If you’re an appreciator of art and beautiful aesthetics, you probably have statues and sculptures in your yard. Art shouldn’t be reserved for the indoors afterall. Take pride in how your artwork is displayed just as if it were in a gallery – except the gallery is your backyard! A crucial element to displaying artwork is adding the proper lighting. There are certain methods of lighting that are preferred when statue lighting, such as uplighting and backlighting. Learn about each so that you can make an informed decision on how to highlight your statues and sculptures. 

Why Should You Have Statue Lighting? 

Statue lighting can benefit your property in numerous ways. It can create a focal point for your yard or garden with the right design. This can make your property more interesting and can add curb appeal, and when you increase curb appeal you increase the value of your home. 

Not only does lighting create interest visually in your home, but it also adds safety. In addition to path lighting, lighting your statues can ensure that they don’t get knocked over or run into by guests. If you have a sculpture in your front yard near the driveway, proper lighting can prevent the art from being hit by a car. One of the most popular forms of sculpture lighting is uplighting. 

Uplighting

Uplighting in a popular method of statue lighting used by Houston Lightscapes

The most popular method for highlighting statues and sculptures is uplighting. This technique is created through lighting fixtures placed on the ground angled up at the artwork. It can cause a very dramatic effect.

If you’re looking for a more minimal look for your lighting design, a professional lighting company such as Houston Lightscapes, can install uplighting fixtures in the ground. These are less noticeable than other fixtures but the installation method is more involved.

Alternatively, you could use mounted uplights. These fixtures are visible as they stand up out of the ground. They are just as effective at shedding light on your statues. They’re even easier to install than the other lights, but you won’t have to worry about that if you hire a professional lighting company for installation. The only downside to these fixtures is that they are a little less stable and they can create a tripping hazard.

If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can consider backlighting. 

Backlighting

Backlighting is exactly what it sounds like. The light source is coming from behind the object you are trying to emphasize; in this case a statue. This can create a halo effect on the artwork, illuminating it from the back forward. If you want to create an otherworldly impression of your statue, backlighting is a great option. 

It adds a softness to the object, but can still add drama to the artwork – just in a different way than uplighting. This can be particularly well suited for religious or familial statues. 

Hiring A Professional

If you have sculptures and statues that need outdoor lighting, hiring a professional is your best bet in ensuring it’s done the proper way. A professional lighting designer can advise you on what lighting style is best for your artwork and what fixtures will really bring your yard to life. Set up a free lighting consultation and demonstration with Houston Lightscapes today.  

The team at Houston Lightscapes takes pride in their many years of experience in the landscape lighting industry. They've been serving the greater Houston area for over 30 years bringing innovation and elegance to their designs. Learn more about Houston Lightscapes here.