Stumbling around in the yard after dark is a good way to stub a toe or twist an ankle if you’re not careful. Lighting up the night—to some degree anyway—is the best way to avoid it. You can use low voltage lights to illuminate steps, walkways, paths, and areas of your yard that you want to emphasize.
Of course, you may be wondering what that would do to your utility bill. We’re all looking to cut costs wherever possible during these days of rapid inflation. Low voltage doesn’t insinuate that your lights are going to be dimly flickering on and off throughout the night. In fact, especially if you’re using colored lights, it can have quite a dramatic impact!
Floodlights are great for areas that you want to accentuate, of course, but they’re a little overbearing for hanging out on the lanai or around the pool after dark. Low voltage lighting is perfect for enhancing your yard’s aesthetic value. Lighting goes a long way in creating a tranquil, even magical, setting that draws you in.
Moreover, if you’re one to take on DIY projects, you may be surprised at how easy low voltage lighting is to install. We didn’t say it wasn’t labor intensive—but not hard labor mind you —as there will be wire to run. That’s more than likely going to require burying it underground. Even though you don’t have to go very far beneath the surface, call to have buried lines running across your property located before you begin the project.
What is low voltage lighting?
Low voltage lighting originated back in the 50s for the purpose of being used as landscape lighting. People quickly began using this type of lighting indoors as well though due to its ease of use and versatility. It’s used most often for accent or decorative lighting and is still considered perfect for landscaping.
This type of lighting is much safer than standard 120-volt lighting because the bulbs produce less heat which makes them “touch-safe.” That makes a big difference in enclosed areas where children and pets may be present. They are far less likely to start fires due to their low heat signature as well. There are many different types of fixtures from which to choose, including LED lights, incandescent bulbs, and halogen lamps.
Using low voltage lighting is also far more energy efficient than standard lighting and, therefore, more environmentally friendly. You’ll leave a smaller carbon footprint behind which means you’re making the world a better place. Bulbs are more durable—especially if using LED lighting—so you won’t be replacing them nearly as often. In fact, LED bulbs last years longer than other choices.
Very versatile
Use low voltage lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance while providing safety and security around your home.
Locations to consider include:
- Landscape lighting in flower beds, trees, and shrubbery
- Porch, patio, and lanai lighting
- Around the pool
- Illuminate architectural features
Up your curb appeal by illuminating walkways, accenting flower beds, and gently illuminating those dark areas around the outside of your home.
Getting started
First things first. Take time to consider the entire layout of your yard and how you will use lighting to create an atmosphere. Today, LED lighting makes colorful displays as easy as programming the system—often by using a phone app or remote control—to accommodate your needs.
Will you use rope lighting to border the edges of walkways or flower beds? Stake lights are available in a myriad of attractive designs and are used for that purpose as well. Bullet lights offer a low voltage option that works well for spotlighting statues or water features. String lights accommodate the desire to wind twinkling lights through tree branches and anywhere else for that matter.
If you’re looking for information on purchase costs, operating expenses, or ideas to get your creative juices flowing while establishing your budget and design, Bob Villa is a trusted name in the home improvement industry. His website offers a wealth of information—with his suggestions for the best low voltage outdoor lighting options included!
When it’s all said and done
Landscape lighting is important in some areas of your yard for safety’s sake, however, there’s no reason not to take advantage of today’s low voltage lighting options that will have you lighting up the night beautifully! Your home’s curbside appeal will catapult into the stratosphere! On second thought, it’s probably not a good idea to be visible from the stratosphere. The neighbors might complain a bit about that, huh?
Causing some to “ooo” and “ah” as they drive past is totally acceptable though, right?
When you use your outdoor lighting to create an inviting atmosphere, it becomes a space that draws others in. A sense of tranquility, home sweet home, no place that we’d rather be—
You get the idea. That’s why you’re looking into this topic in the first place, right? And, since you’re on this mission, we have no doubt that you will succeed. Creating a space that you and your family want to be more than anywhere else is the reason we become homeowners. Our refuge.
Home is the space where we gather with our families to rejuvenate when the world comes hard and fast. Creating a place that is aesthetically pleasing to the senses for your family to enjoy may not seem as if it’s a normal part of the process of building a fortress around those we love. However, as you’re gazing around at the joyful faces whenever you’re gathered together, you certainly know otherwise.
Life moves fast.
Taking the time to spend with those you love can’t take a back seat. Creating a space that induces feelings of warmth and security is a building block your kids will take with them into the future. And, by using it themselves, they’ll continue to make the world a little bit better one loving family at a time.