Before installing landscape lighting, learn these tips, tricks, dos and don'ts! See where to place landscaping lighting for the best effect.
Outdoor Lighting Tips For Stunning & Safe Yards
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Light Your House First
While your mind is on landscape lighting, you actually shouldn’t focus on lighting up your pathways and other landscape features, like trees, first. In fact, you should start with your house—the most prized part of your property.
“I often see homeowners skip this step and light the yard first,” says Amy Wommack, a lighting expert with the American Lighting Association. “Focusing on the house sets the tone for safety and beauty.”
Position fixtures to highlight walls and architectural details, like a brick chimney or window trim. Use soft LEDs to cast a warm glow that welcomes guests.
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Prioritize Functionality and Safety
Identify areas that need illumination for practical purposes, like stairs, driveways and pathways. Consider downlighting in these areas—it mimics natural light patterns by casting light downward from a higher point,, reducing glare and is best for patios, decks and entryways.
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Don’t Cluster Too Many Lights In One Space
Resist packing too many fixtures into one spot. Grouping them draws eyes to the blinding lights, not your landscape. Instead, angle a few spotlights—say, three at different heights—toward a focal point or an object like a garden statue, a topiary or an outdoor installation. This creates depth and silhouettes that pop against the night sky. Avoid a harsh glare by keeping wattage low, around 20–40 watts.
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Layer Your Lighting For A Well-Balanced Look
Well-designed outdoor lighting incorporates three kinds of lighting: ambient (for the overall illumination with post lights or wall-mounted fixtures), task (for the stairs, driveways and entryways), and ambient lighting (spotlights, LED strips, fairy lights on the hedges, et al). By strategically layering these three types of lighting, you can achieve a well-balanced and visually appealing lighting space.
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Choose The Right Outdoor Light Color Temperature That Works For Your Needs
Nothing screams “emergency room” more than a cold slash of white light.The warm glow of a singular light bulb can be much more cozy and inviting. That’s not to say cooler light temperatures don’t have their place—they belong primarily in tight, functional spaces like your tool shed or garage. You could also go for neutral light temperatures to light up task areas like stairs and driveways.
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Get Creative With Staggered Lighting
Straight-line pathway lights, while functional, can be monotonous. Think “runway” instead of a “relaxed stroll.” Stagger them instead, or try motion-sensor LEDs that light up as you walk. Picture this: A winding path glows softly underfoot, guiding visitors through your garden’s best blooms.
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Incorporate Energy-Efficiency
We can’t talk about landscape lighting without discussing energy efficiency. Skip power-hungry incandescent bulbs—they burn out fast and spike your bill. Furthermore, LED lights in the 50-75 watt range will get the job done just as well—if not better—than incandescent bulbs for outdoor lighting, offering brighter illumination with greater energy efficiency. “LEDs cut energy use by 80% and shine brighter longer,” Wommack notes. Pair them with solar options or low-voltage systems (12 volts) for eco-friendly brilliance.
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Consider Solar-Powered Lights
Another way to keep your outdoor lighting set-up from burning a hole in your wallet is by investing in solar-powered lights in sunny spots—they charge all day and glow for 6-8 hours. Low-voltage systems (12 volts) beat traditional 120-volt setups, too. You can get creative with new-age, decorative solar-powered lights—think brick solar pathways to solar-powered tiki torches that flicker like flames! Add timers or sensors so lights only run when needed, cutting waste without losing style.
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For Outdoor Lighting, Bold Isn’t Always Beautiful
Flashy isn’t fun when it comes to outdoor lighting, and certainly not for the neighbors. Don’t be that person! Besides, using light bulbs with more wattage than needed can create an ugly glare that is less than inviting for your guests. Downward-focused fixtures help, too—think shielded path lights that cut glare and keep the focus on your landscape’s natural beauty.
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Don’t Ignore the Small, Out-of-Sight Spaces
Don’t ignore the dark spots, like that dark space in the corner of your yard. These locations might seem like an afterthought, but they are essential for maximizing the safety, security and beauty of your landscape lighting. A small accent light, even a 10-watt LED, adds charm and deters intruders. Imagine a faint glow picking out a birdbath or fence edge, turning a forgotten nook into a subtle highlight. It’s a simple tweak with a big impact.
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Don’t Forget Seasonal Planning
Once the days start to grow shorter, you need to prep your yard to get ready for the winter. That includes setting up appropriate lighting as well. Place lights where snowplows or shovels won’t smash them. In winter, highlight bare branches—like dogwoods with red stems—for a cool effect. Bury low-voltage wires six inches deep to protect them year-round. This keeps your setup safe and shining, no matter the season.
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Embrace the Latest Trends In Outdoor Lighting
Update your setup with the latest in smart lighting—think app-controlled LEDs that shift colors for house parties or events. Recessed deck lights and string lights over patios are hot this year, too. Solar-powered fixtures with motion sensors save energy while adding modern flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best type of lighting for security purposes?
For home security, motion-sensing LED floodlights and dusk-to-dawn lighting are the best options. Opt for fixtures with a minimum of 700-1,300 lumens for proper coverage, and install them around entry points, driveways, and dark areas around your home.
How do I choose the right brightness (lumens) for outdoor lighting?
Choosing the right brightness for outdoor lighting depends on its purpose. For pathways and garden beds, 100-200 lumens is enough to provide subtle, welcoming illumination. Decks and patios typically need 300-600 lumens, while security and floodlights should be 700-1,300 lumens for maximum visibility. If you’re replacing old incandescent bulbs, a 100-watt incandescent is roughly equal to 1,600 lumens in LED—so always check the lumens, not watts, when shopping for bulbs.
Can I connect my landscape lights to a smart home system?
Yes, many low-voltage and solar-powered landscape lights can connect to a smart home system. Smart lighting systems allow you to control brightness, timers, and color settings through an app or voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Look for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled lights, or install a smart outdoor plug to convert standard fixtures into smart-controlled devices. If you have low-voltage wired lighting, a smart transformer can integrate your entire system with home automation.
How do I keep my electric bill low with outdoor lights?
Ditch those old-school bulbs that consume power and burn out quickly. Go for warm LEDs or solar ones that use energy conservatively instead. Add on a timer or sensor so they’re not working all night, and you’re golden.
About the Expert
Amy Wommack
Certified Lighting Consultant with the American Lighting Association, with 20 years experience in designing residential outdoor spaces. She’s led workshops on energy-efficient lighting and curb appeal.
