Marietta Landscape Lighting Design
The Importance of Color Temperature in Landscape Lighting Design
One thing that many people fail to consider when it comes to landscape lighting design is the color temperature of the lights. Homeowners are often so focused on the number of lights they are having fitted that they forget about the quality of the lighting. Any good landscape lighting company will be able to discuss the importance of considering color temperature at the same time as considering the other elements of your exterior lighting fittings.
What is color temperature?
Color temperature refers to how warm or cool the lighting appears. It is measured on a Kelvin (K) scale and typically, color temperatures that are 3500K and above are cooler, while temperatures below 3000K are referred to as being warm.
As a general rule of thumb, warmer color temperatures are used in architectural lighting while cooler temperatures are used as garden lights, for focusing on plants and shrubbery areas. Temperatures used in exterior lights designed for use in residential areas usually range from 2500-4000K.
Why is color temperature important?
Color can have a huge impact on the look and feel of an area. Adjusting the temperature of the outdoor lighting can instantly transform the mood of a space, and can, therefore, alter the way that it is both perceived and used.
Can I combine color temperatures?
When designed properly, layering color temperatures and fixtures can create a wonderful visual effect. Mixing color temperatures in outdoor landscape lighting designs is a technique that should be discussed with a professional landscape lighting contractor, because it can easily move from being a feature to a mess of light glares if done by someone without adequate experience.
When to use color lighting:
Warm lighting – As a general rule, warm lighting is used above cool lighting when it comes to landscape lighting in and around your home. This means that for path lightings, architectural lightings and lighting the front of your home, warm lighting is often best. Warm lighting can also help to create a relaxed mood, so it is advisable to use it in outdoor entertainment areas too.
Cool lighting – Cool lighting can seem harsh in contrast to the darkness of the night, so it is not often used in outdoor lighting features but, that does not mean it can’t ever be used. In fact, cool temperatures can create a visually stunning effect and can often be used to highlight features or to create artificial moonlight. This effect is achieved by placing lighting in trees, or on tall structures so that the cool/blue light can be shone directly downwards to emulate the light from natural moonlight, which the outdoor led lighting installers will be able set up for you upon request.
Speaking to a professional about Landscape Lighting Design
The experts at Southern Landscape Lighting Solutions, the best outdoor lighting specialist company in Marietta, GA, can set up a free consultation with you. During the consultation, our professionals will carefully analyze your property and discuss with you the fixtures they think will work and which color temperatures would be best utilized in each area of your land for the best outdoor landscape lighting results. Our Marietta location can be found at 2470 Windy Hill Rd SE #300-5276. Please give us a call in Marietta at (678) 616-9166 and set up an appointment now.