Outdoor landscape lighting is an essential part of any home. Whether you’re a lighting expert or want to try something new, plenty of options are available. Let’s talk about what outdoor landscape lighting is and why it’s important. 

What is Outdoor Landscape Lighting?

Outdoor landscape lighting refers to using lighting fixtures to enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces such as gardens, patios, decks, and other outdoor living areas. The primary goal of outdoor landscape lighting is to highlight the beauty of outdoor features such as trees, plants, architectural details, and pathways. It’s also great for improving security and safety around the home. 

 Outdoor landscape lighting can be achieved using a variety of lighting fixtures, including:

• Pathway lights 

• Spotlights 

• Floodlights

• Well lights

• Deck lights 

The type of fixture you choose will depend on your lighting needs, the size and layout of your property, and your personal aesthetic preferences.

An effective outdoor lighting plan should be designed to highlight the key features of your property and provide adequate illumination for safety and security purposes. It should also consider energy efficiency, with LED lights and smart outdoor lighting for backyards being popular choices due to their long lifespan and low energy consumption. 

Why is it Important? 

Outdoor landscape lighting is important for several reasons:

Aesthetic

Outdoor landscape lighting can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property by highlighting key features such as trees, plants, architectural details, and pathways. With the right lighting design, you can create a warm and inviting ambiance that can enhance the curb appeal of your property. 

Safety and Security

Lighting can also improve the security of your home by deterring potential intruders. A well-lit property is less likely to be targeted by burglars. Floodlights and spotlights can be used for security lighting to provide bright illumination to large areas, making it difficult for intruders to go unnoticed.

Extended Use of Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor landscape lighting can help extend the use of your outdoor living spaces by providing illumination for evening entertainment and relaxation. With the right lighting design, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that will make you want to spend more time outside. Deck lights, for example, can provide a low level of illumination that creates a relaxing ambiance for outdoor relaxation.

Increased Property Value

A well-designed outdoor landscape lighting system can increase the value of your property by enhancing its aesthetic appeal and providing an additional layer of safety and security. Adding outdoor security lights with motion sensors is another great way to add property value. 

What are Some Popular Landscape Lighting Trends? 

Landscape lighting is an essential part of outdoor design, and like any other aspect of home design, it evolves with time. Here are some popular landscape lighting trends that have emerged in recent years:

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting is becoming increasingly popular in landscape lighting. With smart lighting, you can remotely control your outdoor lighting fixtures using your smartphone or a voice assistant. You can turn the lights on and off, adjust their brightness, and even change their color using an app or voice commands.

Minimalist Design 

Minimalist design is a growing trend in landscape lighting. The focus is on simple, clean lines and unobtrusive fixtures that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Minimalist design is especially popular for pathway lighting, which aims to create a subtle and unobtrusive lighting effect that guides visitors safely to their destination.

Color Temperature

Color temperature is becoming an important consideration in landscape lighting design. Warmer color temperatures, such as 2700K, create a cozy and inviting ambiance, while cooler colors, such as 5000K, provide a bright and energizing effect. As a result, landscape lighting designers experiment with color temperature to create the best moods and atmospheres.

Water Features

Water features such as fountains, waterfalls, and ponds are becoming increasingly popular in landscape design, and lighting can significantly highlight these features. Submerged lighting can create a dramatic effect in the water, while spotlights highlight the surrounding landscape. One option for water feature lighting is solar lights to save on energy. 

What are the Best Types of Bulbs for Outdoor Landscape Lighting? 

Several types of bulbs can be used for outdoor landscape lighting. Here are some of the best options:

LED Bulbs

LED bulbs are an excellent choice for outdoor landscape lighting. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in many color temperatures. LED bulbs are also available in different beam angles, which makes them versatile for different applications.

Halogen Bulbs

Halogen bulbs are another popular choice for outdoor landscape lighting. They provide a warm, white light similar to incandescent bulbs, but they’re more energy-efficient. Halogen bulbs are also relatively affordable and easy to replace.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are a traditional option for outdoor landscape lighting, but they are becoming less popular due to their low energy efficiency and short lifespan. They provide a warm, yellow light that can create a small, cozy ambiance, but are not recommended for large-scale lighting applications.

Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs are not typically used for outdoor landscape lighting due to their low color rendering index (CRI) and cool, bluish light. However, they can be a good option for illuminating outdoor work areas, such as garages or sheds.

Xenon Bulbs

Xenon bulbs are similar to halogen bulbs in terms of their warm, white light, but they have a longer lifespan. They are also more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, making them a good option for outdoor landscape lighting.

The Bottom Line

Outdoor landscape lighting is worth investing in. So, if you’re ready to get started, contact the lighting experts at JellyFish Lighting today and find your free quote. Our lighting experts will help you set up, program, and enjoy your color-changing LED bulbs for holidays, ball games, and other events for years to come.