If you’re reading this blog post, there’s a good chance you already know about the significant benefits of installing landscape lighting on your property.  But how do you know which lighting fixtures to choose? This guide goes over the most common types of landscape lights as well as some overall tips and things to consider when choosing outdoor lighting fixtures.

Types of Landscape Light Fixtures

Where your lights will be used and what your lighting needs are will help determine which fixtures will work best for you. The following are the most common types of landscape light fixtures and some of the ways they can be used.

Path Lights 

When you want to illuminate a walkway, garden path, or maybe outline a driveway or flower bed, path lights are a great option. There is a wide variety of styles to choose from that appeal to every style and taste, including stake, solar, bollards, and in-ground lights. The most important thing to remember is not to install path lights in a straight line like an airport runway. Too much light will wash out your yard or create a hotspot. Instead, stagger the lights at regular intervals on either side of the path or driveway to evenly distribute the light.

Spotlights

To highlight different features in your yard, spotlights are a good choice. Spotlights cast a narrow beam of soft light. Typically, spotlights are installed near the ground to shine up on the area of focal interest. The light from a spotlight can show off interesting textures (e.g., tree bark, leaves, stone, or brickwork) as well as create eye-catching shadows that add depth and dimension to your yard at night.

Floodlights

Unlike spotlights, floodlights are best to use when you need a wider area of light coverage. In most cases, floodlights are installed above your landscape to shine down and bathe your bushes or garden in soft glow, rather than drawing the eye to one particular spot. 

Floodlights are also especially useful to increase security. For instance, adding motion-sensing floodlights to the corners of your garage will not only help you safely navigate your driveway at night, but will also deter intruders. 

Moonlighting

When it comes to ambiance, it’s tough to beat moonlighting. Placed high in trees or upper levels of your home, lights glow down softly from above, mimicking the natural light of the moon and creating a magical feel. Moonlighting is especially popular for wooded yards and swimming pools.

General Tips for Choosing Fixtures

Once you’ve decided on the types of lighting you want, here are some general considerations to keep in mind:

• Quality – since your landscape lighting will be subject to all types of weather, you want fixtures that are durable, weather resistant, and rated for outdoor use.
• Energy-efficiency – LED lights are the industry standard because they are safer, longer-lasting, and use less energy than traditional bulbs.
• Smart technology – Some lighting systems can be controlled with an app on your phone, which makes it easy to customize your display or switch it up for special occasions or when you’re on vacation.
• Professional installation and maintenance – Landscape lighting is an investment in the value of your home. Working with lighting professionals will ensure a beautiful design that is safe and long-lasting. 

At Dallas Lightscapes, we have over 30 years of experience working with our customers to give you exactly what you want. We will design a lighting display unique to your home and your needs, or retrofit your old system to a more energy-efficient LED system. We use only high-quality fixtures that are guaranteed to last. Visit our website for your free, no-obligation consultation today to find out what we can do for you!