Outdoor Lighting Layers Separate Plain Lighting
from Great Lighting
Most people don’t think of this, but high quality lighting designs almost always include four different layers of lighting in most homes. This is also true in exceptional outdoor lighting design.
First there is the most noticeable: task lighting. This is lighting that is needed to perform things like reading, washing the dishes, putting on makeup, cooking on the grill, walking on a dark path or maybe moving up or down some steps. Task lighting is usually brighter than the rest of the lighting in the area to accommodate safety concerns, the specific job or the need to read. We call this outdoor lighting “safety lighting” because its primary purpose is keeping you safe.
Second there is accent lighting. This more subtle lighting is again slightly brighter than other lighting in an area because it purpose is to bring attention to a certain object. This could be a painting or sculpture, fountain, specimen plant, or maybe a statue or yard art. When using accent outdoor lighting it is important to use well-executed surrounding lighting to help guide the eyes toward the object being accented.
The next layer is ambient lighting. This low level of lighting is crucial to having a well-balanced lighting design. This lighting helps to blend the areas of accent and task lighting. It is a soft, diffused layer like moon lighting or reflective lighting; it is indirect lighting that usually covers a large area to eliminate dark and dangerous holes. Without this low level light embracing the space, the human eye would have a difficult time adjusting between the brighter areas and dark spots within the expanse being properly lit.
Finally there is decorative lighting. Here we want to use fun things like string lights, Christmas lights, firefly lights, colored lights or even laser lights. These illuminations are usually not in place all of the time, but are used for times of entertainment. This is more specialized lighting, and can help to create a cheerful and celebratory mood.
A professional lighting designer will employ a well thought out lighting design, both inside and out, using all of these different lighting layers (decorative only at certain times) throughout your space.
If you are ready to add the ambiance of well-designed light layers to your home, please contact us here today to set up a free at-home consultation.
