Creating an outdoor ambiance that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing requires the perfect lighting. It’s about finding a balance between safety, design, energy efficiency, and maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best types of outdoor lighting to achieve just that.
Why Low Voltage LED is Your Best Bet for Outdoor Lighting
When it comes to lighting up your outdoor space, one solution stands out: low voltage LED lighting.
Power of Low Voltage
Firstly, these lights are low maintenance and energy efficient. Compared to high voltage lighting, they have a significantly reduced running cost, which translates to more savings for you.
More importantly, low voltage lighting helps keep unwanted visitors at bay. Unlike high voltage lighting, which tends to attract bugs (think of those high-voltage bug zappers), low voltage lights do not draw insects. This characteristic alone can make your outdoor space much more enjoyable, especially during warm evenings.
Placement: Where to Install Your Outdoor Lights
Now that we’ve established low voltage LED as your go-to lighting solution, let’s explore the best places to install your outdoor lighting. Your illumination plan will depend heavily on the specific features and layout of your outdoor space, but here are some of the key areas to consider.
Light up Your House
Lighting the house itself is a brilliant starting point. Up-lighting or down-lighting can create striking effects on the exterior of your home, giving it a warm, welcoming glow. You can also experiment with color-changing lights to suit different occasions, sports themes, or even sync the lights to radio music for an added touch of sophistication.
Hardscape and Landscaping
For hardscape areas like seating walls, grill stations, and columns, under cap lights are a fantastic option. These soft hardscape lights cast a gentle glow downwards, highlighting these structures beautifully.
Pathways and walkways, on the other hand, can benefit from path lights to guide steps safely and accentuate the path’s design. For trees, particularly evergreens, a combination of up-lighting and down-lighting can bring out intricate shadows and shapes, adding depth and drama to your landscape.
Pool Areas
Pool lighting can transform your pool area into a stunning nighttime oasis. Low voltage LED lights are ideal for pools, providing clear, efficient illumination. The number of lights you need will depend on your pool’s size and design, but you can start with three and add more if necessary.
Outdoor Kitchen Areas
Most modern grills come with built-in lighting for the grill area, but it’s the under-counter lighting that can make all the difference in your outdoor kitchen. Placing hardscape lights under your countertops, between the top of the kitchen structure and the countertops, can provide radiant light that brightens the space and enhances the overall ambiance.
Conclusion
Finding the right outdoor lighting solution may seem daunting, but the right guidance and understanding of the options available can make all the difference. Whether it’s low voltage LED lights for your landscape or under cap lights for your hardscape, understanding the best types of outdoor lighting for your space can make your outdoor living dream a reality.
Feel free to contact us if you need any further assistance with your outdoor lighting project. We’re here to light up your outdoors in the best possible way.
