Though we’ve reached the middle of August, there’s still plenty of summer to enjoy, day and night. And your gatherings can go far into the evening with the right outdoor lighting choices. More than just a way to keep your yard safe and easy to navigate when it’s dark, lighting—as it does indoors—sets a mood.
Says Shaun Thomson of By Design Landscapes in Manasquan: “People go to outdoor restaurants or resorts and find an incredible sense of ambiance. The way you create that kind of ambiance is with lighting elements.”
Which of those elements should you incorporate into your landscape? Here are some ideas:
For a traditional look
Some pieces are classics for a reason. If your home has a more traditional silhouette, a sleek, transitional-style lantern with clean lines keeps in-style without looking old fashioned. Says Susan Barbieri of Susan Barbieri Interior Design in Hawthorne, “Simpler lines will keep the lantern from feeling overly fussy and formal while still respecting the architecture. There are many collections on the market available in iron, brass and copper, for example, and include hanging lanterns, sconces and post lights to match.”
Her recommendations? “One of my favorite lines is called Halle by Ian K. Fowler from Visual Comfort & Co. Its streamlined shape and aged iron-and-brass-combination finish make it a timeless choice. Another option is the Meridian Collection from Hubbardton Forge. Many of its designs can also be mixed and matched for a really special look,” she says.
For a layered look
Layered lighting, or using multiple light sources to create interest and depth, can bring a yard, garden or outdoor entertainment space to life. Play with different light levels at different spots around the yard. Though lighting should be brightest in the places people gather the most—around a pergola or outdoor kitchen, for instance—Thomson also recommends using it to highlight impressive architectural features on the house or flowering trees. “Lighting directs the eye. It can highlight and frame different structural elements,” he says.
Start with a wash of light across the whole space, as with a traditional flood light, and then add separate lighting elements for extra pops and ambiance. “String lights remain popular, and they’re always fun,” says Thomson. “We’re also seeing more lower-path lighting, which kind of splashes light onto the ground in front of you.”
For color
The world of smart lighting has made its way outside, and we’re ready to embrace it. Smart lights can be personalized with a rainbow of colors you can change with the push of a button (or a tap on your phone), putting you in full control of the mood of the space. You can bathe a tree in deep purple or flood the space around a firepit with even more warm orange.
Where is Thomson seeing the most colored lighting? In strip lights, which are flush to the ground and roll out in strips, like tape. “We’re seeing a lot of them in designs, which can highlight the whole edge and profile of something,” he says. “And you can also change their color. It’s a fun feature.”
For warmth
Bright white light is useful in places where you want to see clearly—think driveways, pathways and anywhere with a lot of steps—but it can be too bright in areas where you’re gathering with friends and loved ones. For those spaces, consider more yellow-toned light for a cozy vibe.
If you’re into the science and technical details, check the packaging on lights and read the fine print. Before you buy, glance at the Kelvin scale, which is used to measure the color temperature of lights. The higher the number, the whiter the light is. If you’re looking for a warm, yellowish glow, look for something around 2,700 Kelvin. For a more vibrant, white light, look for something closer to 4,000 Kelvin. If you go above 6,000 Kelvin, the lighting will start to take on an intense, bluish hue—that’s usually saved for industrial buildings and worksites, and should be avoided in your backyard.
For the finishing touch
If you’re looking for a way to add a little extra brightness and ambiance to a space without a whole new lighting install, think cordless. There’s a wealth of options for chic, battery-powered lanterns you can hang, place on low walls or other hardscape features or add to an outdoor tablescape. We particularly like the traditional look of these Plum & Post lanterns, the modern silhouette of this Lutec option and the woven material of this Conrad lantern.
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