Making decisions about front of house lighting positions are much more than the security of the property. The position of the lights on your property will have a big impact on how your property is perceived. Taking the time to ensure lamps are well placed can help to highlight the best features of your property. On the other hand, poorly positioned fixtures will have the opposite effect. Below, we share our top tips for exterior front of house lighting positions. Use these tips for the best results.
Do’s for House Lighting Positions
Use uplighting to accentuate landscape and architectural elements
Wondering where to place uplighting on your house? Uplights are a great addition to the front of your house as they can be used to accentuate certain elements on your property such as unique architectural features or ornamental trees. Light wells or directional lights may be used facing upward under these elements to achieve the desired effect. Choose the features you want to highlight and position the lights to draw attention to them.
Avoid large unlit areas
It is important to strive for cohesion when positioning exterior house uplighting. It is important to illuminate not just the large spaces but also the intermediate spaces and borders. Large unlit areas around the home interrupt the experience by causing the eye to overlook these dark spaces.
Use lights of different wattage
Make the most of your space by using lights of different wattages. These can range from high to low wattage. Spread them throughout the space to give a sense of depth.
Use a combination of moonlighting and uplighting
There are two ways you can light your landscape to highlight unique elements. You can use uplights which are located at the base of the element and directed upward. Uplights should be placed below unique architectural features or under trees to add ambiance to the front of your home. Moonlights are the opposite. They mimic the effect of the moonlight. These lights are placed high (ideally at least 25 feet) off the ground. They shine soft light downward to create a similar effect as the moonlight shining over the property. Place these lights in tree canopies for the best effect.
Use uplights to illuminate objects close to them
You can use the uplights for shadowing, grazing or silhouetting items near them. For silhouetting, the light is placed between the object and the wall. The bright backdrop created draws attention to the object in the foreground. In shadowing, the light is placed in front of the object and the wall. The object casts a shadow on the wall behind while the bright light draws attention to features of the object. In grazing, the light is between the object and the wall but it is set at least one foot from the wall. It is tilted to face upward, reducing the hot spots on the wall.
Use downlights on paths
Illuminate paths with lights facing downward. This is essential for safety. It is also a great way to draw attention to the details on the pathway.
Don’ts of House Lighting Positions
Don’t leave exposed wiring
Exposed wires are an electrical and tripping hazard. In addition, wild animals or even your own pets can chew on the insulation. It is important to ensure these wires are covered. Consider encasing the wire in a conduit made from non-metallic material such as PVC. The wires and casing should be buried at least 18 inches below the soil surface.
Don’t direct fixtures directly at windows or doors
This will not only affect visibility from inside the house. You may not be able to notice intruders lurking in your yard. Be sure to direct lights at walls and never direct them at your neighbors’ windows, doors or property in general.
For best results with landscape lighting in Seattle, contact GMC Landscape. We’re experts in positioning and installation of outdoor lights. We will help you bring your property to life.
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