Now that Daylight Savings Time is over, we’ve reached the time of year where it gets dark much earlier than most of us would like. This time of year may also make you realize that you need a little something extra to brighten up your home outside (literally).
Outdoor lighting, also known as landscape lighting, is something that can add a little something extra, creating a certain mood or aesthetic. After all, it is the time of year where all of Southwest Florida wants to have dinner outdoors! In addition to giving your home a little extra lighting, properly done landscape lighting can also improve your home’s resale value.
There are endless options for landscape lighting. To help you navigate the many options, we’ve created a simple guide to landscape lighting.
Types of Landscape Lighting
There are many commonly used types of landscape lighting, and different fixtures can be confusing. Here are some of the commonly used types of landscape lighting and their purpose.
- Spotlights are a highly versatile landscape lighting fixture that are used for highlighting, silhouetting, or shadowing outdoor features, and can support a large variety of bulbs. They are also known as up-lights, downlights, or directional lights.
- Floodlights are like spotlights, but have a much higher wattage and wider angle, and are used to widely spread light. They can add extra security and highlight outdoor features by illuminating large areas.
- Path & Area Lights are used to light up paths and walkways by aiming light down and to the side and can help add safety to walking outside at night as well as creating a nice aesthetic.
- Deck & Step Lights are useful if you have an outdoor deck or porch with stairs. Most deck lights are installed by attaching to railings or mounting to structures and stairs.
- Well Lights include any fixture installed so most of the fixture is below ground level. They are often used in a turf area or anywhere where foot or vehicle traffic can go over the area.
- Hardscape Lights light up landscape features made of stones, bricks, tiles or other hard materials, like patios, walkways, driveways, stairs or walls.
- Wall Wash Lights are designed to provide even illumination across a wide surface. They can be used for any application that seeks to fully illuminate a surface.
What to Light In Your Landscape
So now that you know what the different types of landscape lighting are, how do you decide what you need to use in your yard or outdoor area? If you have a large yard, it can be difficult or overwhelming to decide where to place light.
First, look at your yard and consider features you like (maybe a certain tree or area of your garden that stands out) and identify those areas you want to highlight.
Think of things that might not be as noticeable during the day, but could stand out with lighting, like a stone wall. But most importantly, think about function: a deck with stairs or a pathway that needs to be lit to be sure you can travel through the yard safely and comfortably. Last but not least, lighting should create a well-lit and inviting entryway to your home.
Work with A Professional Electrical Contractor to Install Landscape Lighting
If you want to get started working on upgrading your home with landscape lighting, it’s important to work with a professional electrical contractor. With all the elements the outdoors can bring, it’s important that any outdoor lighting you install is done professionally and up to code.
Empowered Global is a licensed electrical contractor that specializes in residential and commercial service work and can help you with your next lighting project in Naples, Bonita Springs, or Estero. To get started, contact us online today or call (239) 330-4520.