Strategic Landscape Lighting Locations

Depending on the layout and size of your outdoor area, you've got to pick strategic points to install the systems to achieve appropriate lighting without creating a flood-lit look or over-lighting the area. Make sure to put adequate attention on the following points.

Entrance lighting
You'll want to create a welcoming impression with a well-lit entrance to your home. An excellent entrance lighting is a great way to improve security since you can easily identify at your door after nightfall. However, you might want to avoid glare at the entrance with fluorescent tubes or shrouded bulbs.

Patio Lighting
Since patios and decks are areas where you spend a lot of time entertaining and relaxing, ambient lighting is paramount. A well-lit patio feels like an extension of your home. Try out a few task lightings along with spotlights for reading areas and pendant lights for dining and BBQ areas. Also, consider adding a few accent lightings.

Driveway and Walkway Lighting
Combine aesthetics and safety when selecting the systems to install on your steps, walkways, and driveway. Ideal lights for these areas ought to project pools of light towards the ground to allow people to see the surface they're walking on, without dazzling them. Avoid creating a landing strip effect with too many lights since it might feel a little unnatural.

Focal Point Illumination
Use warm hues on manmade statues as well as cool hues on natural focal points such as trees to create a dramatic background. If you're looking for an experience a little out of the box, try accenting the shadow of a statue or plant on a wall. For water features, use fittings that are rated above 7.