Kichler provides a variety of low-level lighting that is designed by the Pros for the pros. Kichler’s Pro LED landscape lighting is one of the most requested LED light choices in the market. They are able to provide a range of volts, from 9-15 without incurring voltage drop like so many other low voltage lighting do. They provide bright lights that are energy efficient and long lasting with customer testimonials to back up their claims.

One aspect of Kichler products that stands heads above other companies is their dedication to education and training of landscape designers. Kichler certifications allow landscape lighting professionals to increase their knowledge about the industry and about the Kichler product that the same time. This proof of Kichler’s dedication to the industry exceeds simply marketing their products. They are concerned with insuring industry wide education on how to maximize design of landscape lighting plans using low voltage lighting option for safety and cost.

Kichler Lighting

In addition to educating the architect community, Kichler is dedicated to providing a wide range of products that cover every aspect of landscape lighting. They offer path and spread lights, deck lighting, and specialty lights for creating dramatic effects as well as water light, all in low voltage options. Kichler does offer 120-volt standard lighting choices for installations that require more light for security or safety purposes.

Homeowners who are inquisitive about Kichler should visit the Kichler website to get a better idea of the types of products and lights that they offer homeowners. The website also explains to homeowners where to purchase Kichler products and who to contact if a contractor is needed.

Kichler is the number one outdoor lighting source used by professional landscape lighting designers and savvy homeowners. Low voltage or traditional line voltage, Kichler has the lights to bring the landscape to life.

-Sharon Chapman

The first thing to consider when planning outdoor wall lighting is whether or not there needs to be a constant light source or if a motion detector light will suffice. If the area is one in which people might tend to gather during the evening hours, such as the backyard, a more constant light source should be installed.

On the other hand, if the area is not one that would normally have activity, a flood light that has a motion detector will suffice. This type of light can be installed in the corner of the roof ledge on all four corners and near the garage or driveway to alert people inside the home to any movement that should not be there. The addition of the motion detecting light that points toward the driveway and walkway allows visitors to have light to see by in order to walk and yet turns off when the movement subsides and all is quite. Homeowners don’t have to go and turn the power to the light off after their guests leave, they can go on about their business and allow it to power off on its own.

One of the most important things a homeowner can do is to provide safety and security for the occupants who live there. Outdoor wall lighting is one way to make sure that the darkness does not overtake the residents and make them fear the darkness. The illumination makes it possible for all things to be seen that should be seen.

-Sharon Chapman

Kichler offers more than great outdoor lighting; they also offer designers the chance to enhance their skills that Kichler certified training seminars. Every year they offer new and different classes including low voltage landscape lighting courses, advanced courses and troubleshooting courses. These seminars help educate landscape architects improve their knowledge about outdoor lighting while at the same time showcasing Kichler outdoor products.

Kichler outdoor lighting offers a complete line of low voltage lights that create a showcase wherever they are installed. The company has an online website that features a complete product catalog that homeowners and designers can browse. The site features different lighting plans that show how their lights can be used to create magnificent works of art using light and the natural landscape.

Kichler Lighting

Kichler’s website allows homeowners to read testimonials from other customers that can be important in making their decision about lighting for their landscape. Potential customers can also read news pertaining to landscape lighting that can be informative and helpful when trying to choose the right landscape products.

Homeowners who are concerned about voltage drop when using low voltage lighting systems don’t have to worry about this when using Kichler’s products. They are created to use anywhere from 9v to 15 without altering the product’s performance. Voltage drop is practically not seen in any of Kichler’s products.

Kichler lighting products are designed to meet or exceed all national standards for safety. These are the standards that are recognized they ANSI or the American National Standards Institute. Kichler has on-site testing for all of its lighting products and their Product Certification Department must insure that all products carrying the Kichler name meet the expectations set by the company.

