So you've decided your outdoor space needs some lighting love. Maybe you're tired of guests doing the midnight stumble-shuffle to your front door, or perhaps you've personally become too acquainted with that decorative boulder in your garden. Whatever brought you here, shopping for path lighting doesn't have to feel like navigating a maze blindfolded.
As someone who's spent way too many years arguing with homeowners about lumens and voltage (and winning, thank you very much), I'm here to save you from the most common path lighting pitfalls. Trust me, your ankles will thank you.
Start With Your "Why" (And No, "Because My Spouse Said So" Doesn't Count)
Before you fall down the rabbit hole of fixture catalogs, figure out what you're actually trying to accomplish. Are you lighting a main walkway where safety is paramount? Creating ambiance for evening entertaining? Highlighting landscape features that cost more than your car?
Different goals require different approaches. A utilitarian path to the garbage bins doesn't need the same treatment as the romantic garden stroll you've been promising to create since 2019.
Voltage: The Great Divide
Here's where things get spicy. You've got two main camps: line voltage (120V) and low voltage (12V).
Line voltage is the heavyweight champion—permanent, powerful, and requires an electrician unless you enjoy playing with fire (literally). Choose this for main pathways, driveways, or anywhere you need serious illumination that'll outlast your mortgage.
Low voltage is the scrappy underdog—flexible, DIY-friendly, and forgiving when you inevitably change your mind about where things should go. Perfect for garden paths, landscape lighting, or anywhere you might want to rearrange things after seeing how they look in real life.
Pro tip: If you're the type who rearranges furniture seasonally, low voltage is your friend.
Fixture Personality Types: Above Ground vs. Underground
Above-ground fixtures are the extroverts of path lighting—bollards, post lights, and mini spotlights that aren't afraid to show themselves. They're reliable, easy to maintain, and won't disappear under a pile of autumn leaves.
In-ground fixtures are the introverts—minimal, nearly invisible, and surprisingly effective. Just don't put them under trees unless you enjoy the seasonal game of "find the buried treasure" every time the leaves fall.
The Spacing Game: Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
Here's where most people overthink things. Forget the mathematical formulas you'll find online—instead, think about your space like a movie set. Where do people naturally pause? Where might they need extra guidance?
Start with the "anchor points"—steps, turns, obstacles, or features worth highlighting. Light those first, then fill in the gaps. It's like connecting the dots, but with more style and fewer lawsuits.
Brightness: The Goldilocks Principle
More light isn't always better light. Your path lighting should whisper directions, not scream them. If your neighbors start complaining about the mini-suns in your yard, you've gone too far.
Consider your surroundings—a path in downtown needs more oomph than one in the countryside where people's eyes actually adjust to darkness. When in doubt, start conservative. You can always add more fixtures, but taking them away after installation is like trying to un-eat cake.
The Dark Sky Reality Check
Unless you're planning to guide aircraft to your patio, keep your light pointing down. Dark Sky ordinances aren't just feel-good environmental policies—they're increasingly becoming law. Plus, well-shielded fixtures look more intentional and less "I bought these at the hardware store clearance bin."
Your neighbors (and local wildlife) will appreciate lighting that doesn't turn night into day. And honestly, there's something satisfying about being the person who does outdoor lighting right.
Final Reality Check
Remember: perfect is the enemy of good enough. You're creating a lighting system, not launching a space mission. Start with the basics, see how they work in real life, then refine from there.
And if all else fails, hire a professional. We lighting designers need to eat too, and we promise to only judge your previous lighting choices a little bit.
