How to Design Picture Perfect Landscape Lighting
Pro Tips, Ideas and Inspiration for Landscape Lighting
All About Landscape Lighting: Tips, Ideas & Inspiration
At Ventures, we’ve built outdoor spaces with infinity-edge pools, dramatic fire features, and custom pavilions. But ask our owner, Brandon Bertrang, what really makes or breaks a project, and his answer is immediate:
“Lighting. Bad lighting can ruin an awesome landscape design.”
It’s a bold statement, but he’s right. Landscape lighting is more than a finishing touch—it transforms your yard after dark, extending its use into the evening and creating a mood that shifts from cozy to dramatic with the flip of a switch.
In this guide, we’ll share professional design tips, fixture types, inspiration, and common mistakes to avoid so you can create a backyard that looks as good at night as it does during the day.
Bird-eye view of the landscape lights and fire feature at our Nottingham Pointe project twinkling in the night
Designing Outdoor Lighting
When planning landscape lighting, the two most important considerations are ambiance and functionality.
Ambiance: What atmosphere do you want to create? String lights add a festive glow, Fire & Water bowls deliver drama, bullet and uplights highlight architectural details, and RGB systems let you change the mood instantly.
Functionality: How will the space be used? Walkways and steps need lighting for safety, lounge areas need soft, flattering light, and outdoor kitchens require task lighting bright enough for cooking but not overwhelming.
Bertrang’s approach is to begin with focal points and move outward:
“Start with the features you want to highlight—trees, columns, or architectural elements. Then move to walkways, patios, and steps. One of my favorite tricks is embedding puck lights into pavers. It’s subtle, but it makes a walkway glow. And when lighting a house, I like to start at the corners and work my way in for balance.”
Landscape designer Jake Steward recommends layering indirect light for function, then adding drama selectively:
“Begin with soft, indirect lighting to give the whole space a glow, then add pops of uplighting under trees or coping lights for interest. Avoid glare or anything shining directly in people’s faces. Even step lights should support the design, not dominate it.”
Types of Landscape Lighting
A well-designed system uses a mix of fixtures to create balance, depth, and mood. Here are the most popular styles and how they’re used:
Up Lights: Ground-level fixtures aimed upward to highlight trees, facades, or architectural elements.
Downlights: Mounted high to mimic moonlight, often illuminating patios, gardens, or walkways.
Bullet Lights: Narrow beams that spotlight a single feature with precision.
Wash Lights: Diffused fixtures that softly illuminate large surfaces like walls or fences.
Floodlights: Brighter and wider than bullets, but more focused than washes—ideal for broad features.
Puck Lights: Small, versatile fixtures often embedded in patios or pathways for subtle glow.
Well Lights: Buried fixtures that highlight above-ground features while staying hidden.
Path Lights: Decorative posts with canopies, used along walkways or in gardens.
String/Market Lights: Festive and functional, strung across patios or pergolas for ambiance.
Under-Coping Lights: Hidden fixtures installed under ledges or wall caps for indirect glow.
Step Lights: Installed under stair lips for safety and subtle illumination.
Recessed/Overhead Lights: Essential in covered structures like pavilions or kitchens.
RGB Lights: Color-changing systems controlled by remote or app, perfect for parties or seasonal moods.
Fire Features: From torches to fireplaces to Fire & Water Bowls, flames are both functional and atmospheric.
Pro Tips for DIY Lighting
While professional installation is always recommended for safety and design quality, some homeowners tackle simpler systems themselves. If you’re confident in your electrical skills, keep these pro tips in mind:
Invest in LED: Longer-lasting and more energy-efficient than halogen.
Choose the Right Transformer: Oversize slightly to allow for future expansion.
Plan Ahead: Install PVC sleeves under new hardscape to make it easy to run wiring later.
Mistakes to Avoid
Fixture Placement: Avoid putting lights where they’ll get damaged (like at the edge of mulch beds).
Over-Illuminating: Safety lights are important, but your stairs shouldn’t be the brightest feature in the yard.
Harsh Overheads: Bright, direct light in a lounge or dining space kills ambiance.
Neglecting Design: “I always present clients with two renderings—one by day and one by night with the lights on,” says Bertrang. “That’s when people see the magic: the pool is incredible by day, but imagine a dinner party or cocktail hour here at night. That’s when it becomes unforgettable.”
Cost of Landscape Lighting
Running costs are low, especially with LED bulbs and timers. Installation costs vary widely depending on the complexity and goals.
“For most projects, I’d recommend at least a $7,000 lighting budget to do it right,” says Bertrang. “We’ve also done $40,000 systems. It depends on what effect you want. Lighting can be subtle, or it can completely transform the space.”
Birds-eye view of the beautiful landscape lighting on our Basswood Court build; an outdoor living space with a gunite pool, spa, putting green, and two-tier deck.
Lighting: The Unsung Hero of Outdoor Design
Landscape lighting might not be the first feature people think of, but it’s often the one that makes the biggest difference. It enhances safety, adds depth and drama, and allows you to enjoy your outdoor living space long after sunset.
Ready to see your property in a whole new light? Contact Ventures to begin planning a custom lighting design for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best type of landscape lighting for backyards?
A balanced mix works best: path lights for safety, up lights for trees and architecture, and under-coping or recessed lights for ambiance. Combining fixture types creates depth and mood.
Is LED better than halogen for outdoor lighting?
Yes. While LED costs more upfront, it’s energy efficient, lasts far longer, and reduces maintenance compared to halogen bulbs.
How much does landscape lighting cost?
Basic systems can start around $7,000. More elaborate designs with custom fixtures, hardscape integration, and automation can reach $40,000 or more depending on property size and goals.
Can landscape lighting increase home value?
Absolutely. Well-designed outdoor lighting enhances curb appeal, improves safety, and extends the usability of your yard—all factors that can boost perceived property value.
Can I DIY my landscape lighting?
Some homeowners install basic systems themselves, but professional installation ensures safety, proper wiring, and design balance. For luxury outdoor living, we recommend expert installation.