How To Properly Light Your Garden Path? Best Pathway Lights Selection And Layout Guide

Pathway lights selection for your garden is a biggie. It might seem simple initially, but choosing the proper lights and their layout is challenging as it can make a massive difference in style and function. In this article, we explain how to select your pathway lights and position them correctly for the best look.

View Complete Landscape Lighting Installation

Best Pathway Lights Selection

The United States is one of the top three countries where gardening is widely practiced. Everyone wants their garden and outdoor space to be as beautiful as possible while also maintaining tight security. Pathway lights help achieve both. However, you might not get the desired results without knowing how to select the right lights.

Here is how you can successfully make your pathway lights selection:

Pick the Right Type of Lights

The first step in pathway lights selection that you should take is choosing the right type of lights for your needs. Solar lights are easy to install and cost-effective, as they don't require wiring, but they depend on sunlight. Low-voltage lights are another option that works well for both aesthetics and security.

The shape of lights also plays an important role in how they illuminate your pathway. For example, selecting a hat-shaped light would direct light downward and reduce glare to create a warm glow. L-shaped modern lights provide a directional effect that is perfect for contemporary gardens.

Check Brightness and Color Temperature

When you select the type and shape of your pathway light, you should also check its brightness and color temperature. Brightness helps with visibility, and color temperature changes how your space looks and feels. Lights that are too dim might not provide enough guidance, while overly bright ones can create glares.

If you do not check both these aspects, you might ruin the view of your garden. Take some time to decide whether your light should be warm or cool and what brightness level would match your space. If you are unsure, you can contact a professional for a recommendation.

Select Strong and Weatherproof Lights

Pathway lights are always exposed to the weather, so they need to be strong and long-lasting. Due to climate changes, storms and heavy rains are becoming more common, which is why it is even more important to choose weatherproof lights. Materials like brass can withstand harsh conditions. If the lights are not weatherproof, they can break easily and will need frequent replacement.

Match the Lights with Your Garden Style

Pathway lights should blend with the design of your garden and not stand out awkwardly. So, when making your pathway lights selection, always make sure to match them with your garden's overall look and feel. Also, you can think of how the lights will blend with your plants, pathways, walls, and even any decor you have done in your outdoor space.

For example, if your garden has a formal and structured design, the lights should also have a neat look. A mismatch will make the place feel unorganized and unbalanced. Simple and well-matched lighting actually brings everything together smoothly. When you install your pathway lighting, you will instantly feel the charm the pathway lights selection has done to the garden.

How to Arrange Your Pathway Lights

Selecting your pathway lights does not end your work. You also need to think about how to place them for the best effect. The main thing to learn is where pathway lights should go and how to arrange them correctly.

Proper Distance Between Lights

Placing pathway lights too close together can make the area too bright, while keeping them too far apart can leave dark spots. A spacing of 6 to 8 feet will work pretty well, but it also depends on the type of lights and your path size. Proper distancing will keep the lighting feel natural and avoid them being too hard or too visible to an onlooker's eye.

Best Places to Put Lights

Pathway lights need to be put in places where they improve both safety and appearance. The best spots are along walkways, doors, near steps, and at turns to guide people to safety. Placing the lights near garden features like flower beds or fountains can also highlight their beauty.

Try avoiding placing the lights in the middle of pathways. Keeping them on the edges is what will create a more welcoming look.

Keep the Layout Balanced

Your overall garden look should feel balanced, with the lights blending in naturally. They should not overpower the space or leave some areas too dark. Placing them on both sides of the path instead of in a straight line will certainly create a better look. Mixing different heights, i.e., 15 to 24 inches and at slight angles is also a perfect idea to try to improve your space's beauty.

Choose Gardenreet for Pathway Lights Selection

Now that you know how to select and arrange your pathway lights, you should start exploring your light options. At Gardenreet, you can find high-quality, affordable pathway lights in different shapes and styles to match your garden’s look. Our vast collection makes it possible to get precisely what you need. Start shopping today and get ready to lighten up your garden!

FAQs

Should pathways light be warm or cool?

Warm white lights usually give gardens a soft, cozy feel to make them look more inviting. Cool white lights are brighter and work well for a modern or more security-focused look. Most people prefer warm lights for pathways because they blend naturally with outdoor spaces.

How many lumens should pathway lights have?

Pathway lights should be between 100 and 200 lumens to provide enough light without being too harsh. Softer lights, closer to 100 lumens, create a warm effect, while brighter lights, closer to 200 lumens, improve visibility. The right choice depends on how much light you need.

Do outdoor lights use a lot of electricity?

It depends on the type of light. LED and solar lights use very little electricity. Other lights like the incandescent lights use more power and increase electricity bills. If you want to save energy, choose solar LED lights or set times to turn traditional lights off when not required.