When you look at your landscape it can be a daunting thought to devise a plan of attack for your lighting design. Feelings of overwhelm are all too common especially since landscape lighting forms the entire “look” of your outdoor space.
Most likely you have heard some of the popular buzzwords like spotlighting, shadow lighting, or even different types of lights like low-voltage. Open any landscape magazine and you will find numerous ways to light your outdoor space. Even though millions of ideas exist, it is not that easy to devise a lighting design that is all your own.
It is essential to understand the basic types of lighting so you can effectively communicate your thoughts either to a lighting designer or anyone who is assisting you. If you are interested in simply adding more light to your landscape, knowing some basic information will save you unnecessary stress in the long run.
Your walkways and paths can be highlighted not only to illuminate for safety reasons, but also to instill a feeling of elegance. Think of your path as a royal walkway or an entrance to an exotic palace. You can create any personality you want with your path lighting.
Downlighting occurs when a light is placed in an elevated location and pointed downward to highlight a large surface area. Downlighting adds a beautiful effect and can mimic the glow of the moonlight hovering down on a beautiful landscape.
Candle lanterns are a great lighting addition to any landscape. They illuminate patios, decks, pools and porches with a sophisticated ambience. They are also easy to find and come in all different shapes, colors and styles. Lanterns are a great way to show off more of your personal style in your lighting. You can even use post lanterns for walkways. Post lanterns are especially effective in an Asian-themed landscape.
Flood lights illuminate your home’s best features whether an architectural masterpiece, a fountain or a beautiful oak tree.
Shadow lighting emits a light onto a surface that is in front of another object. This object can be a wall, garage, tree or any other stationary item. The lighting fixture is installed on the ground and the light is pointed upward toward the surface item. This technique casts a shadow on the object behind it. You can play around with the distance of the surface item and the object since the light will appear more blurry and less-defined the further the distance.
With these few lighting tips and styles, you can be more equipped to start your lighting design on the right foot.
Q: What are the most common types of outdoor lighting for residential landscapes?
A: Common types of outdoor lighting include pathway lights, spotlights, floodlights, accent lights, well lights, deck/patio lights, and hardscape lighting, each adding safety, ambiance, and visual depth to your yard.
Q: How do the different types of landscape lighting enhance my property in California?
A: In California’s sunny climate, strategically placed landscape lighting, such as uplighting, pathway lighting, and accent fixtures, elevates curb appeal, extends outdoor living hours, and highlights plantings while remaining durable in the weather.
Q: Where can I buy landscape lighting types online that are suitable for my yard?
A: You can buy outdoor lighting online from retailers that carry a range of fixtures, including premium low-voltage lights, pathway lights, and spotlights, or shop directly at Best Pro Lighting, which offers landscape lighting types designed for durability and performance.
Q: What landscape lighting types should I consider for safety and ambiance?
A: For both safety and style, include pathway lights, floodlights, and spotlights to guide walkways and illuminate key features, plus soft deck or patio lighting to create inviting outdoor spaces after sunset.
Q: Why choose Best Pro Lighting when buying outdoor lighting types?
A: Best Pro Lighting is known for quality contractor-grade landscape lighting and LED outdoor lighting, including bulbs and fixtures built for long life, backed by industry experience, and trusted in many California outdoor projects.
Q: How do landscape lighting types like spotlights and floodlights differ?
A: Spotlights focus light on architectural or landscape features with a narrow beam, while floodlights cast a broader wash of light across yards and larger areas; both are essential outdoor lighting types for layered outdoor illumination.
Q: Can I mix different types of landscape lighting in a California outdoor design?
A: Yes. Mixing types of landscape lighting, such as accent lights, in-ground well lights, and pathway lights, creates depth, highlights focal points, and enhances both the beauty and usability of your outdoor space, especially in California settings where evening outdoor use is common.
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