How to Use Landscape Lighting to Transform the Outdoors

Lighting your landscape is probably one of the most challenging home renovations you’ll ever have to do. It gets tough because outdoor areas are lit differently during the day and at night. There are also so many outdoor spaces that you may want to light. You may consider lighting the pathways or draw attention to a particular object or area in your landscape. So in general, landscape lighting requires a lot of planning.

Determine the purpose

First, you need to understand why you have decided to lighten the backyard. Do you simply need to illuminate the area for security reasons? Do you want to create a relaxing and romantic feel in your backyard? Understanding what drove you to invest in landscape lighting will help you identify the best lighting features. You may want to lighten up a path that leads to your garden in order to mark its boundaries. Sometimes lighting the area where your water fountain or pond is located will give the backyard a completely different look.

Decide on the areas that need lighting

There are basically 3 types of lighting for you to consider: overall lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. Overall lighting is basically where you want to illuminate the entire space. This is usually done for security reasons. There are lighting fixtures which are beautifully designed to illuminate a large space. When you choose outdoor fixtures remember to check the lifespan and energy consumption of each bulb. Look for fluorescents that come in a variety of colors and are designed to consume less energy. LED lights are way better because they have a longer life and consume very little energy.

Task lighting on the other hand is used for specific purposes. It can be used to light a path or a secluded pond in your backyard. It can also be used to light up your swimming pool area. Accent lighting is meant to draw attention to a specific area or object. It uses spotlights or floodlights to create this effect.

Problems with landscape lighting

Remember that outdoor lighting comes with its fair share of challenges. It’s important to understand these from the get go. Positioning and shielding must be carefully considered when choosing the best landscape lighting in order to prevent glare. Areas like paths need to be well lit in order to enhance security and safety. Other areas that need to be well lit include the entries, driveway and steps.

Landscape lighting must also be properly installed. Poor installation can lead to light pollution and also create glare. Make sure the lights are positioned correctly so that you don’t end up wasting energy and time in outdoor lighting. You can also use reflectors on your bulbs in order to ensure light is concentrated on areas where you want.

You should also opt for low-wattage bulbs because they consume less energy and also provide proper illumination. Other features that you can invest in when installing outdoor lighting include timers and motion sensors which help to conserve energy and also enhance security. 

Posted By: Blackstock Electric http://blackstockelectric.com