Advancements in technology have made our lives more mobile over the years. Rechargeable outdoor lighting is no exception. The benefit to this lighting is that it doesn’t require electricity. There are no cords to trip over, providing just the right amount of illumination wherever you need it. Whether you want to add romance or brighten your backyard, there is rechargeable outdoor lighting for every occasion.
What Elements Should Be Illuminated?
When deciding where you will place lighting in your outdoor space, consider the following:
- Function. For safety, you should light a deck or patio with stairs or wandering pathways.
- Creating Drama in Toned Down Areas. You can elevate even the blandest decorations with strategic illumination. For example, you can illuminate a stone wall by adding lights for interest.
- Identify Yard Features to Accentuate. It can be a stately tree, garden bed, or pond. Highlighting these areas using outdoor lights will accentuate their natural beauty.
- Illuminate Entryways. Entry lighting or lighting in front of the home will provide safety and a welcoming environment.
Your goal should be to see the effects of the light without noticing the light source. The only exception to this rule is path lighting, designed for an always-on display and decorative purposes.
Guide to Rechargeable Outdoor Lighting
Landscape lighting transforms any outdoor area when it’s strategically placed. You can find various types of lighting in a landscape, all with a different purpose. Here, we look at the following:
- How to use lighting for your landscape
- What types are available
- What to use to illuminate your space or backyard
Landscape lighting should be functional and highlight certain features. It should provide visual contrast by using plants and other forms in the yard. By playing with your outdoor elements, you can generate drama and intrigue in an inviting, well-lit space.
Portable Lantern
The ability to live life on the go appeals to many people. Laptops and the internet have afforded us the luxury of being able to work anywhere. However, when the sun goes down, you need an outdoor lamp to see what you are working on.
Portable lanterns are an excellent option, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air while still being able to work. These outdoor lights are completely cordless and operate on rechargeable batteries. They have a long life and a warm, white continuous glow.
Lanterns are often used for camping, but even if you are just relaxing, reading, or doing another outdoor activity, a portable lamp or lantern provides adequate light to extend your time outdoors. You can also use a portable light as a table lamp or hang it from a hook in your outdoor space. Styles range from contemporary to country barnyards.
Flood Lights or Spotlights
The difference between these two types of light is in the beam spread. A spotlight generates a narrow, concentrated beam of light. It is easier to aim at a particular feature and adjust. In contrast, a floodlight contains a broader beam (120°) to illuminate general areas like a lot or a driveway for improved brightness and visibility.
Many flood lights or spotlights use solar power and don’t require batteries. There are some, though, that contain a rechargeable battery as well. Those that are solar lights are excellent overall but can be detrimental if there are extended periods of cloud cover. Rechargeable batteries eliminate this, but you may have to keep on top of them to ensure they have power.
Inground Lighting
In-ground lighting is usually a circle-shaped light fixture that goes into the ground. It illuminates driveways and walkways. This type of lighting creates an aura of sophistication while making pathways visible for safety reasons.
The up-light effect can create drama by illuminating structures or trees for a lovely silhouette. This fixture is best blended using spotlights but can be used independently.
Post Lights
This accent lighting lines a home’s pathways and can establish an ambient tone without being overpowering. You can use tall posts to illuminate extended areas or driveways that can get lost in the darkness. Shorter posts are great for small alcoves and paths.
When implementing them, first figure out how many you will require. Take special note of the light’s diameter around the post. Set the next fixture just outside of this radius. The height of your fixture will allow you to determine your placement, while the light will let you know if it is in the correct location.
This technique will prevent the space from appearing like a runway. Also, try placing your fixtures on either side of the path. Place them on alternating sides to create an inviting entrance.
Path Lighting
This essential outdoor feature is something every yard should have. Path lights are similar to post lights in that they generate light markers, but they are smaller and shorter. These lights improve curb appeal and create safety when walking along a path.
When choosing your lights, consider the height. For an even glow, they should be 14” high. Regarding borders, the paths need to be within one foot from the sides of your pathway. Note the light’s diameter around the fixture. Install lights outside of the area to prevent overcrowding.
The lights should be composed of materials that resist wear and corrosion. They should also be sturdy. Powder-coated finishes resist inclement weather, providing long-term resistance and remaining sturdy throughout each season if you want to keep them outdoors.
Conclusion
When lighting your outdoor landscape, you can first use a flashlight to illuminate various areas. This will help you visualize the best places to put them. Use uplighting to generate drama or visual appeal to an area. You can use them with spotlights and well lights.
Silhouetting highlights dramatic shapes that aren’t as visible during the daytime. The light fixture is placed behind the item and points toward the main vantage point. Ensure that the light is not visible for this effect.
Rechargeable outdoor lighting is best when strategically placed in the backyard. In addition to silhouetting and uplighting, you can use it to create mood, ambient accent lighting, or for safety reasons. They are a beautiful feature for any yard and require no power consumption. Many solar-powered or battery-operated lights are exceptionally worry-free.
