Knowing where to get started when thinking about your landscape lighting can be tricky as there’s a lot to consider as to where to put lighting, what it needs to do and how you want it to look. With that in mind we've put together this mini guide answering the question, how do I plan landscape lights?
Sketch out your garden to scale as closely as you can
Using a pencil and paper, or on a computer or tablet if you prefer, sketch your garden area to scale as closely as you possibly can. Pick out the important areas of your garden including terraces, ponds, flower beds and any other features across the landscape you wish to illuminate.
Think about areas you want to have the most light
Choose which areas in your garden need the most lighting. Are there certain spots you want to have specific lighting? Does the area need more atmospheric lighting or something more functional? Think about these types of questions and mark them out on your plan (as above) with the yellow dots.
Decide which type of lighting you need
Next you want to go through which types of lighting are going to be best for the areas that you have highlighted. It’s important to think about how bright the lighting needs to be and whether you want mood lighting or a more functional solution. Again, there are certain questions you want to answer. Do you want to highlight a particular area such as tree or flower bed? Are wall lights necessary? Is there a space that needs to be lit well for safety? Think about differing between soft light and brighter lights to create a gorgeous effect.
At Lighting for Gardens, we have a huge array of market leading Elipta outdoor lighting products, a brand synonymous with quality and used in various professional projects around the world. Choose from an award-winning range which features everything from uplights, outdoor wall lights, tree lights and plug and play lights, to underwater lighting, path, step and deck lighting.
Choose the light direction for each light point
Now it’s time to choose the direction the light should be facing and what you want to achieve at each light source on your plan. Do you want to uplight a fence, border, path or wall? If you’re looking to illuminate your driveway with a recessed ground spotlight, do you need the direction of light to be facing upwards or does it need to be adjustable so you can direct the light yourself? Answer these questions to get the exact results you’re looking to achieve.
Despite now having a plan or knowing how to build your plan with all the relevant information and guidance to start your project, you may still need help ironing out a few points. And if you do, we can help! Our team of experts are ready to share their years of experience to help your landscape project reach its potential!