trouble, but have a huge lighting impact.
● Performance
Up lights are great for lighting tall features like trees or flagpoles. For more subtle lighting, try well lights. They also offer 360° visibility, wall washing, and can be integrated into hardscapes.
Choosing the Right Fixture for the Job
With uplights and well lights being similar in design and function, how do you know which light fixture to use in your outdoor landscape lighting projects?
Generally, you can use up lights if a project calls for flexibility. If there are a lot of tall elements to feature or a high-drama effect is desired, uplights are the ones to go with. For a clean design and to illuminate walkways and other high-traffic areas, well lights might be the better option as they are unobtrusive.
But the most important way to determine which outdoor landscape lighting fixture is right for a project is to take into account your client’s needs, aesthetics, and the purpose of their outdoor space. The best outdoor landscape lighting plan will incorporate both outdoor light fixtures in a layered lighting design that uses them to their best ability. That will surely provide optimal impact.
Get Pro-Grade Uplights and Well Lights from LightCh8in
Both uplights and well lights serve the same upward lighting function in an outdoor landscape lighting system. But their design and application are distinct from each other, which results in different lighting effects. To decide which outdoor light fixture will give the best results, consider, first and foremost, the client’s needs and goals for their outdoor space.
When you want to choose the best uplights or well lights for your outdoor landscape lighting fixtures, you can rely on LightCh8in. Sign into your LightCh8in account or register for a free one to start shopping up lights, well lights, and more lighting accessories now.