Outdoor Lighting Design Tips For The Cottage

When it comes to outdoor lighting at the cottage, less is more. Many cottagers want modern conveniences, but they also want the peace, solitude, and view of the night sky. Outdoor lighting should enhance not detract from the natural surroundings and the cottage is no different. Here are some tips to help you choose appropriate outdoor lighting for the cottage or camp.

1. Point Light Down

To avoid adding light pollution, choose fixtures that have shields or covers that point light down. This goes for pathway lighting to the light over the back door. Skip the uplighting that’s trendy in the city, highlighting exterior facades, or spotlights on outdoor features.

2. Lights Off

In order to preserve the dark night sky for you and your neighbours, why not set a personal light curfew? Set a specific time when all the exterior lights go off. Only turn on the exterior lights when they’re needed. Timers and motions sensors might be a great help in this way.

3. Dim The Lights

Unless there’s a reason for a very bright light, why not choose a dimmer or lower wattage light or fixture? You don’t have to compromise on quality or appearance, and this will go a long way to helping maintain your view of the nighttime starry skies overhead. Our experts can recommend a variety of fixtures to accommodate this.

4. Watch Your Step!

There are many hazards at the cottage that need security lighting including areas with uneven terrain, steep slopes, shorelines, docks, ravines, forest paths, etc. No one wants to twist an ankle on the way for that night-time swim, or take an unplanned night swim by falling off the dock, so be sure that these areas are adequately lit.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also consider outdoor lighting options for the protection of your property if that’s necessary. There are a lot of options to provide safety lighting in attractive and appealing ways. We have some creative pathway lighting tips here.

5. Light Nighttime Work Areas

There may be occasion where you need light in a specific work area at night. Whether you’re out barbequing late, pulling weeds out of the water craft, or were out on a nighttime fishing trip, having that extra light when you need it is something to consider. Will you need additional light, even occasionally on the patio, dock or boat house? Motion sensors may be just the ticket for areas where activity at night is more sporadic.

6. Maintain Exterior Design

If your cottage is rustic or constrained by various by-laws (historic preservation, etc.) you’ll want to keep in mind the fixture’s appearance. If you have a high-end modern cottage then those are the fixtures you’ll want to look for. If your cottage is more rustic, you might want to skip the chrome or polished fixtures for something more traditional.

7. Go Solar!

Whether your cottage doesn’t have electricity, or you want to save on the power bill, going solar is a great option for the cottage. Whether your home away from home is more on the rustic side or your energy conscious, consider using solar powered lights to get the same atmosphere and security. Our experts can help you create a unique look without feeling like you’ve had to compromise all that much.

We’d love to answer any of your outdoor lighting questions or help you design a truly unique lighting plan for your home, business or cottage. Contact our lighting experts to learn more about our lighting services or view our gallery of one-of-a-kind designs.