Downlighting illuminates objects below with fixtures that are angled down instead of up. Downlighting techniques eliminate uncomfortable glare with soft and diffuse light that fills the night with a gentle soft glow. By positioning the light above an object instead of below it, the result imitates natural light. Placing the light higher increases the light’s radius, offering more light to the surface below.

Downlighting is equally as beautiful when used to illuminate foliage or hardscape elements. Use down lighting to emphasize smaller bushes, flower gardens and decorative ground cover. Or place it beneath low walls, benches and statuary to light up the architectural feature and illuminate nearby paths and stairways.

Downlighting can be combined with up lighting to further accentuate trees and facades. Light shining up into the tree accents the bark of the tree and its canopy. Up lighting paired with downlighting helps to visually ground the tree, so that it doesn’t appear to be floating in space.

Downlighting fixtures can also be installed under eaves, soffits, gutters and other building features. Select a wide or medium beam angle to create a soft, diffuse light against the façade or to illuminate gardens and plantings next to the building. 

Design Tip: Downlighting helps with safety, too. Place downlights so they shine down on stairways and steps, making them easier to see at night and helping prevent slips, trips and falls.

Ready to write a landscape design plan? Our landscape lighting professionals are here to help. Contact us today.