Landscape Lighting Design Ideas to Showcase Your Home
(ARA) - Landscape lighting used to be simple. A few recessed can fixtures lining the front path, a couple downlights tucked in the trees, and you were done. Not anymore. When it comes to the great outdoors, homeowners have seen the light.
"Today, the biggest excitement in outdoor lighting is the whole artistic aspect," says Dan Blitzer, education consultant for the American Lighting Association. "Think of it as painting a picture of the landscape at night, using lights to achieve the look a homeowner wants."
Night-lighting your landscape offers a creative way to showcase your home and property after dark. Properly placed, lights can dramatize trees, highlight favorite shrubs and accent statuary, fountains and flowerbeds. Like any creative work, the options abound.
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"The challenge with landscape lighting is that most people don't immediately see all the possibilities," says Joe Rey-Barreau, American Lighting Association consulting director of education and director of the Lighting and Design Center at the University of Kentucky. "Outdoor lighting can be both functional and aesthetic. It's an art to understand how much light to place on a house or determine where the focal points are."
To light correctly, key in on architectural features. Consider uplighting an arbor, archway or facade for a dramatic effect. Wash the side of the house with a splash of light. Graze a textured fence or wall with a focused beam. Illuminate the water in a pool or pond with submersible lights. Silhouette a tree or bush by placing lights below and behind the object. While some lights take a fashionable approach, others focus on function. Low voltage lights installed under handrails, stairs and bench seating on decks help lighten things up for outdoor entertaining. Stronger beams designed to shine over an outdoor activity area like a basketball court add extra hours of post-dusk fun.
"If you cook out at night, position a spotlight in the eaves of the house to send a beam directly over the BBQ,'' says Rey-Barreau.
A well-lit home is also safer and more secure. Illuminated steps, paths and driveways prevent after-dark accidents. Motion detectors light up obscure spots when someone passes by. Photocells automatically turn on fixtures at dusk and off at dawn, providing protection even when youre away from home.
If your home is not properly lighted, there is a greater chance of someone breaking in, says Daniel Lecian, ALA Lighting Specialist for the Hermitage Lighting Gallery in Nashville, Tenn.
The key to attractive outdoor lighting follows a less-is-more philosophy. Soft, natural light should mimic moonlight on the property.
"It's important not to over-light," says Todd Langner, vice president of marketing for Kichler in Cleveland. "What you should see is the landscape, not the lights so that the outdoor lighting tells a visual story at night."
When installing outdoor lights, conceal the light source behind shrubs, tree branches or other foliage -- unless the fixture is a decorative element.
"You should see the light effect, not the source," says Richard Lentz of Lentz Landscape Lighting of Dallas. "The bulb and fixture should disappear when the lights are turned on. All that should be visible is the glow of light on the flowers, the wall or the path."
More people staying at home has helped foster the current fascination in landscape lighting. "The trends have been very home oriented," says Blitzer. "People are interested in dressing up their homes even more."
Lighting showrooms and manufacturers have expanded their stock as well, resulting in more outdoor options for consumers. "For a long time, landscape lighting revolved around do-it-yourself, low-voltage lights picked up at home centers and installed by the consumer in a line about two feet apart," says Rey-Barreau. "These were not really made to withstand the weather conditions and were not long-term solutions."
Styles range from large overhead cylindrical floodlights to minute spot or accent lights used for highlighting specific features. Spread and diffused units set low to the ground, line paths, flowerbeds and driveways and cast a broader glow. The latest looks in such path lights depend on fixtures that can be placed further apart to create a more attractive glow.
Some lights are patterned like three-leaf clusters or single leaf containers. Others boast more traditional lantern styles. Still others beam from within floral fixtures installed in flowerbeds.
"There have been new product developments,'' says Rey-Barreau. "Weather-resistant products and new plastic technology are both attractive and functional."
Bulbs have also improved. Newer 65- and 120-watt incandescent bulbs provide up to 25 percent more light. Compact fluorescent bulbs produce soft lighting, the highest energy savings, and last up to 10,000 hours. Mercury vapor bulbs supply a strong, cost-conscious light with a cool color that can last as long as 24,000 hours -- or six years burning dusk to dawn.
While most homeowners opt for pure white light, others like the hint of hue. Warm tones like yellow or red introduced properly can make the landscape come alive at night. Green lights can make foliage look even greener.
