Jul 27, 2023 10:39:43 AM
There are so many factors that go into creating an impressive outdoor lighting design.
To name just some, you need to consider how bright outdoor lights should be, how many you have, and even the exterior light height. Decisions about outdoor light placement can make a huge difference in the finished project.
In this article, we’ll talk about determining how high to install outdoor lighting so that you get the best possible results for your Memphis home.
As you might have guessed there is no one simple answer to this question. That’s because the height is going to depend on a number of factors including what you’re lighting and what the ultimate function of your lighting is meant to be.
Because of that, different areas of your property might have lights at different heights for different reasons.
But there are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to outdoor light placement related to height.
First and foremost, lights are not always installed from above. As we’ve talked about in previous articles, we often install lights at ground level and shine them upward for an uplighting effect.
But when it comes to downlighting and other techniques in which we are installing light from above, you definitely want to consider the height as it relates to the effect you are trying to create. Generally, with downlighting (or “moonlighting”), the idea is for the light to “wash over” the area below.
In other words, you want the light to spread across the subjects below evenly. That’s opposed to creating a spotlight effect…unless, of course, that’s what you’re trying to do, such as showcasing something in particular.
A good example of this is a porch light. Most of the time, you want the porch light to cast the light in a wide range below so that people can see where they’re going as they come and go from your home.
To achieve this goal, generally speaking, porch light height should be around 6 to 10 feet in height. This would also be true of lighting above decks, walkways, and landscaping IF you are trying to wash the light over the area.
The exact height also depends upon what type of light you’re using and how bright it is.
Because it is so important that lights are installed thoughtfully within a design, it’s honestly best to leave your landscape lighting to a professional. There are no “small details” when it comes to outdoor lighting and you want to make sure that everything is just right.
Even one minor mistake can have a detrimental impact on the design as a whole. You want every single light that is part of your design to be right.
Fortunately, when you hire the right lighting professional, you’ll get a lighting design that adds both aesthetic appeal and functionality…where you need it and when you need it.
That will allow you to truly maximize the use of your outdoor spaces.
If you’d like to talk more about outdoor lighting ideas, including how high should an outdoor light be for YOUR home, we’re here to help. We want your outdoor lighting design to be everything that you desire.
Are you ready to create a secure, functional, and beautiful property at any hour of the day? If so, let’s meet and discuss some bright ideas.
