How to Light Large Outdoor Spaces

Now that summer is here, we tend to spend a lot more of our time outside. Whether it’s outdoor dinner parties or just lounging in the cooler night air, your outdoor patio is seeing a lot more use. When it comes to lighting large outdoor spaces, though, it can be tough to strike a balance between too dim and uncomfortably bright. Here are some things to consider in order to perfectly light your space and fully enjoy the season’s warm summer nights.

Where to Begin When Lighting Large Outdoor Spaces

The first step in properly lighting any space is to have a plan on what areas of your property you would like to be lit up. Different lighting types have different light ranges. Before you can choose what type of light you would like, it’s important to be aware of how much space you need to be lit. Additionally, knowing where electrical plug-points are can be a huge factor in your lightscape. Having a plan for where your lighting can be feasibly fixed, as well as where you would like your lighting to be fixed, is an important step in lighting your space.

Another important factor that you should consider when planning is durability. Knowing what type of weather your outdoor space receives is an important point of consideration when choosing proper light fixtures. Although you may not be enjoying the outdoors during harsh weather, your light fixtures will be! Wind, sun, rain, snow, heat, and cold can all have an impact on your lighting. Choosing light fixtures and light bulbs that can withstand the weather that your space gets is a critical part of lighting your space.

Know Your Lighting Options

Knowing what kinds of lighting options exist can help you decide what best fits your needs. One option is installing flood lights, which can easily light up a large space. While flood lights are great for ensuring safety, this type of lighting might be too harsh for casual evenings outdoors. Another option is landscape lighting. This type of lighting is great for illuminating gardens or decorative statues that you might have in your yard. Landscape lighting usually sits on the ground, making it an excellent choice for illuminating pathways as well. However, if you are looking to illuminate a sitting area, string lights or lanterns might be a better option. String lights provide very soft lighting, as well as a whimsical aesthetic. Lanterns can be considered a more sophisticated option and also provide more direct light when compared to string lights. Being aware of different bulb options is also an important part of lighting your space. Choosing an energy-efficient bulb, such as an LED bulb, can be very helpful in cutting down energy costs and increasing sustainability.

Hire a Professional

Deciding to light your outdoor space is exciting but can also come with a lot of decisions to make. It can be overwhelming to think about and plan the entire process by yourself. We at Houston Lightscapes would be happy to use our years of experience to help you beautifully light your outdoor space. Call us today at (713) 461-3600 for a free consultation.