Tips On Professional Lighting
Consider these fixtures and techniques for perfect illumination.
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Outdoor lighting accents special features in your yard and transforms walks and pathways into safe, beautifully lit spaces.Topics of Interest
If you want outdoor lighting and aren't comfortable installing it yourself, professional lighting designers can do the work for you. There are many places where lights would be attractive and useful in any yard.
Front walks: The front of the house is usually the first place people want lighting. It adds safety to pathways and is a great way to say "Welcome."
Flowerbeds: Use ground lighting to define the outline of the bed. Highlight shrubs with some uplighting. Spotlight any sculptures or birdbaths to enhance the focal point. Bounce light off of a fence back into the yard for security.
Trees: Uplighting from a well light highlights the texture of the bark and the structure of the tree's canopy. Larger trees that are a distinctive feature of the yard also bounce light back into the area surrounding it. Smaller and younger trees create focal points in the yard and look excellent lit up.
Decks: Lighting makes the space more usable and adds safety and security. If you have built-in seating, downlighting adds a subtle, candlelight feel. For flower beds adjacent to decks, ground lighting and uplighting accent borders and ornamental trees.
Different styles of light produce an array of effects. When lighting areas, avoid over-lighting: aim to create the look of moonlight falling in the garden.
Once the main cable is buried in a trench that runs from the areas to be lit to the power source on the side of the house, the lighting is ready to be placed.
Mini-tower lights cast a subtle light similar to a moonlight effect. This small, sleek fixture doesn't infringe on neighbors.Mini-tower lights are designed to cast light up and out in the area. Installation is fairly simple and most homeowners can do it providing they follow the directions carefully. If you have concerns about working with electricity or installing a low-voltage system, contact an electrician or lighting professional.
1. Cut the cable at the point where the light will go.
2. Attach the wires from the light to the cable and cap them. Wrap caps with electrical tape to keep moisture out and ensure a safe electrical connection.
3. Bury the wires under mulch.
4. Continue the process throughout the yard.
A 20-watt floodlight can accentuate the textures and shapes of objects that become a focal point when spotlighted.Floodlights used for uplighting create a shadowy effect against surfaces like fences and the sides of buildings. You can use these to bounce light back off of a fence to light an area for added security. To install:
1. Place the light in the ground.
2. Attach wires, cap off and bury under mulch.
3. To be sure you pointed the light directly at the object that you want to highlight, wait until night to fine-tune your aim.
Well lights are low-maintenance; occasionally wash off the surface with a garden hose and replace lamps as needed.Well lights are submerged into the lawn and help prevent a tripping hazard in the middle of the yard where activities take place. You can also mow right over the light. To install:
1. Dig a hole that's as deep as the lighting canister.
2. Run cables through and attach to the canister before burying it.
3. Bury the canister and fill in around it with soil.
4. Attach wires and cap off.
5. Set the mounting and place a bulb in the canister.
6. Patch the rubber seal to the top to keep moisture out.
7. Add the glass cover and the rest of the hardware.
It's safe to put bulbs against wood because they are low-wattage and low-voltage lights. The bulbs don't generate enough heat to be a fire hazard.Indirect lighting is often hidden under a structure. When placing under built-in seating on a deck, you can bounce the light off of the deck's surface to create a shadowy, candlelit effect. To install:
1. Make sure the power supply is disconnected when working with wiring.
2. Screw bulb and fixture in under bench.
3. Complete wiring around the area by connecting wires and capping off.
Thi small hooded light creates a pool of light downward. You don't see the light source, so there's no glare in the eyes.Pathway lights are meant to be seen. They are placed along walkways and near steps for safety.
Outdoor lighting lets you enjoy your yard and garden from dusk to dawn all year long. It turns a deck into an outdoor "green room" with a warm glow that can be enjoyed every night. If you want to create a different mood or effect around the yard for a special occasion, just put in different bulbs. Lighting definitely adds function, creativity and spontaneity to your nighttime landscape.




















