Landscape lighting: Our tips for choosing the right lighting
Our landscape lighting guide
Lighting can make all the difference in your outdoor space. Whether you have a backyard, garden, or patio, the right lighting can transform your al fresco area into a functional, welcoming oasis that you (and guests) will want to enjoy for seasons to come. When thinking about outdoor lighting ideas, don’t overlook the power of landscape lighting, which is great for defining walkways, highlighting architectural features, and adding illumination. Before shopping for landscape lighting, consider these tips.
Assess and measure your space for landscape lighting
Before looking at your outdoor lighting options, it’s important to assess your space. Identify any key landscaping features you might want to highlight, whether it’s trees and shrubs, architectural elements, or water features. You’ll also want to think about how you’ll be using your space and how you’d like your landscape lighting to function. Will you be entertaining guests? Are you looking to add lighting for safety along pathways? Are you simply hoping to add ambiance to your space? And don’t forget to take note of any existing lighting and how you’d like to complement it.
Consider how you want to mount your landscape lighting
Different mounting techniques can provide various lighting effects for your outdoor area. In-ground lighting is great for illuminating features, plantings, or pathways from below. This uplight effect is great for providing drama and highlighting landscape features that you want to stand out. Pole-mounted lights (or post lights) can help accent pathways, illuminate driveways, and add ambiance with a softer, more subtle effect. In-wall lights are another great way to add subtle ambiance to an outdoor space. These sconces are mounted to the wall for a soft glow that doesn’t take up any ground space.
Power sources for landscape lighting
Many landscape lighting options are both solar-powered and USB-rechargeable. These are great sustainable options that use a solar panel to capture and convert the sun’s energy into electricity. You can also charge these lights with a USB cord. Other landscape lights feature LED bulbs and must be hard-wired. AuthenTEAK always recommends working with a professional electrician and consulting the manufacturer's directions prior to installation.
Landscape lighting styles
In addition to landscape lighting’s functionality, you’ll also want to think about how your lighting will fit into the overall design scheme of your al fresco living space. Whether it’s modern or traditional, choose fixtures that fit with the design style of your existing space. Both the materials and the design of your lighting will inform this style. Luckily, lighting brands like Eurofase, Les Jardins, and Maiori prioritize high-quality outdoor materials and universally appealing designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and superior quality.