"Be careful with colored lights,'' says Rey-Barreau. "Unless they are done carefully, they can look garish."
The cost for installing outdoor lighting is as varied as the landscape designs. According to experts, highlighting a couple of trees in a typical suburban front lawn could run from $800 to $1,200. A one-acre property with an elaborate lighting scheme can cost as much as $10,000.
The American Lighting Association, a not-for-profit association of leading manufacturers, retail lighting showrooms and sales representatives in the U.S. and Canada, is dedicated to expanding public knowledge about lighting. To locate an ALA showroom near you, call toll free (800)-BRIGHT IDEAS (274-4484). Also, visit the ALA Web site for helpful hints and to find the nearest lighting expert at www.americanlightingassoc.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Enjoy your garden and yard at night with these beautiful lights selected from merchants on the web. Please click on the link for complete details.
Diamond Pane Solar Light
Illuminate a patio, steps, or garden path with these classically styled solar lights that emit a soft amber glow. They need no wiring, so you can move them around as the season or event requires. The solar panels are the most reliable we've seen, and they're unobtrusive, too. Energy-efficient amber LEDs switch on automaticallyat dusk, never need replacing.Our Acorn Light of burnished copper has all the same great features as the Diamond Pane Solar Light.
Solar Rainbow Maker
When the sun shines, these solar-powered ornaments turn a genuine Swarovski crystal pendant, sending beautiful rainbows dancing around the room. The colorful gears are fascinating to watch, and the ornaments provide a close-up look at the principle of solar power. Genuine Swarovski crystal pendants! Easy to attach with included suction cup. Choose original single or new double prism.
Solar Footlight
This innovative footlight has two swivel adjustments. One directs the light at a garden statue, fountain, or whatever feature you desire. The other adjusts the solar panel to face the sun for maximum charge efficiency. Position the panel once and forget it. Bright white LED light never needs replacing. 3 NiCad batteries (included) store the sun's energy. Aluminum case is weatherproof. Convenient on/off switch. Available in black or green finish. New! 3 mounting options!
Acorn Solar Light
This classically styled solar light is so versatile and affordable, you'll probably want several for the patio, entryway, and garden path. It needs no wiring, so you can move it around as the season or event requires. The solar panels are the most reliable we've seen, and they're unobtrusive too. Two ways to hangwall mount or shepherd's crook (both included). Colonial-era design in burnished copper. LED bulb never needs replacing.Our Diamond Pane Solar Light of verdigris-finished steel also come
Acorn Solar Stake Lights, set of 4
Because they're mounted on ground stakes, these handsome acorn lamps can be "planted" anywhere you liketo light the way along your garden path, softly define a flowerbed, or mark the driveway. The brushed pewter finish adds a touch of elegance to this great value in path lights, and the LED bulbs last an amazing one million hours each! Versatile lights go anywhere you like.
Illuminated Solar Fountain
At last, a floating solar fountain that works at night when you're home to enjoy it! Not only does this fountain charge with solar power, it has a battery backup so it pumps for 4 hour durations on cloudy days. It even pumps at night, while two bright white LEDs illuminate the 16" high spray. It will be the highlight of your next garden soiree. Sprays by day, lights by night. Works on cloudy days and even in darkness. Adds glamour to your evening parties. Includes pump, power cord, solar panel,
Double Solar Spotlight
When you want to really show off a garden statue, fountain, flag or other special landscape feature, you need more than an accent light. This Double Solar Spotlight is amazingly bright, and shines all night when fully charged. Place the solar panel in direct sunlight and set the two spotlights wherever you need illumination. Double spots throw light 15-20 feet! Lifetime white LEDs never need replacing. 3 NiCad batteries are included. Adjustable arms let you control the spots' angle. Lights are m
Granite Solar Pillar
A pillar of solid granite conceals state-of-the-art solar technology in this timeless lantern. It's powered by two lifetime LED bulbs that illuminate all night, even when days are short and nights are long. State-of-the-art solar technology. LED bulbs never need replacing. Light lasts all night on one charge. Perfect for the garden, entryway or deck. 3 "portholes" cast a full circle of light. Natural granite complements any style home. No mounting, no assembly required.
