Outdoor lighting enhances the ambiance of your garden, patio or other outdoor space. It also adds safety and security. In addition, it can create a warm welcome for guests.
Light fixtures are available in a variety of styles, shapes and colors, depending on your personal decorating style. You can also choose from energy-saving options, such as solar lights.
The first step in choosing outdoor lights is assessing your landscape. What areas do you want to emphasize? For example, a pool or spa is a popular spot to illuminate for safety purposes. You can also use outdoor lighting to highlight plants, architectural features and outdoor rooms.
Uplighting: This technique highlights a tree or other prominent feature by placing the light source up high and directing it down towards it. It can be used on its own or mixed with other types of lighting to create a dramatic effect.
Wall Washing or Grazing: Another way to highlight a wall is by using a wide beam of light. This can wash the wall, creating interesting shadows or graze it for a more natural look.
Staggered Ground Lanterns: If you want to illuminate your yard’s path, consider installing a series of ground lanterns. These lights are often staggered on either side of the path, and can be battery- or solar-powered.
Candles: A romantic and cozy way to highlight your outdoor space is with candles. These can be scented or unscented. If you’re not a fan of burning candles, opt for battery-operated alternatives that emit soft light.