Landscape Lighting

DESIGN PRINCIPLES:

Study natural daylight.

Don’t overlight.

Consider the reflectance of plant material.

Use light to show what’s important (focal points, paths, etc)

Hide the light sources.

Use several different lighting techniques (moonlighting, uplighting, etc)

Allow for plant growth and flexibility.

LIGHTING TECHNIQUES:

Uplighting (light placed below an object and shining up)

Moonlighting (light placed up high to filter through tree branches to simulate full moon light)

Spotlighting (light produces a highly focused beam of light)

Accent lighting Grazing (light positioned close to a vertical surface to bring out the texture)

Silhouetting (light placed behind an object to light a background to silhouette the outline of the object)

Shadowing (light placed in front of an object to shine the outline of the object against the surface behind)

WHEN TO USE LOW-VOLTAGE (12-volt) VS. LINE VOLTAGE (120-volt):

Use line voltage for: uplighting very large trees, long driveway, or anywhere you need a lot of light installations with 3 or less fixtures.

Low-voltage is best when:

you anticipate changing light locations people, animals, children, etc. will be digging there is water close by, when you want to do it yourself installation costs are important you want smaller fixtures the landscaping is already installed.

Adding landscape lighting improves curb appeal, expands living space and increases the safety and security of your home. The right lighting creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the exterior of your home and your yard.

©Shades of Light 2005

Ashton has a bachelor of science degree from UVA and a masters in business administration from the University of Richmond. Ashton was the V.P. of Operations for This End Up Furniture before opening the first Shades of Light retail store in 1986. She started Shades of Light national catalog operation in 1995 and launched the Shades of Light web site in 1997. Shades of Light specializes in the highest quality outdoor lighting, lamp shades, chandeliers, rugs, and curtains for every lifestyle. For more information please visit the Shades of Light web site and sign up for a free catalog.

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