Common Outdoor Lighting Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Outdoor lighting can completely transform a property, but not always for the better. Getting outdoor lighting wrong can detract from your landscape’s beauty and increase energy costs. To get the most out of your outdoor lighting and ensure you create a space with comfort and ambiance, here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Over-lighting the space

Mistake: It’s easy to assume that the more lights, the better. Sadly, this is not always the case. Over-lighting your yard can make it feel harsh and uncomfortable. This can create glare and diminish your landscape’s natural beauty, causing unnecessary energy consumption.

How to Avoid: Focus on creating layers of light–use soft, warm lighting in focal areas to keep it subtle around pathways and seating areas. Choose well-placed accent lights and avoid using bright lights everywhere. Remember, location is more important than amount–quality over quantity.

Poor Fixture Placement

Mistake: Lighting that’s placed too high or too low, or in the wrong areas, can make your outdoor space feel disjointed. Putting lights in places that don’t illuminate the intended space, or shining lights directly in your eyes, can be both distracting and ineffective.

How to avoid: First, identify the areas you want to highlight. These can be architectural features, trees, or water features. Use downlighting for a soft, ambient effect and uplighting for dramatic emphasis on trees and structures.

Ignoring light direction and angles

Mistake: The angle of your lights is just as important as where you place them. Poorly positioned lights can create unwanted shadows or highlight aspects of your space that you’d rather leave in the dark.

How to avoid: Use fixtures with adjustable heads to direct light exactly where you need it. Consider installing lights that shine at an angle for softer, more natural illumination.

Choosing the wrong type of light bulbs

Mistake: While seemingly a mere detail, light bulbs matter. A lot. Some bulbs can cast too much light, while others might not provide enough. Using the wrong color temperature or brightness can also change the tone or feel of the space itself. 

How to avoid: Test different brightness levels and color temperatures to find the right balance for your landscape. Think, what kind of mood do I want this space to elicit? Use warm LED bulbs to create a soft, welcoming glow. For security lighting, opt for brighter, cooler lights.

Failing to consider energy efficiency

Mistake: Traditional lighting setups can consume a lot of energy, leading to high utility bills. 

How to avoid: Choose energy-efficient LED lights. LED lights are perfect for walkways, garden beds, or decorative lighting. Not only do they reduce energy costs, but they’re also environmentally friendly. A win-win solution!

Not planning for seasonal changes

Mistake: Outdoor lighting is often treated as a “set it and forget it” feature. However, your lighting needs to change with the seasons. While this sounds like extra maintenance required, there are ways to ensure transitions between seasons are seamless.

How to avoid: Design your lighting plan with flexibility in mind. For instance, you might want to opt for customizable lighting, or smart lighting, in which lighting changes can be altered easily via phone. Controlling light remotely can offer convenience and ease, allowing you to change for each season without the hassle of replacing all lights. 

Not considering light pollution

Mistake: Lighting that’s too bright or not shielded properly can create light pollution, disrupting the natural environment and disturbing your neighbors.

How to avoid: Use shielded fixtures and install lights at ground level to focus on specific areas. Choose lights with built-in directional controls that prevent unnecessary light spill.

Overlooking security and safety lighting

Mistake: Some homeowners focus solely on aesthetics and forget to consider security lighting. Poor lighting can create dark spots that are vulnerable to accidents or break ins.

How to avoid: Include motion sensor lights around entryways, driveways, and dark corners. Pathway lighting is also important to ensure safe navigation after dark.

Not hiring a professional

Mistake: DIY outdoor lighting might seem like a simple solution or fun project, but without the expertise, it’s very easy to make mistakes in fixture placement, wiring, or energy management. You can end up with faulty lighting and costly utility bills. 

How to avoid: If you’re unsure about your lighting design or installation, consider hiring a professional. Arbor Illuminations can create a tailored plan that meets your needs and ensures everything is safely and properly installed.