Layer the light
Combine path lights for safety, accent lights for beauty and soft ambient light for comfort. A few well placed fixtures beat many bright ones.
Light the things you want to see and leave the rest in shadow.
Walk the yard after dark with a flashlight to see where you would like light. Try different angles to see what looks best.
Choose warm light
Warm white light flatters wood, stone and plants, and cool white can feel harsh outdoors. Choose dimmable fixtures for mood.
Check bulb color before buying.
Try a few fixtures before committing. Bulb color and brightness look different outdoors than in a store.
Safety first
Light steps, level changes and walkways so people can see where they are going. Place lights low and shield them to avoid glare.
Motion lights can add security at entries.
Add lights to every step and level change. Even a small change in height can be hard to see in the dark.
Control the system
Timers, photocells and phone apps turn lights on and off. Zones let you light the patio without lighting the whole yard.
Label zones so changes are easy.
Group fixtures into zones for patio, path and garden, so you can turn on only what you need.
Plan for power
Low-voltage systems use a transformer and are common for landscape lighting. Line voltage lights and fans need protected circuits.
Run conduit early for future additions.
A little conduit now saves digging later, especially under patios and walks.
Use layers of warm light, aim it carefully and put it on a timer.
