Landscape Lighting Basics: What Type of Landscape Lighting Does Your House Need?

landscape lighting around pool Well-designed lighting is one of those things that you may not notice at first when entering a space, but you definitely notice in its absence. For instance, think of the harsh light of fluorescent fixtures compared to the warm glow of a room illuminated by beautiful light fixtures and lamps. The same is true for spaces outside your home as well, which is why landscape lighting is such an important element of landscape design! 

Landscape lighting can enhance the appearance of your home by highlighting its best architectural and landscaping features. It can also do double duty by providing added safety and security, making your home a less desirable target for burglars. And best of all, a well-designed landscape lighting plan can make your lawn, garden and other outdoor living spaces work for you even at night, creating an inviting atmosphere and allowing you to safely navigate the walkway to your front door or the path to your pool

Basic Types of Landscape Lighting

The first step to creating a great landscape lighting scheme is to understand the different types and functions of outdoor lighting. 

  • Garden Lighting
    • These are what most people think of when they hear “landscape lights.” They consist of a canopy perched on a post 18-24 inches tall, with the canopy casting the light down towards the ground. 
    • They are most often used to line walkways, paths, and embedded stairs, as well as to illuminate flower beds or particular ornamental plantings
  • Wash Lighting
    • Wash lights are similar to spotlights, but they create a diffused “wash” of light across a large surface, like the side of a house, a fence, or a garden wall. 
  • Bullet Lighting
    • These light fixtures are the opposite equivalent of a wash light, sending a concentrated beam of light at a small, specific area. 
    • Bullet lighting is most often used to light up the trunk of a tree or a specific architectural feature of a home. 
  • Flood Lighting
    • Landscaping flood lights are brighter than wash lights and illuminate a wider field than bullet lights, making them ideal for lighting up large areas like a tree or a wide house.
  • Well Lighting
    • Wells are sunk into the ground, protected by a waterproof housing, and are used to direct light upwards, for instance to illuminate the foliage of a tree. 
  • Downlighting
    • Downlighting does just what it sounds like! These lights are mounted high up on tree trunks or branches in order to shine down on a landscaping feature, a walkway, or on the foliage of the tree itself. 
    • Downlights typically have long, thin shrouds that direct the light downwards instead of illuminating their immediate surroundings.

At C&M Residential Services, we are experienced at helping Marietta homeowners create stunning landscapes, including lighting plans that will show it all off to great effect, even at night. Whether you’re interested in a complete landscape renovation or just want to put the finishing touches on your existing landscaping, give us a call at 770-509-5191. We’d love to work with you to improve and beautify “Anything Outdoors” at your Cobb County home. 

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