Ways to Create Path Lighting

Pathway lights are one of the most popular forms of landscape lighting. That's probably due to how diverse they are. Path lights provide walking safety at night; they deter intruders, particularly when used with a motion sensor; they create an inviting atmosphere for guests; and they can be used to accentuate adjacent landscape features.

Pathway lighting options

• Area lights

  Area lights are shielded or indirect path lights that provide light distribution over a large area. Area lights are very functional, but are not as good at accent lighting or creating an unusual atmosphere.

• Flood lights

  Flood lights are very bright and powerful mounted lights that can function as pathway lights. Flood lights are often used as motion sensor security lights. As path lights, they create a lot more glare than low-level lights or shielded fixtures.

• Pathway lights

  True "pathway lights" are typically pagoda-style lights or pole-mounted lights with a downward peak that focuses the beam over a defined area.

• Paver lights

  Paver lights are high-strength plastic fixtures installed as paving stones in a wall, driveway, or walkway, creating a unique and beautifully lit area. Paver lights greatly enhance a home's aesthetic appeal, but are more expensive to install than other pathway lights.

• Post and bollard lights

  Post and bollard lights (bollard is a British word meaning a short metal, concrete, or plastic post) are one of the most popular forms of pathway lighting. Square bollards or traditional lantern posts can add a modern or old-fashioned atmosphere to your home's walkway. Tier lights Tier lights are low-level path lights that spread pools of light directly across the ground. In general, it's a good idea to complement your pathway lights with at least a few other exterior light sources. Path lights should also be staggered to create a more pleasing visual sequence of light and shadow. In other words, consider beauty as well as safety.