They are a classic part of suburban landscaping: Two neat rows of pathway lights lining the walkway to the front door. Although they safely light the way, these lights are capable of doing so much more, in many other areas of the yard! Path lighting is an economical home improvement project that can transform the look and feel of your property at night, creating effects ranging from enchanting to elegant – or warm and welcoming, for the more down-to-earth types. The best part is that there are path lighting systems for every budget!
Our blog post – “How to Use Outdoor Lighting as a Home Improvement” – covered several types of lighting. This time, we’re focusing on the versatility of path lights to elevate the environment of your outdoor space while increasing visibility.
But first, choose your path light wisely – solar powered or hardwired?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Because they don’t require electricity, solar powered lights are self-contained and easy to install in any location. Their main disadvantage is that the light they produce isn’t as strong as hardwired LED or low-voltage path lights. In addition, the amount and duration of illumination depends upon the sunniness of the day. While this is an issue in regions of the country that experience gloomy winter days, Florida’s year-round abundant sunshine ensures good performance throughout the seasons!
Hardwired fixtures produce a consistent light the entire time they’re on. This could be a consideration for homeowners who want a dependable amount of light for decks, patio and pool areas. The downside is that installation is more labor-intensive, and they use electricity – although not enough to significantly impact your utility bill.
Whichever type you choose, research brands and models online to learn about features, materials, installation instructions, etc. As noted earlier, there are kits for every budget. Some fixtures sell for $30; others cost $300 or more. Aesthetics, materials and craftsmanship all affect the price. Of course, there are high-end architectural path lights. Although they’re out of reach for most of us, Ylighting provides idea-inspiring photos of such sleek lights in applications that can be adapted using more moderately priced fixtures.
Go beyond the utilitarian
Function is always important, but if you want to take your own path and explore the possibilities that path lights offer, landscaping experts provide practical advice and design tips.
“Light defines space,” says Mike Gotowala, president of Preferred Properties Landscaping in Connecticut. Speaking in an article for This Old House, Gotowala recommends installing light fixtures at a height of about 14 inches to cast a warm glow that invites your family and guests to feast their eyes on the effect, as well as effectively light the way from one point to another in your yard.
In the same article, Mark Piantedosi of Commonwealth Landscape Lighting in Massachusetts advises resisting the urge to brighten every inch of walkway. Lights should be placed 10 to 15 feet apart, creating pools of light. To avoid a “runway” effect, stagger their placement across the walkway rather than placing them directly opposite one another.
DIY Network provides the following design advice in an informative article that is well worth reading in its entirety.
“Path lighting is something that is rarely done well. Whether you opt for inexpensive stakes or pricier fixtures, placement is critical. Think of them as gentle hints for where to go next, not outlining tools or runway lights for an airplane landing. Fewer is usually better.”
Creating nighttime landscape accents
Going beyond those carefully regimented rows of lights requires imagination and confidence. Here are some pathway lighting ideas that you can use to illuminate your outdoor areas with panache.
Complement your home’s style – If your house has a contemporary look, select walkway lights with geometric designs – such as straight lines and hard angles, as represented by L-shaped path lights. Tall, angled light fixtures not only look sleek, but produce better illumination. For traditional-style homes, lights in a classic or craftsman style will add an intriguing layer of detail.
Mix styles – According to DIY Network, using different styles of path lights in the same scheme can help you avoid the “good little soldier” look to add visual interest.
Elevate your mood – Some path lights can add a tranquil ambiance. If your pathway is short, you can opt for short bollard lights. It adds serenity to your surroundings and provides adequate illumination.
Light up both sides – If you want to make your walkway safe and show off your garden at the same time, choose lights that provide a 360-degree display. Placing them between the walkway and your garden will illuminate both. This type of fixture is also an excellent choice for lighting outdoor stairs.
Make your outdoor areas look more spacious – Use path lights to brighten up your seating areas and patios. If you want to make your outdoor recreation areas look more spacious, incorporate tall path lights into the landscaping. Again, you can select walkway lights that offer 360-degree illumination.
Highlight your garden – If you want to highlight your garden, you can choose downlights that are close to the ground. Short path lights emit a diffused glow, which blends perfectly with stone or gravel garden walkways.
Consider spotlights – Path spotlights provide great accent uplighting on specific lawn and garden features – such as water features, statuary, the front of your house and/or columns, pergolas or gazebos. They’re also ideal for illuminating the entrance to a path, patio or entryway and/or a garden bed.
Path light installation – DIY or hire a pro?
This is a question only you can answer, as it involves several factors. Obviously, if you’re planning to install simple solar powered lights that don’t require a cable and transformer, if you can plant a flower, you can DIY. The general conscientious is that the typical homeowner can buy a wired path lighting kit and install it him-or-herself. If you’re eager to take on this project, Home Depot provides a step-by-step instruction guide.
However, not everyone has the inclination or physical capability to do so. Installation requires digging a six-inch trench and connecting electrical wiring. Hiring a professional electrical contractor or landscaping contractor who offers this particular service would be the better choice.
Our team of experts at The Paint Manager can not only install outdoor lighting, but help you plan the optimum illumination to achieve your landscaping goals and enjoy your Central Florida home even more. Learn about the many other residential services we offer, then contact us to discuss your home improvement ideas!