Guide: Landscape Lighting Tips | Solar vs. Wired Lighting

The outdoor spaces around your home are just as important as the interior of your home, and when it comes to landscape lighting, should not be neglected. For this reason, we’ve put together these Landscape Lighting Tips to make your house brighter and more atmospheric!

The front of your house is the first thing people will see when they arrive at your place, and some careful and creative outdoor lighting can radically improve that impression. The private areas and gardens are often comfortable places to sit and contemplate the world, as it passes you by. It makes good sense to decorate it in a way that you find attractive and will give you hours of pleasure.

These areas almost always beat sitting indoors, when the weather permits.

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Landscape Lighting Tips

To enhance the lighting on the exterior of your home, it’s best to break these spaces down by functionality into categories. Once you’ve identified the major areas, you can figure out the appropriate lighting for each area. Here are a few common categories.

Front Yard

The front yard provides a connection from the street to the house. Depending on the size of the lot the house is positioned on, the front yard can vary from a few feet in depth to hundreds of feet deep. The lighting present in the front yard can serve to accentuate the plantings in the yard, and also to provide illumination for those who will be walking from the street or driveway to the front door.

Front Porch

The front porch has a dual purpose: to provide a shelter for those waiting to enter the house, and also to offer a neighborly relaxation space where you can sit and enjoy the evening while also being present and a part of the community.

Balcony

If you have a balcony, whether it is front facing or rear facing, often this space is a bit more private than a front porch. Typically the lighting on a balcony should be more ambient than what might be found on a front porch, as there’s no need to give guidance to those who will be entering an unfamiliar house, like what might be needed on a front porch.

Back Yard/Garden

 

Backyard lighting can be daunting, as there are many aspects to consider. Floodlighting can be helpful to enable kids to play later in the evening, and ambient lighting can help create a great mood. Task lighting can be helpful for those who need to get work done in the yard, such as composting and gardening.

 

Also, torches and oil burners that keep the bugs away can be quite useful in the backyard for safety.

Deck/Patio

Decks and patios generally need a mix between task lighting and ambient lighting. Often the grill or outdoor kitchen is located in these spaces, so task lighting is quite important if there’s going to be cooking going on.

Also, the deck or patio is frequently the primary sitting area outside, so you’ll want ambient lighting for eating, reading, and conversation.

Finally, these spaces often have people walking around a lot, so it’s a good idea to have path lighting as well.

Walkways

Walkways are critical spaces in terms of task and safety lighting. Floodlighting can be useful at walkways, as can simple sconce lighting or post lighting. You want to illuminate walkways enough to enable users to safely navigate the space, and also to enable people to take out the trash, deliver boxes, etc. safely.

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General Landscape Lighting Ideas

Correct use of outdoor lighting should complement your home, and exhibit your yard. It’s a great idea to further break down your areas into sub-sections, and light them independently. Here are a few ideas for further lighting options.

Flowerbeds

Light up your flowerbeds and trees with uplights, so you can see them glowing through the windows of your home.

Security Lights

Have motion sensor lights in the areas you want to light up for security reasons. That way they only turn on when needed.

Garden Lights

Light up the best features of your garden. Whilst colored lights are aesthetically pleasing, many people prefer to use white lights, as with the moonlight.

Water Feature Lighting

If you have a pond or other water feature or in your yard, you certainly want to illuminate it at night. It will look create a spectacular, soothing mood of serenity. Additionally, it should be identified for safety. Here are a few tips:

• Any submerged lighting system should ideally be a 12v system.
• It should be completely water resistant and protected by a correctly rated breaker.
• For a pond, skim the lighting across the surface to create a glimmering effect.
• If you have fish in the water, make sure there is an area that remains dark for them, even if it is only by using pond furniture for them to hide in.
• Be aware that the lighting may affect the temperature of the water, so don’t have it too bright.
• For water that is cascading, aim the light where the water lands. If you aim it at the flowing water, it is not as effective.
• Submerse colored lighting into the water for a stunning effect.
• Use stones in the water to complement the lighting. Light colored stones will highlight the glow, whereas darker ones will dim it.
• Water actually bends light, so experiment with the positioning of your lamps, for the right effect.
• If you have fish in a pond with submersible lighting, make sure the fittings are made of polycarbonate or stainless steel. Do not use any made from copper or zinc as they will be toxic for the fish.

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Downlighting vs. Uplighting

When illuminating the exterior facade of a home, there are two major choices for ambient lighting: downlighting and uplighting. Downlighting is often placed in the soffit, and shines down from above, while uplighting is generally placed on the ground surrounding a house and shines upward.

