4 Outdoor Lighting Techniques That Will Wow Your Neighbors

If you’re proud of your home, there’s no reason you shouldn’t showcase it even when the sun goes down. Outdoor lighting isn’t only a safety feature, but also a great way for you to light up and show off your abode. Here are some ideas and tips on how to successfully pull off outdoor lighting.

1. Walkway Lighting

Walkway lighting is an extremely important feature for safety reasons, but it can also be implemented with style. First, follow this rule: less is more. Of course you’ll need ample light for people to see, but you don’t need to go overboard and create a walkway that resembles a runway. We suggest that you space out your lights and stagger them so that when you’re looking up your walkway, your eyes naturally flow from one lighted area to the next. Adding lights near beautiful plants will add texture and depth to your walkway as well. Remember to reposition your lights if plants become too large and inhibit visibility. Also, you should dust and check the bulbs once a year.

2. Tree Lighting

There are a few ways you can light up a tree that don’t include christmas lights. One way is to place a light at the trunk of the tree so that it shines up towards its branches. This uplight is a much softer presentation of your greenery than a spotlight. The uplight also creates movement and shadows.

Another way to light up your tree is to use a moon lighting technique. This effect will do just as it says, make your trees appear as though they’re being lit up by the moon. In order to pull off this effect you need to use a cool light that has a more blue hue, similar to the moon. The light then must be placed about 30 to 40 feet up in the tree to make the light appear as natural as possible.

3. Hardscape Lighting

This form of light is used to accentuate your stone walls, patios, outdoor fireplaces and more. Lights can be strategically hidden underneath ledges and along the sides of your stone structures to naturally light up these spaces. Use warm lights for your hardscape especially if it’s a seating area, it will make the space feel cozy.

4. House Lighting

There are several ways you can light up your home and make it stand out in your neighborhood. However, if you only light up your home without adding any other lighting fixtures, the light will look unnatural. We suggest that you use uplights for the trees surrounding your home to make the light look more natural. Spotlights can create unique shadows, but you want to make sure that you avoid any dark and empty spaces. We recommend using a mix of uplights and downlights on your home to showcase the whole structure. Consider even lighting up your chimney and dormers for a full effect. Also, your entryway lighting is crucial. If you have pillars, try lighting them from behind instead of using a spotlight. The backlight will create more depth and dimension in your entryway.

Remember that outdoor lighting is not a DIY project. Many of these installations require the professional help of an experienced electrician. Find a contractor in your area to help you pull off the perfect landscape lighting.