No matter the type of home you have, terraced, corner, semi-detached, or detached, there’s always an opportunity to enhance it with facade lighting. While some homes offer more wall space than others, the key question remains: when should you prioritize functional facade lighting, and when are decorative facade lights the better choice? For instance, if you often arrive home after dark, functional facade lighting can be invaluable, helping you navigate your driveway and park your car safely without misjudging the distance to the wall.
Facade lights are specialized landscape lighting fixtures designed to illuminate walls, facades, and building exteriors. They not only enhance the architectural appeal of your home but also add practical functionality. For instance, well-placed outdoor lighting makes it easier to locate the keyhole and get inside quickly during a sudden downpour. Delivery drivers will also benefit from properly lit house numbers and nameplates, which become easier to read from a distance.
Where to use facade lights
Placement matters as much as style and function. Thoughtful positioning transforms spaces, enhancing aesthetics and security. Consider these key areas for captivating and practical design:
Front facades: Frame main entrances with balanced lighting for welcoming symmetry. Position fixtures on either side of doorways or across the entire front facade.
Backyard walls: Extend outdoor living with ambient lighting on patio walls, garden boundaries, or outdoor kitchen areas.
Garage exteriors & pathways: Improve safety and navigation by illuminating garage doors, side entrances, and connecting pathways.
Architectural details: Emphasize columns, alcoves, or feature walls with targeted lighting to showcase design elements.
(Up-) down facade lights
Bidirectional fixtures like ACE UP-DOWN create dramatic visual impact by casting light both upward and downward. This creates a beautiful hourglass effect that adds depth and dimension to flat wall surfaces.
Choose from our range including ACE DOWN for downward illumination or HALO UP-DOWN for contemporary styling with maximum visual impact.
Recessed Lighting for Facades
Recessed facade lights seamlessly integrate into exterior walls, providing subtle, effective illumination. They highlight architectural features while maintaining clean, minimalist designs. Ground spots, a versatile recessed lighting option, are easy to install and offer broad beams reaching up to three meters. For best results, position them in corners to avoid direct light on walkways. Ground spots also simplify cable management with wires buried underground, keeping facades polished and clutter-free.
Facade lighting offers incredible versatility. Highlight climbing hydrangeas, a nearby tree, or a charming border. For unique or historic homes, illuminating the entire facade creates a stunning focal point. Your home can truly stand out.
in-lite outdoor wall lights are designed for every garden and style. ACE series offers sharp, focused beams, shining UP, DOWN, or both. For compact, even lighting, try the HALO fixtures. Need a light for your front door? The DISC WALL 100-230V provides a beautiful, all-around glow.
Facade lighting: choose between 12-volt low voltage or line voltage
Most in-lite facade lighting runs on safe 12-volt low-voltage systems, making installation easy and safe compared to traditional 120-volt, line voltage, options. However, we also offer line voltage models like ACE, HALO, and EVO for situations where line voltage is preferred.
12-volt systems connect to in-lite transformers and can be controlled with timers or smart devices. 120-volt fixtures integrate with standard home electrical systems and wall switches.
Almost all landscape lighting from in-lite is based on low voltage, making it safe and easy to install. (Tip: If you already have existing wall lights, check whether they run on 12 volts or line voltage upfront to coordinate your lighting setup.) Many line voltage lights are installed during construction or renovation, with hidden cables for a cleaner look.
Smart lighting offers you unparalleled control and convenience, enhancing both the functionality and ambiance of your outdoor spaces. With smart lighting solutions, you can adjust brightness, set schedules, and even create custom lighting scenes, all from the palm of your hand. Designed to bring ease and efficiency, these systems are perfect for tailoring your lighting to suit any mood or occasion. Discover more about our innovative options at in-lite smart lighting.
Optimal placement for facade lighting
For best results, install LED facade lights around 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) above ground level. This height prevents glare while ensuring even light distribution across your facade. The ideal height may vary depending on your specific design and building requirements.
The distance between lights is also crucial. Placing them too close can create uneven lighting, while spacing them too far apart can leave dark spots. Consult a landscape lighting designer or ask our lighting experts to determine the perfect placement for your project.
Benefits of using facade lighting
Facade lighting offers a unique combination of aesthetic and practical advantages, making it an essential element for enhancing your home's exterior. By highlighting architectural features, it adds depth and character to the building, creating a welcoming ambiance. Beyond visual appeal, facade lighting serves critical functional purposes, improving visibility and safety around your property. Whether for highlighting pathways, enhancing curb appeal, or providing added security, facade lighting delivers a variety of benefits that make it a worthwhile investment. Below are some key advantages of incorporating facade lighting into your outdoor design.
What is the purpose of facade lighting?
Facade lighting serves multiple purposes: enhancing architectural features, improving security through better visibility, creating curb appeal, and providing functional illumination for entrances and pathways.
What is the best facade light type for brick walls?
For brick walls, up and down facade lights work exceptionally well as they highlight the texture and mortar lines. ACE UP-DOWN fixtures create dramatic shadow patterns that emphasize brick's natural character.
Are up and down lights good for exterior walls?
Yes, up and down lights are excellent for exterior walls as they create visual interest through bidirectional lighting. They highlight both the wall surface and any overhanging elements like eaves or architectural details.
How high should facade lights be installed?
The optimal height for facade lighting is approximately 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) from ground level. This places fixtures at eye level, preventing glare while ensuring effective illumination of the facade surface.
