Backyard lighting is both functional and decorative. It allows you to illuminate walkways as well as highlight certain features on your property. If you aren’t sure where to begin, there are a few ways to approach planning your outdoor lighting design with an electrician. Below are some tips.

How to Plan Backyard Lighting

1. Decide on Needs

Your first step is to decide which areas you want to light. Consider the walkways, decks, stairs, and other spaces that need illumination for safety and ease of use.

Add stair lights on steps and hang lanterns that emit a soft light along pathways. Creating an ambiance is important for areas where you will gather, like decks and patios, so choose warm lamps and fixtures that will enhance the space without overwhelming it with bright light.

2. Balance Concepts

Avoid flooding one area with a variety of fixtures while other areas are in complete darkness. Patios can be brighter than a flower garden, but you want to create layers of light to make your overall design more interesting. Try mixing styles of lights, like string lights, lanterns, and bulbs that hang from tree branches.

3. Highlight a Feature

While paths and patios are an obvious place for lighting, consider picking an unexpected element in your yard and shining a spotlight on it. If your garden has a bench, fountain, or even landscape art, add illumination to make it a focal point.

Set lights low to create uplighting and give the effect that the light is coming from below you. Or, try downlighting by setting the lights from above. You can also place various fixtures at different angles for dramatic cross lighting.

4. Use Colors

Some lights are brighter white than others. Choosing bulbs with a yellow glow can create warmth, especially near a seating area. You can also play with blue-tinted lights to mimic moonlight, which can be effective along a path or steps. Ask your electrician about different ways to use color for a dynamic design.

When you need an electrician for outdoor lighting design in Old Lyme, CT, trust Zelek Electric Co. Residential and commercial customers can rely on this electrical contractor for anything from wiring to generator repairs. When it comes to your landscape, their team can help you find the right lighting arrangement to suit your style and needs. They are also available for fixture installations, appliance hookups, and much more. Call (860) 434-9726 for an appointment or visit them online for a full list of offerings.