It is common to hear the downlighting and uplighting techniques in outdoor lighting. From the name itself, it’s easy to understand what it is about. Both of them talk about the particular lighting direction of each method. Yet, there’s more to it that you should know of.
In this blog, we will discuss with you each lighting technique and how, where, and when you should use it. Let’s determine which of the two that you should use to enhance the landscape of your home.
How Are They Related?
As mentioned, downlighting and uplighting are all about the direction of lighting. They’re easy to understand. Both are meant to enhance and highlight the beauty of your home’s landscape. But there’s always more to learn about it. One of them is to determine where to place lights for proper downlight and uplight.
In reality, achieving the perfect downlighting or uplighting is all about how you should approach the idea. There are actually many possibilities to do it.
Understanding The Difference
For Downlighting, the lighting fixtures are placed on a high level having the lights directed to the ground. The higher the light, the wider range of space the light can illuminate.
Uplighting is positioning the lights on the ground level for the light to illuminate upward. It adds drama to an area.
When To Use Downlighting?
Some features are best for downlighting because it casts a welcoming atmosphere and offers safety for people to walk through. This lighting technique mimics the direction of light in the daytime which gives you comfort. For example, you have a pathway in your front yard with light posts on both ends. The light it illuminates downwards offers a wide range of visibility for you to walk on because you can properly even it’s nighttime.
Sometimes, you don’t need to install a tall light lamp for downlighting. It’s all about the proper placement of lights on a higher level like on a tree. And positioning it to illuminate light that would bounce to the ground.
Some areas where you can use downlighting are in patios, driveways, porch, low growing garden plants, and outdoor seatings.
When To Use Uplighting?
Uplighting is a great lighting technique to add drama to any landscape. It is used for highlighting, creating shadows, wall-washing, and backlighting. For instance, positioning a lighting fixture from the ground up. And when the light illuminates, the areas, features, and/or objects will be highlighted and can be seen at night.
Some areas where you can use uplighting are trees, walls, garden features, and architectural features.
Choosing Between Downlighting And Uplighting
Do you need to choose one of the two to use in your landscape? The short answer is no. Both techniques can be used on their own, but it doesn’t mean that you can just settle with one. Thus, you can practically use both and let them serve their own purposes to enhance the beauty of your home.
With proper installation and usage, both can work in harmony and create a balance that would complement your landscape. To achieve this goal, you can always ask a professional like us, Resort Lighting, Inc., that can do the outdoor lighting work for you.
About Resort Lighting, Inc.
Contact Resort Lighting, Inc. today to learn more about the benefits of outdoor lighting. We are the experts that can help you with Landscape, Architectural & Multi-Function Lighting System Design. Our goal is to enhance your current landscape and architectural design by installing proper and durable lighting and fixtures. Contact us today to book an appointment!
