11 Professional Outdoor Lighting Techniques
A well-designed outdoor lighting system is a work of art.
With landscape lighting, the artistic goal is to utilize light and shadow to create visual interest and depth in an environment that would otherwise be dark and flat. Much like an artist uses different brushstrokes and painting techniques to create a landscape painting, an outdoor lighting designer uses different lighting techniques to create a beautiful and effective lightscape. Understanding these lighting techniques and how to incorporate them into your design will allow you to accentuate the best features of your home.
Here are 11 outdoor lighting techniques and how to use them in your next landscape lighting project.
1. Uplighting
Uplighting is the most used outdoor lighting technique because it’s versatility. When uplighting, individual light sources are positioned at the base of architectural details or points of interest. While placement of the fixtures is always important, light intensity and beam range should also be considered. All these factors will ultimately affect the design outcome. For example, uplighting can wash a wall in light or bring out the texture of a stone surface. High intensity, narrow beamed lights will create drama while low intensity, wide beamed lights will create a soft glow.
2. Downlighting
Instead of lighting from below, downlights light from above. Downlights can be used to achieve a similar, albeit inverted, look to that of uplights. For example, you could mount lights under gutters or soffits to highlight an architectural feature that is inaccessible from below. Keep in mind, lights mounted higher will illuminate larger areas while lights mounted lower will illuminate smaller, more specific areas. Downlights are also often used to illuminate paths or stairs.
3. Moonlighting
Moonlighting is a specific type of downlighting. One goal of outdoor lighting may be to create lighting that looks and feels natural. Moonlighting achieves this by simulating natural moonlight. Fixtures are typically mounted high in trees to allow light to naturally shine through the branches and leaves. This gently illuminates the ground below and can create interesting patterns of light and shadows. Downlights mounted in gazebos and arbors can achieve a similar moonlit glow. Moonlighting is most often used in areas that need low-level lighting such as driveways, lawns, and patios.
4. Accent Lighting
With accent or spot lighting, you will focus a controlled, intense beam of light at an object to create a focal point in your lighting design. Maybe you want to highlight a water feature, statue, or a particularly beautiful tree? An accent light can be mounted above or below the object depending on the shape, position, and surrounding objects or structures. By varying the distance and angle of the light fixture, you can experiment with different highlights and shadows.
5. Cross Lighting
Cross Lighting is when two or more fixtures or light sources are mounted on different sides of the object and aimed to cross each other. Cross lighting is used to eliminate harsh shadows caused by a singular light source. Cross lighting also increases depth and creates dimension for larger objects where one light may be insufficient or in situations where the object may be viewed from more than one angle.
6. Wall Washing
Wall washing creates a smooth and even glow on the side of a building, a landscaping wall, or even a stretch of fence. The lighting fixture should be placed a significant distance from the feature and should be angled indirectly. Shining the light along the wall will maintain an even and somewhat subtle, ambient lighting for the surrounding area. We recommend using low wattage lights as opposed to spotlights to achieve this look.
7. Grazing
Grazing is also used to illuminate walls or fencing. However, unlike wall-washing, grazing will highlight the texture of the wall or fence by creating high contrast shadows. To achieve this look, lights are positioned close to the wall, either from above or below. This will force the beam of light to hit the wall at a narrow angle creating the desired contrast of light and dark areas.
8. Shadowing
Shadowing is a lighting technique that utilizes spotlights specifically to create interesting shadows either on the wall behind an object or on the ground in front of the object. To create a wall shadow, position an uplight in front of the object aimed at the wall. To create a ground shadow, position a downlight behind the object aimed toward the ground. The goal of shadowing is to create soft shadows and often works best with interestingly shaped trees or trees with delicate foliage. Shadowing is also a great way to add natural movement to your lighting design on nights when the wind moves the tree branches.
9. Silhouetting
Silhouetting also utilizes spotlights, but instead of shadows, the goal is to create negative space. To achieve this look, place a spotlight between the feature and the backdrop. Then aim the light away from the feature so that the backdrop is illuminated thus creating a dark outlined shape. Silhouetting will showcase distinctly shaped plants and other dense features.
10. Underwater Lighting
Underwater lights are a great way to enhance the ambiance of pools, ponds, streams, waterfalls, and other water features. Bodies of water that are lit from under the surface will produce a glowing, filtered light. Like shadowing, underwater lighting is a wonderful way to add natural movement to your lighting design. You can even install underwater lights around docks and along shorelines to make waterfront areas safer and more visible at night.
11. Mirror Lighting
Mirror lighting is a great option for bodies of water with little to no natural movement. Take advantage of the still surface area by strategically lighting background trees, landscaping, structures, or features so that they will be reflected off the water.
There are many reasons to consider installing a custom outdoor lighting system. Outdoor lighting will increase the curb appeal of your home and improve the functionality of your outdoor living spaces. It will also add an extra layer of security and provide safety for you and your guests.
Designing the perfect outdoor lighting system with all of this in mind can be overwhelming, especially with so many lighting options and techniques. For this reason, It may be helpful to contact a contractor that specializes in outdoor lighting solutions. You may be surprised to see how a lighting design specialist with knowledge of and experience with these lighting techniques can transform can your outdoor spaces into a work of art.