Your backyard holds the potential for pure magic, and the right lighting is the key to unlocking it. Experiment, play with different combinations, and transform your ordinary backyard into a haven of relaxation and wonder. Today we’ll discuss how to choose proper outdoor lights and to be precise, what garden steps lighting to prefer.
How To Choose Outdoor Lighting?
There are several crucial factors that need to be taken into account. Let’s review each one individually.
Style Of Your Backyard
No lighting scheme is complete without considering the overall style and aesthetic of your home and outdoor space. The goal is to create a cohesive, harmonious look that complements and enhances the existing design, rather than clashing or competing with it. For a sleek, modern setting, think clean lines and minimalist design. Geometric lanterns, streamlined spotlights, and cool, crisp color temperatures create a sophisticated, contemporary vibe that perfectly complements your home’s aesthetic. Weathered lanterns, vintage-inspired string lights, and warm, golden glows evoke a sense of charm and nostalgia that perfectly captures the essence of your outdoor oasis.
Budget And Energy Efficiency
With a little bit of strategic planning and a dash of creativity, you can create a stunning outdoor oasis that doesn’t break the bank or strain the power grid. The key to keeping costs down is to prioritize your lighting needs and allocate your resources accordingly.
Weatherproofing And Durability
Your backyard lighting scheme must be built to withstand the elements, from scorching sun to driving rain to howling winds. Look for fixtures that are specifically designed for outdoor use, with features like weather-resistant finishes, sturdy construction, and proper sealing to keep out moisture. High-quality plastics, stainless steel, and powder-coated aluminum are all excellent choices for outdoor lighting, offering both durability and style in equal measure.
Bugs And Glare
Bugs and glare can quickly turn a beautiful outdoor oasis into a frustrating, uncomfortable experience. When it comes to bugs, the key is to choose your light bulbs wisely. Warm, yellow-tinted bulbs are less attractive to insects than their cool, white-tinted counterparts, so opt for a lower color temperature to minimize the bug factor. And for an extra layer of protection, consider bulbs with built-in citronella or other insect-repelling properties. As for glare, it’s all about placement and direction. Aim your lights downward or away from seating areas and walkways to minimize direct eye contact with the bulbs.
Safety
Make sure all electrical components are properly rated for outdoor use and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity, don’t hesitate to call in a licensed professional to handle the job.
DIY Installation
Many backyard lighting projects are well within the capabilities of a handy homeowner, others may require the expertise of a seasoned professional. If you’re confident in your skills and have a basic understanding of electrical work, simple projects like hanging string lights or installing solar path lights are definitely doable. But for more complex installations, like hardwiring landscape lighting or installing permanent fixtures, it’s best to leave it to the pros.
LED Options
When it comes to energy efficiency, LED lights are the way to go! These little powerhouses use a fraction of the electricity of traditional bulbs, saving you money on your energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint in the process. Plus, with their long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements, LEDs are the gift that keeps on giving!
A wooden staircase with LED strips under the steps is comfortable to walk on, not as slippery as stone.
Concrete steps with LED strips attached under the steps are a cool solution, and there is a lot of light.
Concrete steps with LED strips under the steps look very chic, modern and stylish and greenery refreshes the space.
Stone steps with LED strips and greenery to enliven them and make them look cooler.
Concrete pavers illuminated with hidden LEDs under them is an ultra-modern and chic solution for your garden.
Floating concrete steps illuminated with hidden LEDs perfectly match the design of the house and landscape.
Concrete stairs with LED strips under each step and greenery for a fresh look are a perfect match to a modern or minimalist space.
A stylish and elegant large scale staircase with LED lights is a great solution for a refined and minimalist space.
A cool stone staircase with LED strips under the steps is a lovely idea for a modern and sophisticated space.
A stylish modern space with stairs and lights hidden and built in the tiles is a perfect match to the facade of the house and garden.
Large scale stone pavers with lights under the steps and some greenery are a cool idea for a modern and refined space.
A tiled terrace and staircase, with LEd strips under the steps and topiaries and blooms around.
Large stone pavers with LED strips under the steps are a cool solution for a modern or minimalist space.
Pavers with hidden lights, lush greenery and trees around make up a cool and stylish entrance to the house.
Built-In Lights
Built-ins are perfect for many kinds of steps, those that are done with materials where you can easily build in something, for example, wood. The great thing about built-ins is that they can be placed into the steps themselves for more light or into the risers for a more dimmed effect.
A brick leveled terrace with long garden beds, steps with built-in lights, a fireplace and garden wicker furniture plus blooms.
Building lights into risers is a lovely idea for a modern space, they will make walking comfortable as they provide a lot of light.
A stained wooden deck and steps and lights attached to the risers are a lovely and chic combo to rock.
Stone steps with lights attached under each step are a cool idea for a garden, there's enough light and they are hidden.
A stone staircase with lights on the risers is a lovely idea, they create dim light.
A concrete staircase with lights built under the steps is a cool idea for a minimalist or modern space.
A tiled staircase with lights under the steps, with lights under the railing for delicate light but to clearly see where to step.
A stone staircase with lights built into the risers is a stylish idea for a modern space.
A stone staircase with lights attached to the risers and surrounded with greenery is a lovely idea for a stylish modern garden.
A concrete and stone staicase with lights attached under each of them is always a good idea to rock.
A terrazzo staircase with little lights built-in is a cool idea for a modern space.
A tiled staircase with lights attached under the steps is a chic and beautiful idea for a modern entrance.
Tiny lights like these should be used together with other light layers as they won't be enough.
A reclaimed wood staircase with tiny lights built into the steps for a natural feel in the space.
A stylish modern staircase with lights built into the risers is a cool addition to any modern space.
Lights Along The Steps
If you have a wall along the stairs, consider building lights into the wall, that might be easier than changing the steps and such lamps will bring a lot of light. Besides, even if you damage the steps dropping something on them, your lights won’t get harmed.
A wooden staircase with lights and comfortable railing is a perfect idea for a modern terrace, garden or outdoor space.
A stone staircase with lights in the wall over the steps is a cool idea for a garden.
Simple stone steps with lights in the wall over the steps to illuminate it as well as possible.
A modern staircase with lights built into the wall over the steps is a cool solution for an outdoor space.
A stone staircase with small lights attached in the corners, with greenery and blooms along the steps.
A wooden staircase with lots of lights hidden under the steps is great for an outdoor entertaining space.
A concrete staircase with lights in the wall along it is a cool idea for a modern space.