Obviously, properly selected outdoor lighting for a country house will help highlight the landscape features of the area, and will also become a magnificent decoration for the site. Having studied the simple rules for arranging light, you can advantageously arrange lighting in the courtyard of a private house. How to ideally illuminate the landscape of an area? What lighting will be most suitable for your area? What materials should be used? We will try to answer all these questions in our article.
Lighting the area of a country house: protection class of the lamp
External lamps must be well protected from dust and moisture, with a degree of protection IP43/IP44; there is no need to be afraid of dust and moisture getting into the device. If a street lamp is used to illuminate a pool or fountain, then its protection class should be IP66/IP67. Such models can be installed underwater.
The type of glass used in the manufacture of the device also plays an important role. Often, outdoor lamp models are equipped with protective thermal glass, which is highly impact resistant. Outdoor lamps for the home, which use artistic glass, make the lighting in the courtyard of a private house especially beautiful.
Street lighting for a country house: autonomy of the device
The next characteristic of a good lamp is its autonomy. Standard lighting fixtures, adjustable using buttons, are no longer relevant; they are gradually being replaced by more modern varieties. Nowadays, street lamps with a motion sensor for the home are popular, as well as with touch sensors that respond to sound; such models belong to the “smart home” system.
Regarding functionality, it is desirable that the device operate in several modes, for example: bright, medium and dim.
What kind of street lamps are there for a country house? Let’s understand their types. According to their purpose, lighting devices are divided into daylight and night light fixtures. The first ones are used for decorative design of the local area. Bright lighting effects will create a unique holiday atmosphere. If we take night lamps separately, then lighting the paths in a country house, the porch and the gazebo is what they will ideally handle.
Choosing luminaires for courtyard lighting
At the moment, outdoor lamps are presented in a wide range, thanks to which each homeowner can choose the best option, taking into account their requirements and the landscape design of the site. In general, lamps are divided into several groups depending on the lamps that are used:
- LED lighting devices are a modern solution. Main advantages: low power consumption, long service life, low sensitivity to voltage changes. LEDs can be one large lamp or a whole line of small light sources. The only drawback that is gradually disappearing is the high price of the products.
- Halogen lamps. The glow in these devices occurs by passing an electric current through a flask with vapors of substances - halogens, including fluorine, bromine, iodine, and so on. These lamps are resistant to external influences and voltage surges, have a long service life, have average power consumption and an affordable price.
- Sodium lamps have the same principle of operation as halogen lamps, only here there is sodium vapor inside the bulb. The glow of this lamp has a gentle and warm tint, as well as a long service life, thanks to which they can be used to create original lighting effects.
They are also divided into several groups depending on their appearance and method of attachment:
- Wall-mounted.
- Ground.
- Floor lamps.
- Mushroom-shaped.
Street lamps for a country house: mounting methods
The mounting method is another feature by which a lamp is most often qualified.
Outdoor wall lamps for a country house
Wall models. They perform not only security, but also decorative functions. As the name suggests, they are attached to the walls of buildings. Often installed along paths, pools or garages.
Ground lamps
Ground models. Mounted in the ground, the switching system cannot be seen with the naked eye. Often they serve more of a decorative function than a practical one.
Floor lamps
Floor lamp models. Ball-shaped lamps on a leg. Install along paths or at gates. The most common type of street lamps.
Mushroom lamps
Mushroom models. Closed with a special cap. They refract light, directing it downward. An excellent option for decorating a night garden.
Lighting of private houses and cottages
Science defines light as electromagnetic radiation perceived by the human eye, and the designer sees it as countless possibilities for creating a living space that suits specific individual goals and preferences. Proper lighting not only creates a feeling of well-being, it is also beneficial for your health.
Zonal lighting inside a private house
When lighting rooms in a zone, all lamps must be separately controlled, turned on and off.
This will allow people engaged in different activities in the same room not to disturb each other, and will also reduce energy consumption. Photo: B.Lux What the sun provides outside during the day must be replicated inside by artificial lighting. In nature, the soft diffused light of the sky is combined with the moving directional light of the sun. In the house, the brightness of the background is the task of general lighting of the premises, and accents are made through additional lighting of the area. This balanced and thoughtful light has a positive physiological and psychological effect. Hallway, bedroom, bathroom, children's room, living room, kitchen - every room in the house needs a lighting concept that will take into account the functions of this room.
