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Outdoor lighting mistakes are something that plague many a garden space, diminishing their overall visibility and appearance. Improper lighting can lead to unsightly glares, accidental shadows, and an overall reduction in aesthetics.
In this article, we will explore some common garden lighting problems, as well as how to avoid lighting mistakes in the first place.
Why Proper Outdoor Lighting is Important
Outdoor lighting is responsible not just for the aesthetics of your space, but for the safety and functionality of it as well. Quality exterior lighting can make your garden a more comfortable place to enjoy, including areas like patio seating and accenting visual elements of the garden.
It can also beautify the overall appearance of the space. A more visually appealing outdoor space looks better from the road. This is especially important if you intend on selling your house later down the line.
Furthermore, it may be able to deter intruders. A well-lit garden leaves fewer shadows for any potential criminal activity to occur in. Beyond that, it makes it easier for your CCTV to record clearer images of any goings-on in the garden.
What are the Most Common Outdoor Lighting Errors?
There are many ways that you can accidentally reduce the quality of your outdoor lighting design, from improper placement to incorrect colour temperature. Read on to learn about some of the biggest offenders.
Mistake #1: Too Much Light
Yes, there is such a thing. The most glaring of outdoor lighting design flaws often comes in the form of too much light. While you might be tempted to drown out all darkness in the night, this can actually lead to washing out the space and causing glare.
Light that is too abundant or too bright can be unpleasant, not just for you but for your neighbors as well. Subtle brightness is better, letting you gently light up your garden and its features in a way that is not too abrasive.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Energy Efficiency
Your lights will be on for most of the night, and that can mean using up a lot of energy if not done right. Be sure to use energy efficient LED bulbs in order to cut down on that as much as possible.
LED lights pose many benefits stemming from their energy efficient nature as well. With a lessened use of energy usage, they also become more environmentally friendly. Less energy will also translate to a reduction in your energy bills over time.
LEDs also have a much longer life than halogen bulbs, rated for tens of thousands of hours instead of only 1,000. A longer lifespan will allow you to extend the use of your bulbs, so you won’t have to constantly spend money on replacements.
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Type of Lighting Fixtures
Each area and element of the garden requires different styles of lighting to look their best. Be sure you use appropriate lighting in the right spaces, such as:
- spike lights and low level lights along pathways and walkways
- spotlights to uplight trees and shrubs
- floodlights to “moonlight” trees from above
- Outdoor wall sconces to wash or graze garden walls, adding in shadows and detail
- recessed low level lighting on either side of stairs
By installing the right fixtures where they go, you can ensure a varied and well-balanced lighting scheme. Doing so will also help you avoid one of the most common exterior lighting mistakes people make.
Mistake #4: Failing to Highlight Key Features
Accent lighting is a crucial element of any outdoor lighting scheme. Not adding them in is one of the most common garden lighting mistakes you can make.
If you have fountains, outdoor sculptures, unique garden walls or anything else that deserves attention, accent lights can provide it. Positioning accent lights in these areas will draw the eye to them to enhance the overall aesthetics of the garden. Simultaneously, they will give the space beautiful indirect lighting that is gentle on the eyes.
Mistake #5: Neglecting Light Layering
One of the best landscape lighting tips anyone can offer is to layer your lights. Layered lighting consists of three different levels: ambient, accent and task lighting.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is responsible for providing the main layer of light in the space. All other lights complement this one. Ambient light is usually produced by lights that are brighter and with a larger spread than other lights. Think pendants, soffit lights, and floodlights.
Task Lighting
Task lights are best for areas where you will be performing various activities. Most commonly, you will use them in patio and deck areas. Task lights near grilling and outdoor cooking stations are also common.
Accent Lighting
Perhaps the most overlooked, accent lights are a crucial element of layered lighting designed. As discussed, they are responsible for highlighting areas of interest.