Soffit Lighting

Soffit Lighting sounds good in theory but often results in a less-than-ideal look.

Soffit lighting often produces a Christmas light-like effect, with uneven blips of light and shadow and a look that lacks cohesion. This is largely because it’s easy to see the lights themselves as you’re looking up at them, and this produces less than ideal results.

Instead, it’s usually best to shine your lights up from the ground and wash those lights over the walls. The lights can be concealed in trees or bushes.

Uplighting

Uplighting tends to look much better, as the lights are positioned a short distance from the house itself, and shined up at an angle against the exterior walls and front-facing gables. This sort of lighting is much more attractive and can be quite simple to implement.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Dark Sky

The one downside of uplighting (sorry, couldn’t resist!) is light pollution. Upward-facing lighting tends to light up the night sky, wasting energy and making it more and more difficult to see the stars at night.

We sympathize with those who love their telescopes and night sky, and for this reason, if you want to use uplighting on your house, we would suggest that you not leave those lights on all night, but rather set them up so that they turn off at a certain hour.

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Wired vs. Wireless Outdoor Lighting

Until the last 10 years of so, the only option for outdoor lighting was wired lighting. This lighting almost always required a professional, licensed electrician, and cost thousands of dollars to install.

But new advances in LED and solar technology have really changed the marketplace for outdoor lighting over the last several years, and now it is quite easy for homeowners to set up a huge variety of beautiful, useful outdoor lighting without the need to hire professionals.

That said, wired lighting still has several advantages and use cases. In the following sections, we’ll look at the spaces where wired lighting is most useful, and the advantages of wired lighting in these areas.

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Wired Lighting

In this section, we’ll look at wired lighting, and where it can be used most effectively.

Renovations or Construction Work

If you’re going to be renovating or building new, it may make sense to have an electrician who might already be on site for other tasks to run some wires for specific types of lighting. If everything is going to be torn up anyway for construction, it is often wise to have professionals run conduit and/or cable for the following types of lighting.

Post Lamps

Post lamps are very useful in lighting pathways and walkways. These lamps should be spaced about 15-20′ apart, generally, though that depends on the general level of ambient light in the area you’re seeking to illuminate.

While there are solar post lights available (see below), they aren’t as good as traditionally wired lamps and are available in a much smaller variety of styles. Stick to wired if you can.

There are a million different styles of post lamp heads available, but this Bellagio lamp is pretty timeless.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Floodlights

Floodlights are typically installed high up on the wall of a structure, and they cast a bright light downward to illuminate a wide area. These lights should ideally be placed near a window so that if users need to replace a bulb, they can do so without needing a tall ladder.

These lights should be installed by a licensed electrician, and are generally an easy install.

Floodlights usually need to be quite bright and are often left on for a while, so it’s best to install these in a wired setup.

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Exterior Sconce Lights

Exterior sconce lights are mounted on the walls of a house or outdoor object to provide illumination. Like post lights, there are a huge variety of exterior sconces available.

It’s best to set these up to be wired lights, as opposed to solar light setups unless you’re far away from any source of wired power.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

String Lights

String lights are almost certainly the most versatile outdoor lights. They are wired, but they are plug-in lights, so there’s no need for a professional electrician to install them. They’re available in a variety of styles and can be used in myriad ways. They can be bunched up, strung around trees or accent objects, strung along porch ceilings, etc.

Proxy Lighting makes outstanding string lights that are covered under a lifetime warranty, and are an excellent place to start if you’re looking for new string lights.

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Timers, Sensors, And Automation

Wired lighting offers users a great deal more control than wireless solar lighting, which generally automatically turns on a dusk, and runs until dawn, or until the batteries die. Wired lighting can be controlled by dusk/dawn sensors, motion sensors, automation, and standard switches.

Standard Switches

Wired lighting can be controlled by the typical standard electric switches that turn on and off all lighting.

Dusk to Dawn Lighting

Dusk to dawn lighting uses a photocell to trigger turning on and off a lamp. These lights automatically go on when it gets dark and automatically shut off at dawn. They are ideal for areas like walkways and front yard areas where you often don’t want to worry about having to turn the lights on and off every time you need them.

However, if you’re in an area where you don’t want the lights to be on all night, these systems may not be ideal.

