Outdoor spaces like gardens, pathways, driveways, and patios can be transformed at night with the strategic use of ground lights. Ground lights are lighting fixtures designed to be installed at or slightly below ground level to provide soft, subtle illumination from below. Using ground lights is an easy way to enhance the ambiance and safety of any outdoor area when the sun goes down. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the many benefits of ground lights and provide tips on how to incorporate them into your own outdoor lighting design.
Benefits of Ground Lights:
- Ambiance – Ground lights cast a soft glow that creates a warm, welcoming feel in outdoor areas. The light is diffuse and unobtrusive, unlike brighter overhead lighting. This makes ground lights perfect for creating a relaxing vibe on a patio, illuminating a garden path with a romantic glow, or adding flair to a driveway or front walkway.
- Safety – Ground lighting improves safety and visibility at night. Path lighting allows people to safely navigate steps, curbs, changes in elevation, and potential hazards. Driveway lights mark the edges clearly for safer parking and walking. Ground lights make edges and boundaries more visible for accident prevention.
- Convenience – Subtle ground lighting along a path to your front door or in the backyard makes taking out trash, grabbing mail from the box, or letting pets out at night easier and more secure. No more fumbling with flashlights or phone lights.
- Flexibility – Ground lights come in a wide variety of styles, finishes, colors, and brightness levels. This allows you to tailor the look and functionality as needed. Options like solar lights provide installation flexibility as well.
- Cost-effective – Ground lights are relatively inexpensive to purchase and install compared to other outdoor lighting options. Low voltage lights don’t require special electrical work in most cases. Solar lights eliminate wiring needs altogether.
Tips for Using Ground Lights:
- Determine purpose – Consider how you want to use ground lights and what areas you want to illuminate before choosing fixtures. This will guide spacing, brightness, and power needs.
- Mark locations – Map out light locations with spray paint or stakes before installing. This allows you to space evenly and ensures lights end up where intended.
- Mind spacing – For path lighting, place lights 5-10 feet apart depending on brightness. Driveways and landscape edging usually need lights every 3-5 feet.
- Follow electrical code – Most low voltage systems can be DIYed safely, but always check local regulations. Hire an electrician if needed.
- Choose fixtures – Well-made fixtures resist moisture, provide sufficient light output, and hold up over time. Opt for LED bulb options.
- Set lights back – Avoid creating hazards by keeping fixtures 1-3 inches from the edges of paths, patios, or driveways.
- Angle strategically – Aim lights to provide ideal illumination and reduce glare. Most ground lights have adjustable angles.
- Use uplighting sparingly – Uplights can create striking effects on trees, walls, or architectural features, but too many create glare.
- Test at night – Preview the lighting effects at night to make sure coverage is optimal and make adjustments as needed.
With the right placement and fixtures, ground lights can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful nighttime oasis. Take the time to strategically plan out your ground lighting design and you’ll love the cozy, sophisticated results. Your space will not only look stunning after dark, but will be safer and more functional for nighttime activities. With so many affordable and energy-efficient ground light options available today, it’s easy to add this special decorative touch to your home.