Solar Driveway Markers, set of 2
These amazing lights performed beautifully in the most miserable winter weather Vermont has ever seen. They're indestructible - you can drive a truck right over them. They glow for several nights on one charge, even buried in snow, and the blinking light is visible over a mile away. No one will ever miss your driveway again! Set of 2 markers, each with 6 amber LEDs. Visible a mile away. Nail right into the asphalt, or screw to posts if you plow your drive (screws not included). Also great
Carved Soapstone Solar Lantern
These solar lanterns are one-of-a-kind works of art, each individually hand carved from natural soapstone in a beautiful meandering leaf pattern. By day the globe is a striking sculpture to display indoors or out. By night it glows softly, casting delicate dappled shadows on tabletop, garden foliage or snowy landscape. Contains a solar-powered light module that uses 2 white LEDs instead of conventional bulbs, for a longer burn time and no maintenance worries. Replace the solar module with
Dickensian Solar Flicker Lantern
The lamplighters of Charles Dickens' day would recognize the design of this Victorian lantern, but they would be amazed to find no candle flame inside. Powered by a long-lasting amber LED, our solar lantern stays lit all night on a single day of full sun. The bulb is hidden in a candle pillar for amazing realism, and actually flickers just like candlelight. Another amazing feature: the price! Comes with traditional shepherd's crook hanger. 4 solar lanterns with shepherd's crooks, just $80! Reali
Holiday Solar Footlight
Our new Holiday Footlight has three LED bulbs - white, red and green - to change color at will. Optional 30" Ground Stake raises your footlight above plantings or snowdrifts. This innovative light features two swivel adjustments. One directs the light at a garden statue, fountain, or your holiday decorations. The other adjusts the solar panel to face full sun for proper charge efficiency. Illuminates up to 5 feet. 3 NiCad batteries (included) store the sun's energy. Mounts 3 ways: on wall, deck
Regent™ Outdoor Halogen Quartz Light
Regent™ Outdoor Halogen Quartz Light
Regent™ Outdoor Halogen Quartz Light
Flamingo & Palm Tree Light Set (836301)
Red Pepper Light Set (836070)
3M™ Safety-Walk™ Outdoor Strips
3M™ Safety-Walk™ Indoor/Outdoor Tread
Beckett Underwater Light Kit (7078310)
Ace Spot Light Kit (Fl-Sjt182-06-Gr)
Ace Spot Light Kit (1ac16838)
Ace Outdoor Yard Stake (St-Sjt163-15gr)
Malibu Solar Outdoor Lighting (Lz3)
Malibu Solar Accent Light (Lz11771h)
Malibu Solar Candle Light (Lz6)
Malibu Low Voltage Light Deck Set (Ld6278t)
Malibu Low Voltage 12 Light Set (Lx19412t)
Malibu Low Profile Tier Light Fixture (Ml10781-8)
Malibu Tier Light (Cs200c)
High Pressure Sodium Security Light (E-70-H)
Fluorescent Entry Light (Fe13pc)
Regent™ Halogen Landscape Light (Sp100)
BWF Weatherproof Incandescent Path & Garden Light
BWF Stake Light (Sp-1gv)
American Fluorescent Corp Yard/Barn Light (Yl108-4)
American Fluorescent Corp Yard/Barn Light (Yl107-4)
Angelo Lighting Outdoor Wall Fixture (66885)
Westinghouse Lighting Company Outdoor Lantern Fixture (66936)
Angelo® Decorative Outdoor Lighting (66800)
Oakbrook® Outdoor Ceiling Fixture (66822)
Angelo® Outdoor Wall Lantern Fixture (66859)
Intermatic® Outdoor Lighting Timer (HB35R)
Malibu® Low Voltage Rock Light (NA320)
Clear 18 ft Rope Light (55130-73A)
Malibu® 10 Pack Light Set (LX10610T25)
Malibu® Solar Address Light (LZ314)
Malibu® Solar Frog Light (LZ306)
Malibu® Solar Walk Light (LZ309CC)
Malibu® Solar Walk Light (LZ11711CC)
Malibu® Solar Turtle Light (LZ313)
Malibu® Solar Hanging Carriage Light (LZ4H)
Malibu® Hanging Lantern Walk Light (CS140K)
Malibu® 3 Tier Light (LT13)
Malibu® 3 Tier Solar Light (LZ10130)
Malibu® Solar Coach Light Pewter (LZ20601P)
Malibu® Solar Fence Post Light (LZ21811K)
Outdoor Post Top Lantern (Cp-120)