Kichler continues to grow to meet the needs of the landscape architect industry. They provide on-site lunch-and-learns designed to inform these artists and masters of design with all of the details about their products so that they can pass that knowledge on to homeowners in the form of a well-planned landscape lighting plan.

Kichler products are available in galleries and showrooms throughout the United States. There are online resources to help homeowners find qualified resellers who can help them choose the product that is right for their landscape design.

Installing a landscape lighting plan is an important step that should be considered carefully. It is an investment of time and money that should be trusted to products that have made a name and are well known in the industry for being tops in their field.

-Sharon Chapman

The outdoor porch light is the one that makes an initial first impression of the home. It is the thing that sticks in most people’s minds from the first time they see the house and it is this initial impression that tells visitors how much thought was put into choosing the outdoor wall lights. It shows that even the smallest detail has not been overlooked and that even the decision on what type of wall light to install was an important decision.

Lighting designers and manufacturers have created every type of sconce and wall light that is imaginable. They are available in every material, color, and style making it practically impossible not to find a wall light that will complement the house and landscape design. Designs can be found that harkens back to days of old with natural gas flames or speak volumes of the future to come with brilliant LED lights encased in brushed metals.

Adding a new wall light to the porch can be a simple home improvement task that adds beauty and value to the home. If the old wall sconce has seen better days, a trip to the local home improvement store can produce a new wall mounted light that is easy to install in the existing wiring. If new wiring is needed, an electrical contractor should be contacted.

Wall sconces on the front porch are typically installed in pairs flanking the doorway; however, this is not always the case. When installed in pairs they create a welcome invitation for visitors and family members alike. Other types of wall lights are not necessarily installed on the front porch. There are wall lights that act as security lights by lighting dark areas of the house or the driveway. These can be motion detected that only light up when there is movement around the light. These lights alert homeowners to intruders or other movement around the light.

The wall light is a traditional light that has been used on homes for years. Even before the invention of electricity, homes had post holders near the front door to hold their torches and light the night sky. Over time as power was developed and homes became more evolved, the wall light developed into the sconce that was most people called the front porch light. This light is an important factor in the design of the house and in making it a warm and welcoming place to come home to.

-Sharon Chapman

Outdoor lanterns add light to areas that don’t have light and help to create atmosphere for the party or event that is being held in the yard. Backyard Chinese and Japanese lanterns are not only available in paper, there are also versions that are metal and available in many different shapes much like the paper lantern versions. The metal versions are safer than the paper lanterns, although the paper lanterns are safe as well.

Paper lanterns can be placed on the ground like pathway lights. The paper bags are placed along the pathway with the lights inside the bag. The cutouts on the bag allow the light to shine through in a creative way. The light in the bag can be a candle or it can be a battery operated LED light that lasts many hours. Paper lanterns and metal lanterns can also be hung from ropes and used to light up larger areas by grouping them in large clusters around the backyard.

Paper lanterns are a creative lighting source that can be fun to use for entertaining. They do not have to be purchased; they can be made by the homeowner using paper bags, scissors and a lighting source. The bags can be cut out to match the décor of the party.

Outdoor weddings have always been a place to find paper lanterns. They have probably been around for as long as outdoor weddings have been around. White lanterns lining the bridal aisle are beautiful and help to create the romantic atmosphere that brides want to have on their wedding day.

Japanese paper lanterns are an easy way to add lighting to outdoor events without appearing to be cheap or chintzy.  They add ambience that can bring the event together and create the perfect light in the dark. These lanterns can be purchased in many different shapes, sizes, and colors or they can be made using simple imagination and creativity. The choice to use Japanese paper lanterns for an outdoor night event is an easy and smart choice to make.

-Sharon Chapman

The design of the backyard is an area that allows individuals to use the lantern to create a special look that defines the geography of the yard and creates a special atmosphere. Lanterns are unique and provide an interesting and creative light that creates atmosphere for the yard. In addition to creating atmosphere the homeowner can choose to use solar powered lighting to show they are concerned about using the Earth’s resources and have opted to use a sustainable energy source.

