Adding lighting to your yard is one of the best ways to maximize the usage of your property and learning the secrets to illuminating your landscape properly can be a great way to guarantee your project comes out looking great.
Lighting is an important and often overlooked part of landscaping and when added correctly, your lighting can bring an entirely new aspect out of your décor. Accent lighting can be the perfect addition to illuminate walkways, paths, and stairs. You can also use accent lighting that is built into your planters and water fountains like the Radiance Lighted Outdoor Fountain, to add a subtle trail of light to your landscape.
Spotlighting can be used to accentuate certain décor or home. Spotlights can be placed to face your home to give your house a stately appeal and this type of lighting can be a great way to spruce your nighttime décor up without breaking the bank. No matter what type of décor your yard currently has, there is a lighting system that is suited to your needs and style. Below are some additional tips to remember when making your choices
Safety First
There are many reasons to illuminate your landscape but perhaps none is more important than safety. A well-lit yard is inviting to your visitors and the proper lighting can transform an unused patio into the new family hang out. You should try to place your lighting in an area in which it is serving both a decorative and safety purpose. Accent lighting is one of the most subtle but effective ways to add safety lighting to your home. Another way to add light in your yard is through light fountain accessories available from our site.
Accent lighting can be added to your stairways to provide you with the most visibility possible without taking away from your overall décor. A well-lit yard is also a great deterrent to would-be intruders. These unsavory individuals are known to look for homes with little security and lighting as their targets and having a well-lit yard can help to sway any thieves from entering your property.
Revelation Garden Fountain With Light
Backyard Lighting Ideas
There are endless lighting options available to you today and narrowing down your selection can seem like it will be a hefty task. To help you with your selection you should venture out around the neighborhoods to see who already has lighting in their yard and how it is used. You want to note any setups you prefer. A quick internet search will also give you a plethora of choices to decide from.
There are a wide variety of styles and bulb types to consider. Different types of lighting systems will look and operate differently. Some systems give you the option to replace worn out bulbs while others are designed to be discarded once the bulbs are worn out. Low energy bulbs such as LEDs are the best option for homeowners as they provide excellent lighting with little energy use.
Function and Beauty
When it comes to illuminating your landscape, outdoor lighting can serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose. In addition to providing safety and security, lighting fixtures can also enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. For example, solar brick pavers not only light up a walkway, but also create a stunning visual effect at night. By combining function and beauty, you can create a unique and inviting outdoor environment that is both practical and visually appealing. With so many lighting options available, you can easily find fixtures that not only meet your practical needs, but also add a touch of style and elegance to your outdoor space.
LEDs
LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes are one of the most energy-efficient forms of lighting available today. These mini two-lead semiconductor lighting sources utilize a special plate that allows electrons to release energy in the form of light protons when electricity is applied. LEDs were originally developed in the early 1960s and today we use LEDs in a myriad of everyday items such as your TV remote.
LEDs have some significant advantages over incandescent lights in that they have lower energy consumption, smaller size, longer lifetime, improved durability, and faster switching times. This has led manufacturers to start using LEDs in all types of lighting systems including aviation lighting, headlights, home lighting, camera flashes, and even traffic signals.
Go Green
You should consider going green with your yard lighting. Solar powered yard lights have become very popular as they save the homeowner money and they are extremely easy to install. Solar yard lighting has no cords to be run and most operate off of a light sensor, so you don’t need to worry about setting any timers.
Another huge advantage of green-powered lighting is that you can add as much of it as you like without increasing your monthly lighting bill. This means you can really make your backyard a well-lit comfortable conversation hub within your property. Don't be shy about creating an indoor appeal with your lighting effects.
Timers
You may find that there is no green option for the lighting system that you desire. When this is the case you should consider adding a timer to your system. Set your timer to automatically go on at dusk hours and off in the morning ad the sun is rising. Many systems today offer light sensors built in. These are a smart addition as they will automatically turn on your lights when the sensors read below a certain level of sunlight.
Combine Backyard Lighting With A Fireplace
Combining backyard lighting with a fireplace is a great way to create a warm and inviting outdoor space that can be enjoyed year-round. By adding lighting fixtures around your fireplace, you can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for entertaining or relaxing. From string lights and lanterns to built-in lighting fixtures, there are plenty of options to choose from. By combining lighting with a fireplace, you can create a stunning focal point in your outdoor space that is both functional and visually appealing. So why not add some lighting to your outdoor fireplace and enjoy your backyard all year long?
You May Need a Professional
Not all lighting systems are easy to install and if you have decided on a more complicated system that requires wiring into your homes electrical, you should consider hiring a professional to complete your installation. There are lighting specific contractors that can help to answer any questions you may have about the cost of installing a lighting system in your home.
You should never attempt to wire a lighting system into your home unless you have the experience to do so. When working with electricity special precautions must be made to avoid serious injury or damaging your home.
Build Your Own
If you don't have an existing structure for your outdoor lighting, don't worry! You can easily create one without spending a lot of money or making anything permanent. There are plenty of DIY lighting options that can help you achieve the perfect mood in your outdoor space. From string lights and lanterns to DIY light fixtures made from recycled materials, the possibilities are endless. With a little creativity and some basic tools, you can create a unique and inviting outdoor environment that is both functional and stylish. So don't let a lack of existing structures hold you back from creating the perfect outdoor lighting setup.
Get Creative and Think Outside the Box
Why stick with traditional landscape lighting when you can get creative and try something new? One fun and unique option is to use outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint to add a pop of color and light to your outdoor space. Simply spray your planters or other outdoor decor with the paint and watch as they absorb light during the day and glow brightly at night. This is a fun and easy way to add a touch of whimsy and personality to your outdoor space, and make it stand out from the rest. So why not try something new and experiment with glow-in-the-dark paint for your next outdoor lighting project?
Walk Towards the Light
Now that you have a better understanding of how to illuminate your yard properly, you are ready to go out and find the perfect lighting system to fit your needs. Don't be afraid to ask a professional for help if you need it.
Be sure to follow the tips in this guide to ensure you get the most out of your plans to brighten up your yard and before you know it you and your guest will be enjoying countless nights in your well-lit personal sanctuary.