3 Basic Landscape Lighting Concepts

You own a home and you’ve finally come around to thinking about landscape lighting. To make planning easier, we will discuss three basic lighting concepts. Planning your landscape lighting design can be made much simpler by applying the three ideas below with the help of experienced and expert electricians.

Less Is More

Our eyes are attracted to areas with great visual contrasts. This is where the concept of “less is more” applies when it comes to landscape lighting. The approach should not be like lighting up a Ferris wheel. You need to be selective, specifically choosing areas and plants that you would like to feature.

To drive home the principle of “less Is more”, remember that your eyesight will adjust to the darkness of night. Maintaining decreased levels of light will make it easier to bring about the contrasts you desire. Dramatic lighting themes, using shadow and light, will be attained by applying these concepts.

Light Quality

The quality of light is equal in importance to quantity. The Kelvin scale is used to measure a light’s color temperature, and it is listed on the packaging of each bulb. 3500K and above are bluer in tone, comparable to noon sunlight. 3000K and below are considered warmer, becoming more amber as the “K” value decreases.

Exteriors appear unhealthy when lit with bluer tones, evoking a horror-film look. A better option is choosing warmer color temperatures of 2700K to 3000K. This will achieve a natural and healthy appearance, similar to light provided by fireplaces. As a result, landscape lighting employing 2700K promotes a friendlier environment.

Conservation & Safety

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), “Today’s LED bulbs can be six-seven times more energy efficient than conventional incandescent lights and can cut energy use by more than 80 percent.”

Unlike halogen lights, LED bulbs are available at a low color temperature of 2700K.

In addition to providing soothing, comfortable lighting, LED lights are safer. Per the DOE: “LEDs emit very little heat. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat and CFLs release about 80% of their energy as heat.”

Electrical Services You Can Trust

Founded in 1991, Meyer Electrical Services provides home electrical services in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., where we are licensed and insured. Based in Bethesda, our team proudly serves all of Montgomery County. Receive a free consultation for custom electrical work today by calling (301) 941-1400.