Want to use your backyard after the sun goes down?
Most yards look wonderful at 4pm. Once it gets dark they transform into a black abyss. Invisible steps, creepy crawlies and everyone retreats indoors.
Here’s the problem:
Most folks install one bulb in by their back door and consider it done. That is not lighting design. That is a back porch light.
The good news? An intelligent outdoor lighting scheme is simple to create. It also can make your yard the best “room” in your home.
Inside this guide:
- Why Your Backyard Needs A Lighting Plan
- Start With Your Attached Patio Cover
- The 3 Layers Of Outdoor Lighting
- Picking The Right Bulbs And Controls
- Common Lighting Mistakes To Avoid
Why Your Backyard Needs A Lighting Plan
Outdoor lighting isn’t just about looks. It does three big jobs for you:
- Safety: You can see steps, edges and paths so nobody trips.
- Security: A well-lit yard is far less inviting to unwanted visitors.
- Comfort: The right glow makes people want to stay outside longer.
And homeowners aren’t disappointed. When asked to rate their experience, landscape lighting received a perfect 10 Joy Score from National Association of Realtors members who installed it.
That’s the same score as an in-ground pool, for a fraction of the cost.
However, to achieve those results you must have a plan. Random lights just plugged in wherever won’t do.
Start With Your Attached Patio Cover.
Your patio is the centerpiece of any backyard ready for evening entertaining. It’s where you dine, talk and unwind. That’s why your lighting scheme should begin there.
If you’re in luck and already have an attached patio cover, you’re ahead of the game. Since it’s attached directly to your house, it’s simple to wire your patio cover up to your home’s electrical system. You can install fans, pendant lighting or recessed lighting into the frame of your attached patio cover with no dangling wires!
Are you planning on adding a new attached patio cover? Discuss lighting options before construction begins. When inquiring about patio covers installation in Las Vegas or elsewhere, homeowners should ask if the cover can be pre-wired for light fixtures and fans. It’s much less expensive to include wiring during construction than after.
Here’s the thing.
Attached patio covers also shield your fixtures from sun, wind and rain. This means your lights will last longer and require less maintenance. Shade can make a huge difference to bulbs and fixtures in a hot, sunny area.
A few lighting ideas that work well under an attached patio cover:
- Recessed downlights for even, all-over light
- A ceiling fan with a built-in light kit
- Dimmable pendant lights over a dining table
- String lights along the beams for a relaxed feel
The 3 Layers Of Outdoor Lighting
Interior designers don’t rely on one source of light. They layer it. And each layer serves a purpose. They work together to make a room feel cozy and secure.
Layer 1: Ambient Lighting
This is your ambient layer. It’s a non-directional fill light that lights the room so people aren’t squinting as they walk around.
Include wall sconces, string lights and the lights that hang from your patio cover. Ambient lighting should be soft. Too much and your backyard will look like a parking garage. Too little and guests will be struggling to see their food.
Layer 2: Task Lighting
Task lighting is lighting intended for performing tasks. Tasks lights illuminates areas where you want to see details such as :
- The grill or outdoor kitchen
- Steps and stairways
- Paths and walkways
Path lights and step lights are the largest players in this category. They prevent guests from stubbing their toes in the dark and they lead guests to where you want them to go.
Layer 3: Accent Lighting
This is the fun part!
Accent lighting highlights the best features of your landscape. Uplight a large tree. Wash your stone wall with light. Accent a water feature or garden bed.
Accent lights create layers. Without them your yard is boring at night. With them it looks magazine worthy.
Picking The Right Bulbs And Controls
Okay now you know where your lights go. Time to discuss what goes in them.
Go LED
LED bulbs are the obvious choice for outdoors. They use less electricity, stay cooler and last much longer. Plus, most people have already upgraded. The U. S. Energy Information Administration discovered that households with outdoor lights on overnight, 77% used at least 1 LED bulb.
Keep color temperature in mind as well. Warm white light (2700K to 3000K) has a cozy inviting feel. Cool white light can seem harsh and clinical for a backyard area.
Add Smart Controls
Here’s where most people miss a trick. Controls matter just as much as the lights themselves. Consider adding:
- Timers so lights switch on at dusk automatically
- Dimmers to shift the mood from dinner to late-night chats
- Motion sensors for side yards and dark corners
- Smart plugs or apps so you can control everything from your phone
Install it once and it does the job automatically. No need to go out into your slippers to turn a switch ever again. Easy Peasy.
Common Lighting Mistakes To Avoid
Even a good plan can go wrong. Watch out for these:
Too much light. Don’t overdo it. Glare is tacky and drives your neighbors crazy. Aim lights down and away from windows.
Spotlighting Uneven light. Eyes can’t adjust to spots of brightness next to dark shadows. That’s precisely when you stumble.
Not caring about the weather. All fixtures must be rated for outdoor use. Seek out wet-rated lights if they will be exposed to rain/sprinklers.
PRO TIP: Skip the pro. Low voltage and solar lighting are easy weekend projects. However, any lights that require wiring into your home’s electrical system should be installed by a licensed electrician. It’s safer and you’ll stay in compliance with local codes.
Time To Flip The Switch
Planning outdoor lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. To quickly recap:
- Start at the patio, the heart of your backyard
- Pre-wire your attached patio cover if you’re building
- Layer ambient, task and accent lights
- Choose warm LED bulbs
- Add timers, dimmers and sensors
- Avoid glare, shadows and cheap fixtures
Follow these steps and your backyard will still be buzzing long after the sun sets. It will come alive.
Take a pad of paper and go walk your yard at night. Start jotting down where lights will go.
