How to Combine Task, Accent and Ambient Lighting in The Garden

To create a well-lit and balanced design scheme in the garden, it is important that you layer your lights. Relying purely on one fixture will leave you with shadows and bright spots. In this article, we will take a look at layered garden lighting and how to best incorporate it into your space.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is an important element of a layered lighting scheme. It promises better visibility through focused illumination to be used for certain tasks and activities. You can incorporate task lighting in a number of ways in your garden, including

• pathway bollard lights along sidewalks and driveways
• outdoor step lights recessed into the risers or the walls of staircases
• garage and entryway outdoor wall lighting

For outdoor task lights, such as outdoor spike lights, aim for lumen counts between 200 and 500. Narrower beam angles between 15 and 30 degrees also provide more precise lighting control.

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Ambient Light

Ambient light is the main layer of illumination that provides a foundation upon which the other layers are built. Unlike task lighting, it doesn’t work just for a specific activity. Because of this, you can install it in broader areas like:

• open lawn spaces
• under canopies and trees
• in seating areas like patios and pergolas

For outdoor ambient light, exterior wall lights, under canopy downlights and string lights are recommended. You should also choose warm, atmospheric lighting for this layer especially.

Accent Lights

Accent lighting is responsible for highlighting certain areas and creating a mood. Commonly, it is used for drawing attention to architectural elements, sculptures, and adding visual interest. You can incorporate accent lighting in several ways, such as:

• Recessed outdoor wall lights
• wall washing garden wall lights
• LED outdoor ground lights and pool lights

It is recommended that these lights have a lumen count between 300 and 700 lumens in total. You can choose either narrow or wide beam angles according to what effect you want to achieve.

Layering the Lights

When layering these three elements, a good ratio is 60 percent task light, 30 percent ambient light, and 10 percent accent light. To actually layer these together, follow these steps:

1. Begin with ambient lighting. Choose the fixtures that you wish to create the main layer of lighting such as patio wall lights, outdoor ceiling lights or string lights.

2. Add task lighting. Decide which areas you need to light more brightly, such as dining spaces and walkways. Then, add in your outdoor pathway lighting and other focused fixtures

3. Bring in accent lighting. Pick two to three focal points like a water feature, tree or wall to highlight. Then, use an accent light such as uplights or spike lights with narrow beam angles.

Do’s and Don’ts When Planning a Layered Garden Lighting Scheme

As you start to plan your lighting scheme, be aware of some of the most common mistakes so that you can avoid them.

DO:

• MAKE A PLAN. One of the easiest ways to end up with a lighting design you dislike is by rushing it. Take some time to sketch out a basic lighting plan and notate areas that you wish to light and with what kind of fixture. Consider sightlines, light pollution and other important factors.

• USE THE RIGHT FIXTURES. Each layer requires certain types of fixtures to work as intended. For example, reserve LED bollard lamps for task lighting around pathways and driveways. Opt for bright wall washing lights for ambient illumination, and focused spotlights for accent lighting.

• KEEP COLOUR TEMPERATURES CONSISTENT. In order to avoid clashing, be sure you are using the same colour temperature range throughout. Combining cool and warm lighting without thought can create abrasive and unflattering light.

INCORPORATE SMART CONTROLS AND DIMMER SWITCHES. With fixed lighting, you lack control over brightness levels and other adjustments. Setting your lights up with smart controls gives you better customisation and personalisation so you stay in control of the look and feel of your space.

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DON’T:

• FORGET LEDS. LED lights are far more long-lasting and energy efficient than traditional halogen or incandescent bulbs. Beyond that, they have a wider range of light colour temperatures and lumen counts so you can really get specific with your choices.

OVERLIGHT THE SPACE. There is such a thing as having too much light. Overwhelming the space with illumination can cause hotspots and glares, not to mention light pollution.

CLASH THE STYLES. Be sure you are choosing lights for each layer that match one another. Choose similar finishes, designs and styles that create visual harmony with one another for best results.

NEGLECT IP RATINGS. With outdoor lights, it’s important that you ensure your fixtures can withstand weather exposure. The best way to do this is to choose durable lights with appropriate IP ratings. Ideally, you will want IP ratings of IP65 or higher to ensure it is waterproof.

Conclusion

Layered lighting is the key to creating an outdoor living space that you are proud to show off. In this article, we’ve provided a quick look at layered lighting basics to help get you started on your own lighting design.