Such lighting, which is thought out separately for each room, based on its tasks, is called zonal. For example, a bedroom needs good general lighting that illuminates not only the closets but also the floor, as well as a reading light to the side of the bed. And in the bathroom, special attention should be paid to the lighting of the mirror so that shadows do not fall on the face of the beholder. Lighting the stairs in the house should ensure safe movement. For all these features, one lamp on the ceiling in the center of the room is not enough; additional lighting fixtures are needed here. So, for example, you can use KALU RECESSED 3 for general lighting in the bedroom, and the BEDSIDE lamp for additional light next to the bed. For proper mirror lighting, models similar to DEVIN are suitable. Along the stairs you can install wall lights such as LED DOWNUNDER MINI. The kitchen requires a high level of general lighting. Bright, uniform light will improve visibility, which is essential for the cooking process. There is no particular need to highlight individual places with light. Thus, a high level of illumination is always closely related to work and high activity.
Light effects for home interior lighting
The combination of different types of lighting, such as general lighting with accent lighting, is a modern trend that is present in an increasing number of private houses and apartments. Modern living spaces have more open floor plans and require flexible lighting that combines different layers and effects. For example, if you have an open-plan kitchen, you may want its well-lit workspace to blend in with the relaxing atmosphere of the living room. Or in the same kitchen, you may want to add accents on the wall and surfaces to create a special mood while you prepare food.
Different types of light are used to create different lighting effects. Direct light is produced when a light source shines directly onto the object or surface that is illuminated. There should be no filters on the lamps, only direct strong light. This kind of lighting is used to illuminate pictures, above the kitchen table, and for reading. Thanks to direct light, you can also create general lighting, in which case you need several light sources to achieve uniform illumination.
Direct lighting is ideal for situations where you need to see something in detail, however, highly focused beams create shadows that can be very disturbing or even dangerous, for example in the kitchen. In addition, the risk of blindness increases if the light beam is very strong and concentrated.
The most common lighting fixtures for direct light are recessed spotlights, table lamps, and reading sconces.
In the case of indirect light, the surroundings are used to illuminate the room. For example, walls and ceilings reflect light, and this reflected light already illuminates the room. That is, this means that objects that the beam is not aimed at can still be well illuminated. It is important to remember that smooth surfaces reflect more light than uneven surfaces, such as textured walls.
This type of lighting is great for creating a special atmosphere in a room. It creates an impression of openness and makes the room seem more spacious. If indirect light is used for general lighting, then more powerful light sources are needed than in the same case with direct light. An example of lamps for this type of lighting are wall sconces, with light directed upward to the ceiling.
The big advantage of indirect light is that it prevents shadows and does not create disturbing glare.
Ambient lighting is based on filtering light, thus achieving a balanced distribution of light in the room. This is a good option to avoid shadows and reflections. Often in rooms, diffused light is combined with other types.
In addition, the light in the interior can be divided according to its purpose. General or main lighting, as it is also called, provides constant light in the room, for example, using a ceiling lamp. These are the lighting fixtures that are used most often and are the first to be turned on when you return home. This is the most important type of lighting and often requires large fixtures such as pendant chandeliers.
Rooms need a variety of functional lighting that is suitable for the processes and activities that may occur in the room. For example, a reading light in the bedroom. Photo: Orsjo
Functional light is necessary for good illumination of various types of activities. Table lamps, floor lamps and reading sconces are usually used here. Such light is needed to create the necessary visual conditions and safety, for example, good color rendering and high illumination while preparing food in the kitchen. Functional lighting should also reduce visual fatigue.
With accent lighting, light falls directly on an object, such as a painting in a room. This technique draws attention to the illuminated subject. In home lighting, accent lighting is used primarily for decorative purposes.
Atmospheric lighting, as the name suggests, creates the mood in a room and makes the home feel cozier. For such light, different lamps can be used, for example, table lamps, floor lamps, sconces. Often these lighting fixtures are equipped with a dimming function so that you can adjust the lighting to the desired environment.
If you dim the light, it will be more conducive to peace, comfort and relaxation. The living room, for example, should create a different mood compared to rooms where high activity is required. This is where accent lighting comes into play. Dim lighting doesn't mean you have to sit in the dark all the time. By highlighting certain areas in a room, you can create dramatic contrasts that make the room feel cozy and relaxing.