If the lanterns are wired lanterns that use electricity, homeowners can still make a smart decision and install low-voltage lighting that doesn’t use as much power and is a safer alternative. Low-voltage lighting is 12 volts and reduces the impact on the environment, also known as the carbon footprint. These lighting systems use a transformer to reduce the voltage from 120 volts down to 12 volts that is used to power the light fixtures.

Garden Lantern Photo by Ilker

Low voltage lanterns are easy to install and can easily be moved as the landscape changes. Homeowners can usually install low-voltage lighting lanterns without the use of professionals, extensive electrical knowledge is not necessary. A typical low voltage lantern can be installed in under two hours with little or no wiring skills. An added benefit that low voltage lighting brings is that it is much safer for children and pets than high-powered lighting systems.

Outdoor lanterns are not dependent on whether or not they are low voltage. They bring character to the yard regardless of where they are installed. Some types of lanterns are installed using natural gas to power them. These lanterns are more authentic and have a flame for light rather than an electrical current and a light bulb for light.

The outdoor light lantern is a great way to add light to the backyard or front entryway by using an authentic light that has survived the ages. It has been reproduced by many companies and is available in many different metals to complement the home where it is being installed.

-Sharon Chapman

Homeowners who like to spend their time enjoying Mother Nature can take advantage of these different lighting options to create a magical nightscape that allows them to continue to enjoy the outdoors well past dusk. Patio lights and tiki torches are the perfect tools for creating an inviting atmosphere for a summer cookout. If the home has a swimming pool, the addition of lights around the pool or even in the pool can extend swimming well into the night and create a romantic mood for couples to enjoy.

Outdoor light fixtures provide pathway lighting that allows homeowners to be able to walk around and enjoy their yards at night. These lights also make it possible for guests to make it from their car to the doorway of the house without getting hurt. Pathway lighting can be used to light up the driveway to show cars how to get into the driveway without running over the lawn. These are examples of using lighting for safety purposes.

Outdoor pool and deck lighting

Lighting can also be used for security to allow homeowners to see into areas of the yard that would otherwise be dark and possible hiding places for intruders. Adding floodlights or pole lighting to these areas can help to prevent this from occurring and make the home feel more secure. Motion detection floodlights are an excellent way to add this security feature without creating a glaring, obtrusive light that bothers neighbors.

Outdoor light fixtures are a great way to add life and light to the yard when darkness overcomes and the land is covered by night. From whimsical fairies to soft, subtle light in and around water features, outdoor lighting is available in a wide variety of styles with one sure to please every homeowner and complement the home as well.

-Sharon Chapman

The first decision that has to be made is the placement of the outdoor lights. If the family does not utilize their yard for evening activities such as cookouts and entertaining, they may only need safety lights for walking and exposing dark areas where intruders could hide. On the other hand, if evening entertainment is a part of family life then there should be ample lighting installed to extend this entertaining beyond the fall of darkness.

The landscape design will also play a part in determining the type of lighting fixture chosen. There may be areas that could be enhanced with the use of soft spotlights, such as a prized sculpture or water feature. If there are pathways that need lighting to allow for safe movement they should be addressed as well.

Homeowners should also use their home’s design to help them decide on the type of outdoor light fixture they choose to install. If the home is a Victorian style house with ornate flowerbeds, the lighting should complement this rather than overpower it. Lighting specialists can help with choosing designs that complement the home and landscape rather than stand out like an eye sore.

Many homeowners will base their lighting decisions on the type of power available. Low-voltage and solar powered lights are the most economical in terms of reducing the utility bill. These options also typically cost less to install than 120-volt lighting systems.

Solar lighting for the garden has made great advancements and the choices available today include post lights, pathways lights, rope lighting and more. Solar lighting conserves the Earth’s resources for future generations while saving money and bringing beauty to the landscape at the same time. This lighting option is fast becoming the most popular landscape lighting choice on the market.

