Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Common Outdoor Lighting Mistakes

By Stephen Daniels

Outdoor lighting can be unusually tricky. Part of the struggle is that it can appear so uncomplicated. How tricky is it to light some flowerbeds? Frankly, it might not be hard to light, but it is hard to light well. Since no one wants their outdoors to seem like an grade schooler tossed up some holiday lights, it's best to hold in mind some common mistakes.

Lack of a Goal

When creating an outdoor lighting idea, your first factor should be what you want to do. Safety, security, spotlighting, overall artistry " there are several different goals for outdoor lighting. Make sure yours is decisively in mind before you set out. Knowing your goal will permit you to plot more efficiently, saving time, money, and inevitable frustration.

Lifeless Placement of Lights

When lighting a path, don't fall into the trap of an constant line of lights. It's visually uninteresting; you're not lighting an airport runway. Put lights at irregular intervals, making certain to equally light the lane and be pleasant to the eye.

Conceal landscape lighting fixtures unless they're intended to be a focal point. The eye should be drawn to the features lit, not the cause of the lighting.

Incorrect Quantity of Lights

While more does not equal better, you also don't want to leave pronounced dark areas. Areas of darkness draw the eye to the light fixtures instead of the area being lit. Don't exaggerate it " you don't need your yard to seem like a car lot " but don't under do it, either.

Unwise Direction of Lights

Incorrectly targeted lighting can form glares, distract passing drivers, or even shine into the eyes of people outside. It'd be a embarrassment to ruin the evening backyard get-together because your lighting blinded your friends.

Wrong Type of Lights

It's not the most exciting area, but the kind of light you employ greatly affects the total look. A vertical variance of 10 feet could require you to go from a 20 watt to a 30 watt bulb. Halogen bulbs emulate moonlight's bluer color. Low-voltage bulbs can light without overpowering. Garage and porch lighting may need to be adjusted so their bright lights don't undermine an effect. These considerations are significant to reach a unified look.

Wrong Colors of Lights

Conduct great care with colored lights or filters. You don't want your lighting design to come across like something more appropriate for a Ringling Bros. Circus than your backyard. You may want to steer clear of colored lights altogether since they can frequently look gaudy. Filters can be used to pleasant effect, but only if done subtly. Don't use a different color filter in every fixture.

Each property offers its own palette on which certified landscapers can fashion distinct looks to best compliment the property. The slightest wattage differences, alterations in lighting angles, and relocation of lighting fixtures will reveal a whole unique look. If it all seems overwhelming, look into contracting a qualified landscaper. They will handle every one of these obscure details and get the work done properly, making your outdoors look its very best.

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