Outdoor landscape lighting is key to transforming your backyard from basic to bling. While it can take your outdoor space to the next level, undertaking a backyard landscape lighting project can be challenging. But have no fear. We have rounded up some tips on how to beautify and brighten your outdoors with the exterior landscape lighting fixtures.
Installing a landscape lighting system comes with various benefits—it boosts home value, provides security against intruders, improves safety at night, and more. However, to achieve these benefits, you need to consider a few factors before starting the project. That is why it is important to choose the right type of lighting system, from selecting the best landscape lighting for your outdoors to setting the lights up.
Types of Landscape Lighting
There are different types of fixtures that provide lighting in your outdoor space. Outdoor landscape lighting fixtures come in various forms and sizes to match your design requirements.
- Spotlights and Floodlights
Many may confuse a spotlight with a floodlight. What sets them apart is the spread of their light beam. A spotlight has a narrow, concentrated beam of light that spreads around 45 degrees. Its beam spread makes it easy to aim and adjust its light to highlight specific display points. It is best used to accentuate architectural details or landscape features.
On the other hand, a floodlight has a wider beam of light that spreads up to 120 degrees. It is perfect for casting light over general areas, such as your driveway, to ensure safety and visibility. Outdoor landscape lighting designers often combine floodlights with spotlights
- Inground Lighting
Just as its name implies, this type of landscape lighting is directly installed into the ground. This round-shaped fixture is commonly used to light up driveways and walkways. Installing inground lighting can help increase the visibility and elegance of your outdoor features. Its uplight effect creates drama and atmosphere. It also gives silhouettes to the features surrounding your garden, especially the ones that you do not notice on a typical night. . - Outdoor Post Light
An outdoor landscape lighting garden post helps accentuate the pathway to your home and set the ambience of your outdoor space without overwhelming the brightness of floodlights. Tall posts are a great option if you want to light up your driveway and long stretches of space that get lost in the dark. On the other hand, use shorter posts to illuminate paths and small alcoves. - Path Lighting
Your yard should have this basic outdoor lighting fixture. While they are shorter and smaller than post lights, they create the same light markers that run down along the path. Path lights help boost the visual attractiveness of your outdoor space and make walking along paths safer.
Choosing the Right Landscape Lights for Outdoors
The key to enhancing the beauty and adding drama to your outdoor space at night is choosing the right lighting system. When it comes to determining which modern outdoor landscape lighting works best for you, consider several crucial factors, including the ideal type of outdoor lighting fixture, the amount of light required to illuminate the area, and the specific location where the lighting will be installed. Also, consider the landscape design of your neighbours and the overall look of your landscape. Taking these factors into consideration will help you get a much better idea of the perfect lighting fixtures that work best for your outdoor space.
- Make a Plan
Although you can find awesome outdoor landscape lighting ideas on the Internet, it is still critical to plan your project carefully. Planning helps you shop for the right fixture that will not only provide the best lighting at various locations in your property but also complement the rest of your landscape. Research the different sizes, shapes, colours, and materials used in landscape lights. Before you go shopping, make sure to contact professional outdoor lighting installers to help you determine the amount of light required in a particular area. If you are looking to focus on a single section, a single fixture is enough to do the job. - Choose Quality
When shopping for fixtures, do not just settle on their style or design—make sure they last. The materials used in some landscape lights are prone to damage. If you buy fixtures made from plastic materials, be sure they are properly cared for and maintained. Damaged fixtures can affect the overall look of your landscape. To keep your lights looking new, make sure to clean them regularly using mild soap and rinse them with water. Replace the bulbs regularly to prevent premature failure.
Also, consider buying waterproof fixtures depending on the location. Look for lights with any rating above IP44 to ensure they are waterproof. Fixtures with higher ratings are more durable. Always check the label on the box, so you will be sure that they do not easily get damaged when exposed to rain.
- Go for Adjustable Fixture
In addition to quality, choose adjustable fixtures to allow you to move them around in case you want to relocate your landscape lights. If several areas on your property require lights, install 2 or 3 types of fixtures that enable you to calibrate the amount of light you need to brighten the area. They should include floor fixtures with a cord so you can easily mount them anywhere on your property. You can also use a fixture that allows you to plug into an existing power outlet. However, you need to position the base of the fixture on a sturdy foundation to prevent any potential damage. - Fixtures Should Match Your Yard
Choose fixtures that complement your landscape. When you plan an outdoor landscape lighting project in Toronto, consider the plants and trees found on your property. Which ones do you want to highlight? Take a look at the shape of their branches and the colour of their foliage. There are different ways to make the fixture work in harmony with the surroundings.
One way to do this is to use fixtures that magnify or detract from outside light. If you want to accentuate your small garden, go for fixtures that are taller or smaller than they are wide. If you have an arched or sloped landscape, use fixtures that are curved downward or out towards the sky.
For dramatic effects in your outdoor space, choose lighting fixtures, such as accent lights, floodlights, or recessed lighting, to create shadows. If you have a spacious backyard with plenty of trees, you can use floodlights, post lights, or outdoor chandeliers for a striking effect.
If you need professional help with your outdoor lighting needs in Toronto, call Augusta Green Sprinklers at (416) 227-1666 or send us an email at ryan@augustagreen.ca and let us know we can help you.