What Type of Landscape Lighting is Best For Pathways?

Pathways and walkways are vital parts of your landscape. After all, how else do you, your family, and your guests navigate your outdoor spaces or get to and from your home? Proper landscape lighting not only enhances the beauty of your paths but also ensures safety and security.

Choosing the right type of landscape lighting for pathways and walkways makes a substantial difference in the overall look and functionality of your outdoor space. So does selecting the right company to install your landscape lighting. Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction has over three decades of experience being outdoor living experts, crafting award-winning residential outdoor spaces and landscape designs. Regardless of the size or scope of your project, we can exceed your landscape lighting project expectations.

Call the landscape lighting experts now at 636-256-2600 or contact us online to request a quote. Here, we’ll explore the best types of lighting for your pathways, including a few design tips and considerations to help you make the right choice.

Best Types of Landscape Lighting for Walkways and Pathways

The Poynter Landscape team of landscape lighting professionals has a wealth of experience in designing, building, and installing lighting systems for pathways. Here are some of the best types:

• Path Lights
  Path lights are the most common and versatile option for illuminating walkways. These standalone units are typically stake-mounted, along the edges of your path, casting a soft, downward light that creates a clear, defined route.
  Advantages:
  • Provide even, consistent lighting that enhances both safety and aesthetics.
  • Easy to install and available in a variety of sizes, styles, and finishes.
  • Can be solar-powered or wired, depending on your preference and needs.
• Bollard Lights
  Bollard lights are short, vertical posts with a light fixture on top, often used to illuminate larger or more expansive pathways. These lights, which come in four styles – Louver, Standard Cone Reflector, Specialized Cone Reflector, and Type V Glass Reflectors – provide 360-degree illumination, making them an excellent choice for wider walkways, garden paths, or areas with high foot traffic. Our landscape lighting specialists often install these lights for clients, either in a straight line along their pathway or staggering the lights, depending on their preference.
  Advantages:
  • Available in various designs – round or square, flat or dome top – as well as the above styles, allowing for customization.
  • Sturdy and durable, frequently made from concrete or metal.
  • Offer strong, focus illumination that can cover a large area.
• In-Ground Lights
  Well lights – also called in-ground lights – are installed flush with the ground, providing a subtle lighting option that doesn’t take away from your landscape designs. They are perfect for creating a soft, upward glow that illuminates the path without drawing attention to the fixtures themselves.
  Advantages:
  • Durable and weather-resistant, making them suitable for our harsh seasonal temperature changes.
  • Effective for lighting wider paths, or even driveways, where overhead fixtures are impractical.
  • Discreet and sleek, blending seamlessly into your landscape.
• Step Lights
  Step lights are small fixtures specifically designed to illuminate deck, patio, or terrace stairs and changes in elevation. These lights can be installed on the riser or side of each step, or even atop nearby walls, providing direct lighting to prevent trips and falls.
  Advantages:
  • Subtle and unobtrusive, we can blend these lights into the architecture of your stairs.
  • Increase safety by clearly defining the edges of steps, reducing the risk of accidents.
  • Our landscape lighting team can integrate step lights into both new builds and existing staircases.
• String Lights
  String lights are more decorative options that can be used to add ambiance to your pathway. While certainly not as functional as other types of landscape lighting, string lights can create a charming, whimsical atmosphere, particularly for swimming pool walkways and garden paths or outdoor gatherings like parties around a firepit.
  Advantages:
  • Available in various colors and styles.
  • Create a festive, cozy vibe perfect for entertaining or special occasions.
  • Versatile and easy to install, we often have clients use string lights for temporary or seasonal lighting.

Key Considerations When Choosing Landscape Lighting for Pathways

Give our skilled team a call today at 636-256-2600 or reach out online for a personalized quote. When working with our landscape lighting specialists to select your next pathway lights, we remind you to keep the following factors in mind:

• Energy Efficiency: Choosing energy-efficient fixtures, particularly LED lights, can greatly lower your energy bills, using up to 90% less energy and lasting up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, and reducing environmental impact. Opt for ENERGY STAR-certified options for optimal efficiency.
• Durability and Weather Resistance: Since landscape lighting must endure a variety of weather conditions and temperatures, opt for fixtures crafted from durable materials like brass, copper, or high-quality aluminum, and we’ll make sure they feature weather-resistant finishes.
• Brightness and Lumens: Make sure the brightness, measured in lumens, suits the intended space. For path lighting, fixtures ranging from 100 to 200 lumens typically provide ample illumination. We’ll remind you, brighter isn’t always better, as too bright lights cause harsh glare and discomfort, taking away the beauty and enjoyment of your landscape.
• Color Temperature: Color temperature, expressed in Kelvin (K), sets the tone for your landscape lighting. Warmer colors (2700K-3000K) provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while cooler colors (3500K-4000K) give off a sharper, more modern appearance.
• Smart Controls: You may want to consider adding timers, motion sensors, or smart controls to your landscape lighting system for added convenience and energy efficiency. These features allow you to automate your pathway lights, ensuring they only turn on when necessary.

Connect With the Landscape Lighting Pros at Poynter Landscape Right Away

Choosing the right type of lighting for your pathways is vital for creating a safe, secure, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. Whether you prefer the traditional look of path lights, the soft glow of in-ground lights, or the solid presence of bollard lights, our landscape lighting experts have experience in every lighting solution.

Call Poynter Landscape as soon as possible at 636-256-2600 or contact us online to request a quote.