Landscape Lighting Design Guide: How to Light Every Area of Your Property
Driveway Lighting
Your driveway is more than a path to the garage — it’s often the first impression visitors get. A well-lit driveway improves both curb appeal and safety, especially for guests arriving after dark.
Recommended Fixtures:
Low-profile path lights along curves or edges
Downlights mounted to trees or rooflines for a “moonlight” effect
In-ground well lights along borders or entry pillars
For long drives, marker lights can add visibility without glare
Design Tip:
Stagger fixture placement to avoid a “runway” look. You want elegant guidance, not airport vibes.
Shrub Beds and Garden Edges
Shrub beds and layered plantings come alive with subtle uplighting and edge definition. You can highlight texture, color contrast, and seasonal blooms while keeping walking paths clear.
Recommended Fixtures:
Wash lights for hedges and low plant groupings
Small spotlights for ornamental shrubs or tall grasses
Path lights with wide optics for gentle perimeter lighting
Design Tip:
Don’t light every plant. Use contrast and shadow to give beds depth and dimension.
Walkways and Side Paths
Lighting your walkways prevents trip hazards and guides guests through your space — whether it’s the front entry, side yard, or a backyard path to the firepit.
Recommended Fixtures:
Path lights spaced asymmetrically to avoid repetition
Bollards for modern or commercial looks
Downlights from eaves or trees for overhead guidance
Design Tip:
Use warmer temperatures (2700K–3000K) for a welcoming feel. Save cooler temps for task or security lighting.
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Screened Enclosures and Lanais
Screened enclosures offer unique lighting challenges — you want ambiance without glare or reflection off the mesh. Whether it’s a lanai, porch, or outdoor dining area, the goal is warmth and usability.
Recommended Fixtures:
Hardscape lights under seating walls or steps
Downlights mounted high for soft coverage
Smart RGBW fixtures for scene changes during evening events
Design Tip:
Avoid harsh uplights inside screens — they bounce off the mesh. Go soft, warm, and directional instead.
Architectural Lighting
Your home’s exterior architecture is worth highlighting. Columns, stonework, and textures benefit from targeted lighting that reveals form and detail without overpowering.
Recommended Fixtures:
Narrow-beam spotlights for pillars and stone
Wall wash fixtures for broader surfaces
Well lights for an invisible install near the foundation
Design Tip:
Angle beams to skim the surface instead of hitting it head-on — this brings out texture and creates elegant shadows.
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Bistro Lighting and Gathering Areas
Bistro-style string lighting adds warmth, energy, and charm to patios, firepit areas, and backyard hangout zones. The right setup blends beauty with function and won’t look like a college dorm.
Recommended Fixtures:
Commercial-grade LED string lights with dimmer compatibility
Optional pergola mounts or pole kits for open areas
Downlights or path lights for layered ambiance
Design Tip:
Use bistro lighting to define a space — not to flood it with light. Keep the bulb spacing and color temperature consistent for a polished look.
Bollard Lighting for Modern or Commercial Spaces
Bollards provide architectural flair while casting wide, even light across walkways or entry zones. They’re great for modern homes, driveways, and community common areas.
Recommended Fixtures:
Louvered bollards to minimize glare
Decorative bollards for upscale entryways
Short bollards for perimeter marking
Design Tip:
Use bollards as focal points — they’re more than just lighting; they become part of your landscape’s visual rhythm.
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Why Professional Design Matters
Lighting isn’t about putting lights in the ground — it’s about telling your property’s story at night. A professional design takes angles, glare, temperature, and layering into account, so your system is as beautiful as it is functional.
We design lighting systems across Central Florida for homeowners, businesses, and HOAs — and we’ll walk your property with real demo lights so you can see the results before you commit.
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Let’s design a system that brings your home to life after dark — with the right fixtures, in the right places, for the right effect.