Modern Ideas for Landscape Lighting

When it comes to outdoor ambiance, nothing sets the mood quite like these modern ideas of landscape lighting. Used as a modern design element in your yard, garden or party grounds, landscape lighting adds a touch of elegance and high-class romance to the night air. Available in as many iterations for the outdoors as for the indoors, the type of lighting that you plan on adding to your landscaping is limited by your wallet and your imagination. If you're on the market for landscape lighting but don't know where to begin, consider not only the style you are looking for, but what the lighting will be used for and where it will be placed. Also keep in mind that outdoor lighting doesn't just serve aesthetic purposes, but serves in a safety role as well. Many people will line their walkways with guide lights so visitors can see their way to the door, for example. If you are looking for some inspiration, read the following examples of modern design with landscape lighting. With these ideas in mind, think about how you can incorporate beauty into your yard through the romance of mood lighting.

Bright Area Lighting

Although many people associate bright area lighting with the house, notably the front door, carefully chosen lights will make a huge impact on how your landscape is presented. For example, think of the many uses of the floodlight. A bright one mounted above the garage will not only illuminate your entire driveway, but will serve as lighting for a party. Many floodlights can detect movement, as well, so that they will automatically flick on as soon as you walk onto an area that is nearby. Great for entrances and patios, consider floodlights for areas like gazebos, tennis courts and outdoor stages. If you are lucky enough to have access to such places, you should certainly consider bright area lighting to carry their availability and functionality into the nighttime.

Path Lighting

One way that many homeowners like to accent their yard and pathways is to install path lighting. Available in a multitude of designs and luminosities, finding the perfect path lights for your yard should be an easy process. A fairly common and attractive type of path light is the mini "torch" lantern. Resembling the larger, classically-inspired street lanterns often seen on the streets of older cities, these domesticated versions are usually no taller than a foot, and are installed by planting them in the ground. They add charm even with only a few of them placed in intervals down your walkway. And don't forget the safety aspect, as well. When illuminated, the journey across your yard is much safer.

Pond Lighting

If you have a small pond or fountain on your property, consider adding lights to enhance its visibility in the evening. While perimeter lights will certainly add to the beauty and ambiance of your pond, modern lighting technology has blessed the pond owner with submersible lighting options. Designed to be placed underwater, these lights highlight your pond in a new and exciting way. Many of these lights also have colored, self changing filters as well, to add an extra dramatic flair to your pond or fountain. Be sure to install the electrical wiring for these lights when your pond is dry.

Rail and Fence Lighting

For another example of lighting that combines function with beauty, consider rail and fence lighting. Useful for gauging the location and height of outdoor railing structures, these lights will also ensure that no one accidentally trips over low-level or decorative ground railing. There are many varieties of rail or fence lighting. One popular form is the string light. Available in a multitude of colors and lengths, outdoor string lighting often comes with a transparent, protective vinyl casing that keeps the bulbs from interaction too much with the environment. Also consider using a tasteful string of decorative holiday lighting on your rails. Even if it isn't the traditional season for them, simple white stringed lights look great strung through and across the individual rail or fence posts.

Feature Lighting

If you've worked hard to have a beautiful garden or topiary, why not show off your handiwork at all times, including the evening? Feature lighting is basically a type of small-scale spotlight that can be pointed at various objects on your lawn for night display. Feature lighting isn't limited to topiary, however. If you have an attractive tree in your yard, underscore its presence at night with a bright feature light. Do the same for other objects that you may be proud of, such as statuary or interesting landscape features.