It is worth mentioning that any light fixture that is going to be used outdoors should be weatherproof. While it may seem like that should be a given fact, some people might not realize this and wind up purchasing a light that is meant for indoor use and try to use it outside. The result can be disastrous. The weather can cause it to short out and possibly even cause electrical damage to the homes overall wiring system. If there is any doubt about whether or not the light is safe for outdoor use, consult an electrical contractor.

-Sharon Chapman

Before deciding to install a low voltage lighting system, the homeowner should decide what purpose the lights are going to serve. Low voltage lights do not provide the same illumination as 120-volt light systems and are not the ideal choice for areas that need security lighting. On the other hand, low voltage lights are the perfect choice for adding creative light to garden areas, trees and other areas that simply need highlights.

Installing low voltage lighting systems is not difficult and can be done by most homeowners without having to hire a professional contractor. 12-volt systems use a transformer to lessen then power from the typical electrical outlet to the 12-volt light system. The transformer used with the system should match the load that the system is going to pull. Homeowners who purchase a low-voltage kit shouldn’t have to worry about this since the kits contain all of the necessary parts that work together.

Silver Mesh Dragonfly Outdoor Garden Lights from TCH.net

Low voltage lighting systems use 12-volt bulbs that are much softer and less harsh than 120-volt bulbs. This light is not as intrusive on the landscape or the neighboring homes. Using this type of lighting allows for more artistic freedom in creating lighting effects. The lights can be grouped together to create small masses of light focusing on a particular aspect of the yard or they can be spaced further apart for a less intensive effect.

Homeowners will also notice a difference in their power bill when they use a low voltage system. Because it is not pulling the same amount of power as house electricity the resulting power bill will be less than if they installed 120-volt lighting systems. In addition to the power bill savings there is an overall savings of natural resources. Even though these lights systems still use natural resources, they use less than higher voltage systems do and that makes them a preferred choice for saving the Earth’s natural energy sources.

Low voltage lighting systems for the garden area are simply the right choice to make for money and natural resource savings. They are easier to install than line voltage systems and they provide an artistic light that can be used to create many different landscape designs. In fact, with the exception of a security light, gardeners should consider low voltage lights for all their landscape lighting needs.

-Sharon Chapman

Outdoor post lighting for use in the residential landscape design grew from the street lighting that was installed for security. Utility companies added pole lights to their offerings and homes began to have pole lights installed to provide ample lighting for driveways and dark areas of the yard. These types of security lights do not have to be installed by the utility company; they can also be purchased at home improvement stores and installed by the homeowner. Of course, a large pole has to be installed which is what makes it easier to have it installed by the utility company.

Over time, outdoor post lighting began to become a more decorative option for landscape lighting with poles made from a wide range of materials and the light fixtures more decorative to complement the home or surroundings. Poles can be copper, nickel, cast iron, wood and more and they can also be in a wide range of shapes, no longer simply round poles stuck in the ground.

Post lighting can serve double duty by having address markers, bird feeders or even planters built onto the post in addition to having a light fixture. These are much more ornamental than the utility post lights that the power company installs for security and yet at the same time the light provides safety and security as well.

Post lighting provides down lighting that can be used to display a particular area of the yard such as a favorite flowerbed. Decorative posts can be positioned slightly behind the flowerbed with the light angled downwards toward the flowers and a soft bulb used instead of a high-powered bulb. The effect is dramatic and beautiful when night falls over the garden. Posts with birdfeeders attached can be used to attract the beauty of birds to the garden and add a daytime function to the light posts in addition to the illuminating function.

Outdoor post lighting is a multi-functional lighting source that has been used for many years in residences and along streets and highways. It brings both beauty and security to the landscape and should be a consideration for every home when lighting options are considered.

-Sharon Chapman