Landscape Lighting Techniques

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING TECHNIQUES

EVERY NEED-TO-KNOW METHOD FOR LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT

PATH LIGHTING

Path and area lighting enhances dynamic landscaping elements such as flower beds, shrubbery, and borders while safely illuminating pathways.

TO CREATE THIS EFFECT

Stagger path lights around walkways every 6 to 8 feet to create pools of light that illuminate a safe passage to your home’s entrance.

GRAZING

Grazing emphasizes a textured surface (such as a tree trunk, a stone wall, climbing ivy, etc.) by placing a light source within one foot of that surface and aiming the light beam parallel to that surface.

TO CREATE THIS EFFECT

Place spotlights 1 to 2 feet away from and beneath pillars and other architectural features to create dimension and complement entryways.

WALL WASHING

Wall washing is a technique that refers to the general illumination of a wall or surface.

TO CREATE THIS EFFECT

Place spotlights 5 to 8 feet away from and along the front of your home to create a soft light wash.

Shadowing is an effect created by placing a light source in front of an object and projecting a shadow onto a surface behind the object.

TO CREATE THIS EFFECT

Place spotlights directly in front of tall bushes and other prominent landscaping elements to produce shadows that project onto your home’s face, creating an interesting and inviting façade.

UPLIGHTING

Uplighting is illuminating an area, surface, or object from below to create a focal point in the landscape.

TO CREATE THIS EFFECT

Aim a spotlight at a tree in the foreground and allow the front of your home to remain relatively dark.

STEP LIGHTING

Step and brick lights can be used in masonry and wood constructions. These fixtures are designed to safely illuminate stairways and walkways.

TO CREATE THIS EFFECT

Mount step lights on each stair to ensure safety and gently illuminate pathways and entrances

SILHOUETTING

Also called backlighting, silhouetting is used to dramatize a featured object or landscape element.

TO CREATE THIS EFFECT

Place a spotlight between the featured element and the front of your home, aiming the beam towards the front of your home, creating a dramatic silhouette.

DECK + BRICK LIGHTING

Deck, Brick, and other hardscape lighting can be used in masonry and wood constructions. These fixtures are specifically designed to provide safety and accent lighting while creating a warm atmosphere.

TO CREATE THIS EFFECT

Place surface-mounted deck sconces on the wall above each step to illuminate a safe entryway to the deck. Hardscape fixtures under benches and deck sconces mounted to corner posts create a soft glow.

COLOR TEMPERATURE

Hinkley's landscape lighting collections are available in Warm White 2700k or Neutral White 3000k color temperatures. Select the ideal complement to your outdoor space and create the perfect ambient glow for any setting.

Ideal for surroundings with warm colors and natural wood tones. Great for natural stonework and foliage that is red, orange, or yellow. 2700K

BEAM SPREAD OPTIONS

3000K NEUTRAL WHITE

Ideal for surroundings with dark materials, like deep slate, black, or gray. Great for blue or purpletoned foliage like blue spruce trees.

Hinkley's landscape lighting offers a variety of beam spreads, so you can tailor the light to where it's needed most. Select fixtures that cast narrower beams to highlight featured landscaping. Use wider beams to illuminate entire structures or outdoor living areas.

Tall, thin beam of light ideal for grazing trees and column features. 40

Medium-width beam of light suited for general accent lighting.

60°

Wide beam of light useful for broad trees and wide structures.

KELVIN COLOR SCALE

COOL (BRIGHT WHITE)

WARM (CANDLELIGHT)