Motion Sensors

Motion lighting is great for safety and driveway lighting. These lights are triggered by movement and go on when they sense a presence in the area. These lights can be super helpful, though if you’re in an area where there are lots of wild or domestic animals, or you want to illuminate a spot where passers-by may trigger the motion light, they can become annoying. No one wants a light flicking on and off every 10 minutes at night!

Automation

There are myriad automation systems available, from the Philips HUE bulbs to the X-10 systems. There are too many to list here, but app-controlled automation is a great solution for outdoor lighting, enabling you to turn on and off lights easily and conveniently from your phone.

Wired Lighting Safety Tips

In the following information, we are providing you with 11 Safety Tips.

1. Use a qualified, licensed electrician to install wired lighting. A professional will understand the appropriate cabling, conduits, electrical boxes, voltage and wattage issues that come up when dealing with wired outdoor lighting.
2. Make good use of transformers that change the voltage from 120v to 12v, making the lighting safer.
3. Buy lamps from reputable dealers.
4. Make sure all the equipment is properly weatherproofed.
5. Maintain fittings, cables and connections, every few months.
6. If lights flicker, or there is an obvious fault, turn the electric off immediately.
7. Make sure all wires and transformers are safe and hidden. If exposed then run the cables through waterproof trunking or conduit.
8. Do not aim your lighting at any windows of yours or a neighbor’s home. To stop glare then place lamps behind shrubs, but not in the undergrowth. Use walls and rocks to dim the angle of lighting, or use glare guards if they are very bright. Shadows in outdoor lighting can help to create a pleasant evening glow. No one wants glare, so make sure the lighting doesn’t point directly to seating areas
9. Fine-tune the position of your lights after dark, as it will all look much different than during the daytime
10. LED lighting may be costlier to fit, but it is cheaper to run than traditional lamps.
11. Be aware of your environment and don’t keep lights on all the time. Use them for entertaining, or sitting outdoors for peaceful moments. Switch off at other times, or at least use fewer. Be good to your neighbors and to the environment.

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Wireless Solar Lighting

Wireless Solar lighting has many advantages over wired lighting. It can go anywhere and can be installed without professional help. Generally, these lights automatically go on at dusk and shut off at dawn or if the battery dies, whichever comes first. Then the lights automatically charge up during the day in order to be ready at night.

That said, there are downsides to solar lighting. Primarily, the lights need exposure to the sun every day in order to charge up. If you want to illuminate an area that doesn’t get much sun exposure, you may struggle using solar lights.

Additionally, solar lights are only so bright, and over the course of the night will gradually dim as the batteries slowly run out. Depending on the design of the light, this may be fine, but for some uses, these lights are impractical.

Of course, they’re ideal for many different types of illumination!

Solar Pathway Lighting

There are so many different designs of solar-powered path lighting for any garden or backyard, that you will be spoiled for choice. They can look great, and the power to light them is free. This makes them environmentally friendly, economically viable, and once they’re set up, you rarely need to fuss with them.

We’ve looked at many of our favorite solar garden lights, and there are so many high-quality choices now available. The SolarGlow package is an especially good choice. Make sure you place them in an area where they get enough sun exposure.

Last update on 2024-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Solar Spotlights and Motion Lamps

There are also spotlights and motion sensor lamps that run on solar power. The direct line of lighting will highlight a specific feature in your yard. These can be on the ground, or wall mounted. Solar powered security lighting can also be set on a timer, so they automatically turn on at certain times, or they can be set with motion sensors, as the lights below are.

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Solar Hanging Lights

Solar Hanging Lanterns can provide cool lighting, accents, and a great deal of style, depending on the design chosen. These can be suspended virtually anywhere, as long as they get sun exposure, and they will automatically turn on at night and bathe the garden in a glorious glow.

Without a doubt, the Allsop Home and Garden Soji collection is a knockout in this category.

Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Solar Fairy Lights

The effect of fairy lights can be magical, and there are many designs that run on solar power. Fairy lights are smaller and lower power than traditional plug-in string lights, but they can create a magical ambiance.

Some can hang on long cables, so you can make shapes with them. Wrap them around trees, or other prominent items in your yard. If you are lighting up a small yard, or a balcony, you can still create a charming and delightful effect. Drape several hanging strings of fairy lights over the balcony rails or fencing, to create a certain effect.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Ornamental Solar Lights

If you’re looking for decorative solar lighting, you will find designs from animals and bird shapes, to butterflies and flowers. Trendscape lights are quite fun, but you can go wild with ornamental solar lights!

