Landscape Lighting Design Planning
Here are some things to help you when adding lights to the outdoors. Successful landscape lighting goes beyond placing a few fixtures around the yard; it involves thoughtful choices that enhance both the style and safety of your space. Consider how the placement and spacing of lights affect the overall atmosphere, the role of different light colors in setting the perfect mood, and how angling fixtures can highlight architectural details or favorite garden features.
Tree and Garden Bed
Uplighting
Place spotlights or well lights at the base of trees to highlight textures and branch structures.
Moonlighting
Create moonlighting techniques by placing a downlight fixture with a full glare guard high up inside a tree, and angled downwards. This effect looks like moonlight shining down through the branches.
Silhouetting
Place a light source behind a shrub or statue, aiming it at a wall to create a dramatic dark silhouette.
Path and Walkway
Safety Lighting
Install 12-to-18-inch high path lights spaced 6 to 8 feet apart to guide walking paths.
Shadow Lighting
A similar technique to silhouetting, shadowing also places the fixture towards the base of the feature, aimed towards an adjacent wall. However, the goal is to create a softer shadow, and often works best with a tree that has open, delicate foliage
Beam Angles and Placement
The spread of light matters. Use downlights with narrow beam angles (15°–30°) for focused accenting, while wider angles (60°–120°) are better for general area coverage. Proper spacing—typically 4 to 6 feet apart—prevents harsh glares or dark "dead spots".
Tips for Effective Landscape Design
- Avoid Over-Illumination: Focus on highlighting specific, key features rather than lighting the entire yard, which can cause harsh shadows.
- Control and Color: Utilize dimmers, timers, and consistent color temperatures (e.g., 2700K-3000K for a warm, inviting feel).
- Mix Fixtures: Combine different types of fixtures (spotlights, path lights, lanterns) for a balanced, functional, and visually appealing design.
Outdoor Living Area
Ambient Lighting:
Use fixtures attached to pergolas, eaves, or rooflines to provide soft, overhead light for dining or socializing
Decorative Lighting
Incorporate string lights (bistro lights) for a festive, cozy ambiance
Focal Point
Use in-ground lights to illuminate statues, water features, or specific architectural, elements.
Hardscape Lighting
Embed LED strips or fixtures under stair treads, on retaining walls, or on deck railings.
Structural Accent Layers
Washing
Place fixtures 2-3 feet away from a wall at an angle to create a soft, even glow, highlighting architectural features or textured walls.
Up-Lighting for the Home
Offering a greater contrast effect than typical wall-washing with floodlights, spotlight fixtures are placed closer to a building for a bolder effect. The goal is to focus the guest’s attention to the most beautiful or intriguing parts of your landscape. This may relate to the architectural features of your home or, features in the landscape such as trees, statues, or fountains.
Control and Flexibility
Incorporate dimmers and smart lighting to adjust intensity throughout the day. This allows you to transition a room from a bright workspace during the day to a soft, relaxing lounge at night.
Certified AMP Pro Dealers
We proudly represent the complete AMP product line, ensuring you have access to professional-grade fixtures for every aspect of your project. To support your vision, we provide complementary design and layout services that take the guesswork out of setting up your landscape lighting. Please explore the full AMP catalog using the link below to identify styles that appeal to you. Whether you prefer to browse independently or need hands-on guidance, our team is ready to help you select the right components and design a stunning outdoor environment.
Landscape Lighting Project
Bring out the beauty of your outside living areas.
Colors, Angles, Layering
Learn about the latest trends and technologies.
Match Fixtures With Your Project
Look through the AMP catalog and find what’s right.
Contact Us For A QUOTE
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