Shop Lighting and More | 1StopLighting.com

How to Create a Landscape Lighting Design

landscape lighting design for the front of a house

Featured Fixture: Hinkley 15702BZ 4" LED Flat Top Well Light

One of the concepts we have brought up in other articles is the idea of layering lighting. This is the practice of setting up various levels of lighting in a room to meet different needs, including area lighting, task lighting, and ambient lighting. 
﻿
Your outdoor space is no exception to this lighting pro-tip! Layering your outdoor lighting creates a safe and comfortable outdoor environment for you and your guests—and it starts with your landscape lighting design.
﻿
We’ve previously discussed the purpose of various kinds of landscape lighting and common landscape lighting terminology in our previous article, Landscape Lighting 101. Now we’ll share our landscape lighting design tips and show you how to start building a gorgeous landscape lighting design!

Power Options

When it comes to any kind of lighting design, step one is understanding what kind of power source you’re working with.
﻿
In landscape lighting design, there are generally three different options you can expect: 120 volt landscape lighting, 12-volt landscape lights, and solar powered landscape lights.
﻿
﻿120-volt landscape lighting draws power directly from your home or business, line voltage landscape lighting systems don’t require their own transformers. However, you will need an electrician to install 120-volt landscape lighting and as a result the lights will be more difficult to relocate. Consider your planning carefully and consult with your electrician when choosing this option.
﻿12-volt landscape lights are more energy efficient than line voltage landscape lighting and is generally more flexible in terms of installation due to not needing in-ground wiring, which also means you don’t need to hire an electrician for your installation—though you will need a transformer, as the direct current from your home or business is too high of a voltage for these fixtures. There is a wide variety of low voltage landscape lighting fixtures available to customize your low voltage landscape lighting design. 
﻿Solar landscape lighting is the least expensive to operate at virtually no cost beyond the initial price of the fixture. The fixtures charge in the sunlight during the day, turn on at dusk, and then turn off after the sun rises, so you don’t have to worry about turning them on and off. They’re also the easiest to install and require little to no maintenance. Compared to electric powered landscape lighting, solar powered lights are not as bright and are reliant upon receiving sunlight during the day to charge and function, so keep your placement in mind when considering solar powered landscape lights.

Building Your Landscape Lighting Design

Now that you know what kinds of landscape lights are available and what power options you should consider, it’s time to design your landscape lighting system!

Step One: Pathway Lighting

Photo by Visual Comfort Modern Collection

The first place you should start when designing your landscape lighting is covering the most well-trafficked areas. In most homes and businesses, this will be your pathways. This is the area where most people will be walking after dark, and the area you want lit the most directly to ensure their safety and comfort. 
﻿
The distance between pathway lights will depend on the model and what power source you are using. Some pathway lights—like solar landscape lighting—should be installed just a few feet apart, while other pathway lights may provide adequate light with ten feet between each fixture. Manufacturer guidelines will tell you how far apart the fixtures should be installed. 
﻿
Pay special attention to areas where there is a shift in elevation (such as stairs or inclines), turns in the path, or changes in textures (dirt to cobblestone, brick to wood, etc.) as these can present tripping hazards. 

Step Two: Spot Lighting

three well-lights lighting up two large planters outside

Featured Fixture: Hinkley 1536 Spot Light

Now that you and your guests are safe in your outdoor space, you’ll want to give them something to look at! Using various lighting techniques from our article, Landscape Lighting 101, create dynamic landscape lighting by highlighting decorative elements of your outdoor space. Use light to draw attention to trees, shrubs and flowers, boulder formations, and other outdoor décor. A major part of landscape lighting design is using the light to accentuate the features of your landscaping. 

Examples of Landscape Lighting Design

Need more ideas for your landscape lighting design? Take a look at these photos! Pay attention to the overlapping usage of pathway lighting and spot lighting to create a welcoming, comfortable ambience in the outdoor space.

three slim pathway lights lighting up concrete steps leading to a pool

Example #1

Here, you can see how path lights illuminate the change in texture from cement steps to the rocks and highlight the garden edges and foliage.

four pathway lights lighting the bushes and edge of the walkway

Example #2

This lush outdoor area combines path lighting and spot lighting by placing path lights within the foliage near the edge of the walkway. This both marks where the path ends and highlights the plants around the path light in a way that pleases the eye. Landscape lighting is also used to draw the eye to the lush tree beyond the edge of the plant life.

pathway lights surrounding the edge of a pool

Example #3

Here path lights serve an important safety function by highlighting the edge of a pool. In the dark, it can be all too easy to miss that border and fall into the water! When arranging your landscape lighting design, keep these kinds of safety precautions in mind. A little lighting could save you a whole lot of trouble!

four pathway lights staggered alongside a concrete step walkway

Example #4

As stated before, the distance between path lights will vary based on what model you use. As seen in the photo on the left, these lights illuminate the path just fine when installed on alternating sides at a distance from each other, rather than one per step. Aesthetically the pathway is already pleasant and inviting; adding light to it allows your guests to feel welcome at all hours!

Need help with your landscape lighting design? We have highly trained, certified experts who have the answer you need, and would be happy to help you! Just give us a call or send us an email to let us know what your landscape lighting goals are. We’ll look into the best options for you and provide you with a landscape lighting plan to fit your needs!

How to Create a Landscape Lighting Design

Power Options

Building Your Landscape Lighting Design

Step One: Pathway Lighting

Step Two: Spot Lighting

Examples of Landscape Lighting Design

Example #1

Example #2

Example #3

Example #4

Ideas & Guides

Product Ideas

Room Ideas

Seasonal Ideas

Product Spotlights

Ideas & Guides

Product Ideas

Room Ideas

Seasonal Ideas

Product Spotlights