Lighting is an art form that takes on a life of its own for each unique landscape. The mix and match of different types of lighting fixtures will elevate your outdoor living spaces and beautifully designed landscaping from magnificent to mesmerizing.
TYPES OF FIXTURES
Path Lights – these lights are what you typically see installed along a pathway, driveway, or dotted through a garden bed. They resemble a lamp, with a stem and “hat” which spreads the light out in a circular pattern. The diameter of light spread will vary depending on the chosen path light. Common install patterns are leaner and staggered.
Accent Lights – this type of light is commonly used at the base of trees, large shrubs, or rockery, creating a feature piece in your garden or lawn. They are available in different light beam spreads and are sometimes adjustable allowing you to customize the light beam for different sized trees. Some larger trees will look best with two or more accent lights.
Hardscape Lights – often seen installed in steps, pathways, driveways, decking, rock walls and outdoor kitchen areas, these little lights come in a multitude of varieties to fit your needs. Some varieties are perfect for under the lip of stair treads, walls, and counter tops, as they are low profile and easily concealable. The in-ground hardscape lights are extremely durable, making them perfect for driveways, stairs, and pool decks.
Deck Lights – this type of categorized light also comes in many forms. They are normally used around the perimeter of a deck with wooden railings, or along a wooden fence to create a welcoming atmosphere with a subtle lighting effect. Some deck lights can be strung above your outdoor seating area (if it has some kind of support structure) for overhead lighting, extending the lifecycle of your outdoor spaces.
Flood & Wash Lights – these lights are large spotlights with wide beam spreads. Ideal for very large trees, silhouette lighting, and wall washing. They are wonderful for bringing out beautiful textures and shapes which draw the eye and provide an extra bit of security to your home by mitigating the deep shadows right next to your house.
Well Lights – these are similar to the small in-ground hardscape lights; however, they are much larger. Well lights are probably one of the most underrated lights, yet they work wonders for uplighting and driveway illumination, where you do not want fixtures protruding from the ground.
Underwater Lights – the cherry on top of any water feature. You’ve invested a lot of money in creating a beautiful water feature in your garden, the least you deserve is to be able to see it day or night. Underwater lights are a great way to create shimmering water and highlight this special element of your garden.