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Solar Post Lamps

Solar post lamps are available, though they generally aren’t as bright as the traditional wired post lights discussed above. They can be useful if you need to install a post lamp but users need to recognize that there is a much smaller selection of solar post lamps available, and they simply don’t supply as much illumination.

However, they are much easier to install if you don’t want to pay for an electrician to run the wiring for you!

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Solar Ball Lights

Solar ball lights can be really fun, creative illumination. These lights can be scattered around the garden, suspended, or floated in a water feature. They charge up during the day, and glow beautifully at night. Some change colors, while others stay white.

 

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Natural Flame Illumination

There is no doubt that décor lighting can set the mood and create a soothing atmosphere. Take a look at some popular designs that will set a romantic ambiance, or brighten up a social gathering.

Flames

Tiki torches, fire pits, chimineas, and oil burners can all provide beautiful warmth and light to your space. As these are all real flames, an additional level of safety is required. Be aware of the motion of kids and pets, and be sure you don’t inadvertently allow plants, leaves, or garden objects to be set on fire!

Tiki Torches

Tiki torches are often thought of as kitschy bamboo objects for your Polynesian-themed party, but that’s not really the case anymore. Modern metal garden torches are common nowadays and can provide a stunning backdrop to your deck or patio space. These torches can be filled with bug-repellent oils (we love eucalyptus oil)

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Citronella Oil Burners

Citronella Oil Lanterns for the Garden are simplistic, easy to use and cheap. It’s “how” you use them that will make all the difference.

Glass jars, clear or colored, not only protect the flame but help create an intimate setting. The flames flicker to life inside the protective walls of the glass. Place a handful of gravel or soil on the bottom inside, to give your candle balance and for the wax to drip onto.

Using wire, strong string or a metal chain around the lip of the jar, to make a handle for it to hang. How delightful to set them out all around your yard.

Mason Jars like this Toland Mason Jar Lantern, clear or colored, not only protect the flame but help create an intimate setting. The flames flicker to life inside the protective walls of the glass. Place a handful of gravel or soil on the bottom inside, to give your candle balance and for the wax to drip onto.

Using wire, strong string or a metal chain around the lip of the jar, to make a handle for it to hang. How delightful to set them out all around your yard.

There are many and varied designs of lamps you can buy that will hold candles inside. They can be made from many materials, such as glass, metal, plastic and even wood. All helping to create the theme you prefer.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Make a Mason Jar Lantern

• Place about an inch of fuel oil in a lidded jar, preferably a mason jar.
• Cut a small hole in the metal lid. Do not use lids with rubber seals on the inside, the rubber will burn.
• Push a wick through the hole in the lid, you want the hole to be tight.
• Drop the bottom of the wick into the oil.
• The wick will soak up the oil, which you can then set alight at the top end where it comes through the lid.
• Use safe oils, such as Citronella or Eucalyptus — low odor, smokeless and often includes oils that keep bugs away.

Purchase a Beautiful Premade Lantern

We adore these H Potter Citronella Oil Lanterns

Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Chimineas

Chimineas are fun outdoor fireplaces. They are available in several different styles and materials, such as traditional clay chimineas, modern chimineas, and traditional classic style chimineas. The chimneys on these units expel smoke up and away from those who are sitting around them, making a chiminea more comfortable to be around than a fire pit.

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You can cook with a chiminea, but it’s generally easier to cook with a fire pit.

Fire Pits

Fire Pits are perhaps more versatile than chimineas but are marginally less comfortable to sit around, due to the smoke-in-the-face issue. Fire Pits are low to the ground and can be powered by natural gas, ethanol, or wood. You can cook a lot more with a fire put than with a chiminea, as long as you have a fire pit grate. They provide great heat, and the flexibility to choose either a propane or wood model is helpful.

Copper fire pits, in particular, can be beautiful, atmospheric outdoor warmth and light, and one can’t forget the beautiful shadows these units cast as well!

Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Conclusion

Lighting your exterior can be a fun, creative, and rewarding task, and can bring significant curb appeal to your home — and likely more dollars to the bottom line when it’s time to sell!

A creative mix of lighting can really amp up the style and design of your outdoor spaces. Wired lighting is best used for lights like post lights, sconces lights, and floodlights. Wireless solar lighting is ideal for accent lighting, path lighting, garden lighting, and the like. Natural flames can be ideal for providing both light and heat, and a few well-placed chimineas and tiki torches can bring warmth and help keep the bugs away.

We hope you’ve got some good ideas from this, and we wish you the best in coming up with a perfect design for your outdoor space!

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