Landscape lighting has become very popular with homeowners globally. When properly done, it will provide you with a sense of security and make your home a place where your guests will admire. Apart from providing light, landscape lighting is also great for aesthetics.
While you might decide to go the DIY way when installing landscape lighting, it pays to let this job done by a professional to make sure the lighting is cost-effective and matches your home design.
There are many factors you have to consider when you want to install your landscape lighting. The top six factors to consider include:
1. Consider the location of your home
The first thing to consider when choosing landscape lighting is where your home is located. If you own the home, you can install whatever type of light you want.
However, if you live in a rented home/house, you must seek your landlord’s consent and your neighbors’ opinions. Before installing any fixtures in a rented home, your landlord will have a say because it might not be part of his/her plan.
Some outdoor lights may also spread to your neighbors’ compounds. So you must seek their input whether or not they’ll be comfortable. The lights must be fixed such that you get the maximum benefits from them without disturbing your neighbors.
If your neighbors insist that they want their privacy, you must ensure the lights only illuminate your home.
2. Consider the number of lighting installations needed
The number of lighting installations you need will depend on the size of your compound. Of course, if the compound is big, you’ll need many light sources. One thing that comes into play here is the cost.
You have to remember that the more light sources you have, the higher your monthly electricity bills will be. So if the cost is a concern for you and you need more light sources, consider installing a solar-powered system.
Putting too many light sources would mean your home will be too bright at night. On the other hand, just having a few light sources will leave your home dark at night.
Let a qualified technician help you determine the number of lighting stations you need. You don’t want to buy extra sets of fixtures that you won’t need.
3. Where will the lights be placed?
Where you place the lights is very important. When you already have some light coming from the house, consider them when placing outdoor lights. The outdoor light should complement what you already have to reduce installation costs and the electricity bill.
If you have a fish pond in your home, make sure the light can make it visible at night to prevent accidents. The lights should be placed such that they don’t interfere with the fish.
If you have a swimming pool at the home, you can decide whether you want some privacy swimming at night. If so, you can leave the pool area a little darker. Another thing to consider is security. Ask yourself which part of your compound intruders are likely to come from. Such high-risk areas need to be bright at night to discourage burglars and other intruders.
Knowing where the lights will be located will help you determine which types of light fixtures to buy.
4. What type of illumination do you need?
Another important thing to consider when choosing landscape lighting is the type of illumination you want. The type of illumination will be determined by your outdoor fixtures and plants, and also your home decor.
For example, if you have a water fixture in your home, you may want lighting that can wonderfully emphasize it. If you have some specific fixtures you want the lights to stress, you can choose the right lighting for that.
You must make sure the type of lighting you choose blends well with all other fixtures around it. You can choose electricity-powered lights, solar-powered lights, or battery-powered lights depending on the area you want them fixed.
You can also choose path lights, spotlights, floodlights, or a combination of the three types of lights depending on how your landscape looks. Also, consider how much power the lights will consume. Low wattage bulbs consume less power and can help you save money on electricity bills.
5. Which colors suit your landscape?
Color plays an important role in landscape lighting. Fortunately, there are many colors you can choose from. Most people like the white color for the paths, and for areas where security is an issue.
For other areas of the yard, the suitable color is a matter of personal choice. However, the colors should add to the aesthetics of the home. They should also blend harmoniously with the colors of the other fixtures in the home.
If you aren’t sure which colors will work best for you, better consult a qualified landscaper.
6. Light up the greenery
When lighting your landscape, don’t forget the plants, they need light too. You may consider using pendants, ground-mounted light sources, or regular lamps. The choice of light for your garden will depend on the type of plants you have and the size of your garden.
For example, if your garden has small plants, pendant lighting may suffice. If you have bigger plants, you can consider using ground-mounted light sources. If your plants have flowers, you must choose light colors that will enhance these colors. It is also good to have some lights on trees for security.
Final words
Landscape lighting is one of the best ways to decorate a home. They aren’t that expensive and are quite easy to maintain. Choosing the right lighting can make it more comfortable for you and your guests to stay outdoors at night. It may seem easy to choose and install landscape lights, but this is not the case.
You have to consider the installation process and all the factors discussed above. That’s why you need a professional landscaper to help you with this job. An experienced landscaper will help determine the number of bulbs needed, where they are placed, their colors, and the intensity of illumination they provide.