Outdoor Lighting – Downlighting

What is it about landscape lighting that homeowners like so much? Is it the versatility and breadth a landscape lighting design can have? Outdoor lighting designers have been using different lighting techniques to appeal to customers for decades; one of the most popular techniques used is downlighting. 

What is Downlighting?

Two of the most popular lighting techniques utilized by landscape lighting designers are uplighting and downlighting. They are pretty much what they sound like. Where uplighting is the use of lights that are angled upwards from below, downlighting is the opposite. LED downlights are placed at an elevation, and are angled downward to cast a flood of light on an area or object below. Downlighting can also be referred to as recessed lighting. Recessed lighting is when a lighting fixture is installed directly inside of a surface, such as an exterior wall or ceiling roof. These fixtures have three main parts – the  main part of a fixture known as the housing, the trim, and the bulb itself. 

Examples of Downlighting

One of the most common examples of downlighting is moonlighting. Moonlighting is a specific style of downlighting that recreates the natural, ethereal lighting of the moon. Downlighting is the perfect technique to achieve this effect as lighting fixtures are installed at an elevation and create a wash of illumination on the yard or deck below. Through the proper use of color temperature and angles, and the proper hidden placement of fixtures, an unknowing person won’t be able to tell the lighting is artificial. 

Wall washing is another example of downlighting. By installing LED downlights above, angled towards a wall, the fixture will cover the wall in a wash of light. This is used often to highlight architectural features and art. 

About LEDs

LED downlights are more energy efficient than their halogen counterparts. In fact, LEDs can save you money on your electric bill every month, and their shelf life is much longer. Some LED lights can last 50,000 hours. That’s the equivalent of running your lighting system 24 hours straight for over 5 years. LEDs also offer a greater range in color temperature. Color temperature can affect the mood and ambiance of your lighting design, and LED color temperature can range from cool hues to warm, soft light. There are many other benefits to LED lighting. You can learn more about it’s benefits here. 

Downlighting can add ambiance and elegance to your outdoor lighting design. Getting in touch with a designer who can help you develop the perfect plan for your property can make all the difference in your home’s appearance. If you are ready to increase the curb appeal of your property, highlight architectural and artistic features, and add safety to paths and outdoor spaces, set up a free consultation with our Houston design team. We will install a custom outdoor lighting plan on your property so that you can see what your home will look like with a designer’s input. From there, we will make note of any desired alterations and edits you want to the plan and complete those before signing off the project. Our installations are non-invasive and quick. You can set up your consultation here.