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Lighting Techniques

Kichler Landscape Lighting Techniques

Wall-Wash Lighting

Directs the eye to the textures, shapes and / or height differences of items in beds, adding depth and ambiance.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED Accent with VLO 16017 & 16020. Also 120V-277V C-Series 16210-16211, 16213-16214, 16218-16225.

Cross Lighting

Using two beams of light, it creates 360-degree visual interest on large trees, statues or other tall features.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED Accent with VLO 16015-16016, 16018-16019. Also 120V-277V C-Series 16209-16210, 16212-16213, 16215-16216, 16218-16219.

Accent Uplighting

Shines light upward to illuminate an object or surface for dramatic, attention-getting visuals.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED Accent with VLO 16015-16020. Also 120V-277V C-Series 16209-16220.

Grazing

Adds depth and dimension to stucco, brick, stonework or architectural features of a home or building.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED Accent with VLO 16017 & 16020. Also 120V-277V C-Series 16210-16211, 16213-16214, 16218-16225.

Shadowing

A technique that projects the look of a tree or yard art onto a surface behind the object.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED Accent with VLO 16015-16020. Also 120V-277V C-Series 16209-16220.

Silhouette Lighting

Draw attention to an interesting shape by lighting a vertical surface behind the object to accent that unique shape.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED Accent with VLO 16015-16020. Also 120V-277V C-Series 16209-16220.

Mirror Lighting

Create dream-like water scenes by strategically lighting background areas around bodies of water that reflect the landscape off of the water.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED Accent with VLO 16015-16020. Also 120V-277V C-Series 16209-16220.

Moon Lighting

Placing a lower lumen fixture high in a tree catches the details of branches and leaves, emulating the look of moonlight.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED Accent with VLO 16016-16017, 16019-16020. Also 120V-277V C-Series 16210-16211, 16213-16214, 16218-16225.

In-Ground Lighting

Deliver light to permanent and semi-permanent installations such as sidewalks, large mature trees, walls and flagpoles.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED In-Ground 16030-16038.

Underwater Accent Lighting

Enhance and highlight flowing water in waterfalls, streams and fountains. Create a magical mirroring effect on still waters.

Recommended fixture: 12V LED Water Accent 15711SS.

Xeriscape Lighting

Cacti, grasses and the stone used in xeriscape designs can benefit from a lower lumen illumination than traditional landscaping.

Recommended fixtures: 2700K fixtures, 12V LED Path 15811, 12V LED Accent with VLO 16015-16017.

Path & Spread Lighting

Illuminate sidewalks, stone pathways and lawn walkways while adding a hint of intrigue to boulders and plant beds.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED Path Fundamentals 16120, Llena 15820 or Dome 15810.

Hardscape Lighting

Highlight stone features, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, steps, handrails, benches and more.

Recommended fixture: 12V 3 LED Fixture 15745.

Deck & Patio Lighting

Accentuate all of the beauty and details of decks, patios, outdoor kitchens, steps, handrails and more.

Recommended fixtures: 12V LED Half Moon 15764 and 12V LED Brick Light 15773.

Selecting the Perfect Color Temperature

Many of our integrated LED fixtures and LED lamps come in a variety of color temperatures – from warm white to pure white to bright white – that can enhance the colors in a home's exterior and landscape. Measured by Kelvin (K) degrees, consider these suggestions for your applications:

  • Warm White
    WARM WHITE - 2700K
  • Pure White
    PURE WHITE - 3000K
  • Cool White
    COOL WHITE - 4000K
  • Ideal for surroundings with warmer colors, like brown and cedar
  • Natural colored walls or stonework
  • Foliage that is red, orange or yellow (ex: highlighting oak trees)
  • Ideal for surroundings with dark materials, like deep slate, black or gray
  • Foliage that is blue or purple (ex: highlighting blue spruce trees)
  • Complements contemporary homes and structures
  • Commercial applications

Beam spreads...focus light where it’s needed.

Kichler® Our integrated LED fixtures are available in a variety of beam spreads so you can tailor the light to where it's needed the most.

10°-15° Beam Spread
Tall, thin beam of light ideal for grazing trees and column features.

25°-45° Beam Spread
Medium height and width beam of light suited for general accent lighting.

55°-60° Beam Spread
Wide beam of light useful for broad trees and wide structures.

120° Beam Spread
Ideal for wall washing, grazing, and short yet wide, objects.

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