Typically, homeowners install driveway lighting to provide safety, security, and/or curb appeal. Long tree-lined driveways are often in need of additional lighting, but even shorter city driveways can often use some sprucing up. Here are some general tips and 4 types of driveway lighting. These can be used alone or in any combination for the unique curb appeal you’re looking for.

General Tips
Most homeowners, when looking at driveway lighting, are not interested in having their driveway look like an airport runway. To avoid this, stagger lights and space them at further intervals. Further, it’s usually not necessary to light the entire length of the driveway. For security, you want to light up the dark areas of your yard, and subtly add light to pathways for safety.
When trying to decide where to place driveway lighting, try taking a single flashlight outside at night and testing the effect in different locations – point it up, point it down, hold it against a pillar or tree.

Take a minute to make sure that the lighting you plan to install on your own is up to code and safe to use. Solar powered stake lights are easier and offer less risk, but a cloudy day can mean a poorly-lit driveway at night.

Posts and Pillars
Posts require running underground wires and 120v, but they do cast more light. Light posts are often a more costly investment, but they can be purchased in a variety of modern to historic looks. This is especially effective on short driveways where a single focal point can be chosen. A post light will rarely be lost in a snow bank providing year round light.

Adding lights to pillars such as on porches or fences can provide great security for dark spaces along a driveway. These can be as stark as a flood light or more subtle. These lights are available with timers, motion sensors, and even solar panels for electricity savings. Whether you want to deter criminals or the furry bandit kind, these types of lights can be a great investment.

Uplighting
Uplighting is great at providing safety by providing hidden light from the ground pointing up. Inground uplights can be placed flush with a driveway or lawn for a more subtle lighting option. Inground uplights have the added benefit of being easier to mow around. Of course, you can place a light on a tree trunk pointing up to highlight a favourite tree or landscape feature near the driveway as well.

Downlighting
Downlighting is placed up high and pointed down at the ground. Two or three high up in a tree can be especially effective, or even placed on tree trunks on tree-lined driveways. This provides safety and unique curb appeal. Be sure to point lights at the edge of the driveway to avoid causing problems for drivers.

Bollards
Bollards are stakes with lights at or near the top. These come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, styles, and price points. From the simple solar stake light to the more permanent kind with inground footings, these lights offer a lot of versatility. Whether there’s an actual underground footing for the light, or a light mounted on or hung from a stake, bollards offer slightly raised light and can be a great compromise.

Contact Nite Time Décor for a professional consultation to discuss your lighting needs and desires. Let our experts take care of all the details to ensure everything is not only done safely and properly, your lighting design will effectively highlight your property while also providing safety and security.