Not every home has a large backyard or outdoor living space. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t some wonderful ways to incorporate outdoor landscape lighting into the space. In fact, with the correct lighting and techniques, a smaller space can be made to look much bigger and more open, creating an illusion of a much larger area.
Drawing Attention to Size
Start by taking a close look at the current landscaping. Think about the one or two features that really stand out and that should be highlighted in the evening hours. These should be larger features in the yard such as a tree along the back of the property or perhaps a fountain more to the center.
By using a floodlight or a spotlight shining up into the branches or against the fountain or even a fence area, the eye will be drawn up. Keep the light pointed vertically to avoid shining on a fence that will create a boundary, instead point it up to extend the light.
Silhouette
Along walls and fences, a technique known as silhouetting is very effective for outdoor landscape lighting in small spaces. Use a low lumen flood or spot light behind the shrub or small tree. Shine this low light onto the wall directly behind the object. The object then appears as a dark silhouette when seen from in front, giving a look of depth and a bit of mystery.
Moonlight
With a small space, using outdoor landscape lighting to create the look of the moon shining down through branches in the tree. The flood or spot light is up in the tree, and it points straight down, creating the look of a pool of moonlight over the small garden area.
Walkways and gardens can also be highlighted with path lights. Just be careful to use them sparsely in a small space to avoid having the area look overly bright.