Exterior lighting of a private home
In daylight, the house is clearly visible without additional effort, but at night its appearance depends on artificial light. Good outdoor lighting beautifies your home and provides comfort and safety.
Wall lighting fixtures will highlight the details of the home's architecture. Models similar to Kriss are suitable for these purposes. In-ground lights, which can be found in the appropriate section, will show the building and surrounding vegetation in dramatic lighting.
Proper lighting around the building provides convenience, safety and protection from uninvited guests. Lamps like MERVALED will prevent anyone from passing under the cover of darkness, especially if they are activated by motion sensors. Motion sensors will not only provide security, but will also significantly reduce energy costs.
Street lighting for a country house: basic principles of placement
Proper lighting of a house outside has many subtleties. The first thing you need to pay attention to is the brightness of lamps and shades. Both of these elements should create a harmonious image with everything that surrounds them. Fluorescent lamps will become indispensable elements of lamps for lighting gates and gates. It is believed that street lighting for a country house is located well if the light sources are not visible. Only aesthetically attractive lamps are installed in open areas; they can successfully brighten up the design of the yard. It must be remembered that the street lamp should not draw all the attention to itself.
The garden can be visually expanded by installing lamps along the natural curves of the paths. The pendant lamps are especially beautiful. For a light accent on the landscape, mushroom-shaped models and light stands are perfect.
Special attention is paid to the distance between light sources. It is influenced by the power of the lamps. When lighting a garden path, it should not exceed 10 meters. If light columns are used, their “step” is 5 meters. This way they do not create light pollution and provide excellent illumination of the path.
Selection of street lamps
The variety of lighting devices offered on the market allows you to competently arrange the territory and lighting system, conveying to it a special individuality and charm due to the original play of light and shadows, for which street pole lamps are used.
When choosing street lamps, take into account design recommendations that allow you to complement the style of the garden plot and the architectural features of all buildings located on the territory, which are the main objects of the local area:
- it is important to take into account the total amount of light falling on an area or a separate area;
- lanterns with flood light and uniform illumination are suitable for large areas;
- street lamps on poles can be installed in the garden, which visually reduces the area;
- when lighting a recreation area and individual groups of plants, diffused lighting is suitable;
- the low power of the lamps enhances the attractiveness of the green area when decorating the garden;
- a cozy composition is provided by interspersed light sources to illuminate paths and flower beds.
To increase the level of safety, it is necessary to use waterproof street lamps, allowing them to be used even in difficult weather conditions, regardless of the time of year, and to create sufficient illumination on the site, which is important for large estates and private cottages.
Facade lighting of a country house: architectural lighting
External architectural lighting will perfectly highlight the beauty of the facade of your country house. Even if the house is small, but neat and pleasant to look at, lighting will highlight all its advantages.
Facade lighting of a country house is a whole science. Properly placed lighting accents can turn almost any home into a work of art. It is important to remember that the illumination of the facade of the house should be planned during the design process, before the start of construction work. This will help prevent all sorts of problems and take into account the nuances at the construction stage, when everything can be changed. To achieve a good result, you need to know some lighting design techniques. With the help of facade lighting, you can highlight the winning elements of the building and at the same time hide the shortcomings of the house. In skillful hands, your home can turn into a cozy building, a majestic structure, in general, into whatever your heart desires.
Despite the important aesthetic aspect, we should not forget that outdoor lighting is, first of all, intended for comfortable movement around the site in the dark, and appearance is still a secondary matter.
Autonomous lamps for a personal plot
Thanks to the development of the electric power industry, homeowners have an alternative solution - the use of autonomous lamps that are not dependent on power outages and power grids in general. Such lamps have a rechargeable battery, from which the lamp is powered at night. The battery is charged during the day from the sun's rays, which is quite enough to illuminate the area.
Advantages of autonomous lamps:
- Low power consumption. These lighting devices do not need to be connected to the network, and the device itself is built on the basis of LED lamps, due to which energy consumption is minimal.
- Long service life.
- Mobility. There is no wiring, so installation and dismantling of lamps can be done in a matter of minutes. This is especially true for summer residents who remove appliances for the winter period.
- Low cost of the lighting system, since there is no need for excavation and electrical installation work.
