How lighting can make or break your outdoor living area

A considered mix of ambient, task and accent lighting can help a backyard work after dark. Outdoor living doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Cooler air and softer light can make an alfresco area especially appealing — but without a considered lighting plan, a deck, patio or garden can quickly become difficult to use. A mix of ambient, task and accent lighting can make a backyard work hard after dark. Picture: GettyGood outdoor lighting is not necessarily the brightest. It is placed where it earns its keep: along a path, over the dining table, beside the barbecue or around a favourite plant. Done well, it helps people move safely, makes everyday tasks easier and gives the backyard a reason to linger in. Here are some ways you can elevate your outdoor living area with the right lighting. 1. Start with how you use the space Is the table used for dinner? Do people cross the lawn to get inside? Is there a barbecue, pool, path or set of steps that needs more visibility? Low-level spike lights can be good options for paths. Picture: Beacon LightingPlan for safety, tasks and atmosphere: use low-level spike lights on paths, clearer light on steps and a brighter fitting near the bar...