Night Lighting is an important tool that can be added to almost any landscape or site to enhance the area greatly. The traditional reason for night lighting was to provide safety and security to a home or site, from prowlers and also lighting up driveways or walkways to see the paved areas better in the dark…. Perhaps just a porch light so guests could get to the front door if you were expecting company.
Over the past few decades, lighting has become more and more popular. The types and styles have increased greatly and now, only imagine it, and it can likely be done. The advent of DIY, and HGTV and Pinterest, etc shows so many lovely possibilities and people want something like that for their own home. Then, the computerized controls and LED lighting came along and lighting projects have really become somewhat standard. No longer are we limited to the plastic mushroom lights or mounted spotlights – So many choices now!!!
The Pacific Northwest seems to be catching up with the rest of the US as far as night lighting – people want to stay out in their yards later and later, especially with the standing heaters, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces. It’s fun to enjoy the back patio or deck on a summer night or have a fun gathering with friends out back.
People enjoy looking out from a window or a deck/patio and seeing trees and shrubs lit up or spotlighted. Or perhaps a feature like a waterfall/pond, fountain, rock garden or specimen plant. Guests appreciate lighting on pathways to the back yard or parking area. Why limit the time to daylight hours that something beautiful in your yard can be enjoyed or used.
Here are some lighting examples that you may envision for your project; such a difference than if it was dark, for safety, security, and appreciation of the wonder effects that are possible for highlighting your home, yard, and features at night.
A bright light on the decorative block column provides great light for the outdoor dining table.
A simple, single light gives the night’s darkness a lovely glow.
One simple light can highlight lots of texture, color and light up a corner for safety.
Solar Lights can work in PNW if they receive all day sun.
A few LED Underwater Lights show the beauty of this natural and simple waterfall, highlighting the water, mossy rocks, and some of the surrounding plants.
Wrought iron night lighting – the fixtures are artistic and the light adds safety at night to a flagstone path.
Lights around the front entry provide safety and welcome family and friends.
Plant Lighting throughout this side yard allows guests to get to the back yards without needing to go through the house too see.
LED lanterns and chandelier give a dreamy atmosphere to this romantic outdoor hideaway.
Uplights on select trees and downlights on the seating wall make this back yard quite usable at night.
The steps and pond have beautiful lighting; too bad the golf fairway at the top of the steps isn’t lit.
A lone light fixture provides light for the path to the Secret Garden around the bend.
Romantic spot to share some wine with the soft lights all around.
Well lit house seems inviting.
Condo complex has well lit paths to safely stroll through the grounds as well as provide access to the back patios and doors of the units.
Spot lights mounted on the tree trunks as well as uplights on some of the ornamental trees illuminate this set back house from the road well.