In the past, traditional lighting design focused on the concept that more was always better. Today, though, there are many lighting designers who continue to design to the desired specifications using various, outdated lux and lumen valves that were developed as far back as the 1960s, which was significantly before the prevalence of modern LEDs and the understanding of how light and the human eye interacted.

More Isn’t Always Better

When it comes to outdoor lighting that’s going to be used during the night, more isn’t always better. It’s important to understand how the eye sees light and then create a design around these parameters. The human eye’s iris narrows or widens based on the amount of ambient light present. During the evening, the iris in the eye widens to let in more light, making the needed adjustments so you can see in the dark.

The objective is to create the ideal interaction with the eye for optimal performance. This is a fact that has been ignored through the years, and over-lighting has become too prevalent in the industry. Unneeded expenses are made regularly on energy, equipment, and other resources that result in visual discomfort and serve as an injustice to nice landscapes and homes.

When LEDs were introduced, it seems as though designers forgot about even the most basic lighting techniques. Everyone became caught up in the excitement offered by using this new technology – rushing into LED retrofits, which caused light bombs and glare.

Getting Outdoor Lighting Right

The best lighting requires matching the right level of light for the human eye, while providing an evenly distributed, low-level, and glare-free lighting system that can endure extreme weather conditions.

Sounds complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. The right outdoor lighting setup should follow these rules:

• Eliminate Glare: Glare is caused by artificial light. Glare can be blinding in many situations. It’s imperative to select a glare free lighting system.
• Deactivate Light Bombs: While eliminating glare is important, it’s also important to ensure the right level of light is delivered, allowing the eye to adjust to the presence of artificial light and be comfortable in a nighttime setting. Successfully avoiding contrasting brightness levels, especially going from complete darkness to full brightness, is essential for creating an eye-catching lighting design for your landscape.
• Select Durable Fixtures: It’s important to choose lighting fixtures that don’t take away from the outdoor space, but that are also durable. This can help ensure the desired lighting is achieved and that it doesn’t have to be replaced on a regular basis.

Work with the Pros for the Right Lighting Design 

If you want to ensure the right lighting design is selected for your home and landscape, the best thing you can do is work with the professionals. They can evaluate your space and help you find the right lighting plan and fixture.

If you need more help or information, reach out to our team at The IDL Company today. We can answer any questions you may have.