They can also be used to bring in soft, atmospheric mood lighting. Ground lights, spotlights and wall sconces are the most commonly used accent light fixtures in outdoor spaces.
Mistake #6: Inconsistent Lighting Color Temperatures
Colour temperature is a way to discuss the perceived coolness o warmth of a light. These ratings exist on a scale of kelvin units. Warmer lights are at the bottom of the scale, while cooler lights are toward the top.
When it comes to colour temperature, you always want to use the same one throughout a lighting scheme. Using cool and warm colour temperatures together can cause abrasive clashing and be unsightly. Having uniform temperatures throughout will create a sense of balance.
In particular, it is recommended that you use warm colour temperatures for your outdoor space. That said, some people prefer cooler, more vibrant light, especially if they have a security system.
Mistake #7: Overlooking the Impact of Shadows
While you may think lighting is all about illumination, the truth is it is just as much about intentional shadow. Shadows help play up the drama in the space, adding visual intrigue right away. By employing techniques such as moonlighting, cross-lighting and wall grazing, you can create interesting shadows and lots of depth.
Mistake #8: Failing to Consider Safety in Lighting Design
Outdoor lighting that is connected to the mains power, meaning you will be dealing with electricity. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you run the risk of accidentally electrocuting yourself.
For this reason, it is recommended that you hire a qualified electrician to take care of the job for you.
Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
Avoiding outdoor lighting issues can sometimes be as simple as understanding the best practices for outdoor lighting to begin with. This includes choosing the appropriate fixtures for your needs. Follow these landscape lighting design tips to find the best fixtures for the job.
- IP RATED. Choosing waterproof rated outdoor lights is one of the best ways to avoid DIY garden lighting errors. Since the lights are exposed to the elements, you need to be sure they are up to the task. A waterproof IP65 or higher light can resist the effects of the elements with ease.
- DURABLE MATERIALS. Similarly, you will need strong, resilient light fixtures that are made out of tough materials. Metals such as aluminium, stainless steel and brass are recommended for the job.
- QUALITY COMPOSITION. When it comes to light fixtures, you certainly get what you pay for. Many people find it worth it to shell out a little extra on higher quality lights. This reduces the need for constant replacements, and should require less maintenance than lower quality items.
- LED LIGHTS. Be sure that you are choosing LED fixtures for your outdoor space. Not only are they longer lasting, but they are an energy efficient choice for such lights that will be on the whole night. They are also versatile in their colour temperatures, giving you choice over the appearance of the lights.
Conclusion
Fixing outdoor lighting mistakes can be a tedious and frustrating endeavor. Instead, it is better that you do it the right way from the outset. Keep this article close as you plan your outdoor lighting scheme to avoid the most common garden lighting errors during the process.
Outdoor Lighting Ideas
Dress up your garden walls with modern flair when you install the LWA490 6 Watt Black LED Porch Wall Light. This contemporary light features a cylindrical post with a square shaped acrylic diffuser on top. It diffuses and softens the 500 lumens of 3000K warm white light to give it a softer look. It measures 135 millimeters wide by 183 millimeters tall and fits well on any garden wall. The aluminium fixture has an IP65 waterproof rating and is finished in black.
Enhance your outdoor living space with the LWA370 6 Watt Brass Up and Down Outdoor Wall Light. This wall light features a cylindrical shape that is elegant in appearance when paired with its brass finish. It shines a total of 600 lumens of 3000K warm white light up and down on the wall behind it at a 20 degree beam angle. This durable brass fixture measures 130 millimeters in height and is rated IP65 to make it waterproof.
Outline different areas in the garden or light up pathways with the LFL006 5 Watt 450mm Tall Black LED Bollard Light. This post light is installed in the ground and shines 500 lumens of 3000K warm white light all around it. It measures 60 millimeters in diameter and 450 millimeters in height, letting you install it just about anywhere. This durable aluminium fixture has an IP65 rating that makes it resistant to damages from moisture and debris.
