How Bright Should a Yard Light Be?

yard light

Lighting your yard is an easy way to enhance the overall look of your home.

Whether you’re encircling a seating area or lighting a footpath, there are several choices to make.

In this article, we’ll consider some tips to help you make the right choice.

The right placement will create a welcoming entry and provide effective lighting. Here are some tips to help you determine how bright your yard light should be.

Lighting a footpath or encircling an outdoor seating area

Whether you’re looking for accent lights or lighting for a footpath, post lights can serve the same purpose. They’re ideal as decorative accents but should be placed to provide an inviting entryway.

To determine the right brightness, consider the following factors. Path lights should be at least 14 inches bright, with the diameter of the light fixture slightly larger than the width of the walkway.

Step and deck lights are excellent for accentuating architectural details. They also offer safe passage on dark stairs. They’re generally built into the yard’s hardscape.

Uplighting is a simple form of landscape lighting. It’s a great way to highlight taller structures, such as a tree’s trunk or the underside canopy. It can also highlight interesting shapes in the daytime.

Make sure to place the source behind the item so that it doesn’t become a source of waste.

When considering the right brightness for outdoor lighting, consider its location and function. Too bright lights will destroy the ambience, while too dim ones can pose a safety concern.

If you’re unsure of what brightness is appropriate for your outdoor lighting, check with your local building codes.

They will provide guidelines on the proper lighting for your outdoor space. So you can get the best use of your outdoor lighting.

Lighting a footpath

When lighting a footpath, make sure that the lighting fixture’s position is in line with its intended purpose. For example, a walkway will be illuminated in the evening, but a pathway in the middle of the day is not well-lit.

The proper placement will create an inviting entry and increase the overall appeal of the path. To choose the best placement, consider the following tips:

Pathway lights: Install path lights along a walkway to guide pedestrians and visitors and highlight points of interest.

They’re the most basic outdoor fixture and can improve curb appeal and increase safety when walking. Install path light 14 inches high, or slightly smaller than the diameter of the light fixture.

In rural areas, lighting a footpath with more than five watts can create glare.

Pathway lighting: Pathway lighting usually includes several lights that run along a walkway. Pathway lights enhance visibility while walking and don’t dazzle.

They’re there to be practical and attractive, not to detract from the rest of the yard. They are often placed low to the ground and facing downward.

Summary

The placement of these lights is important, as they should not block other landscaping elements.

For best results, choose the right one for your yard and make sure it fits in with the rest of your landscaping.