The most common mistake in landscape lighting is not thinking about the colour of the light before choosing fixtures. The wrong colour temperature makes even the most beautiful garden look cold and artificial. The right temperature makes the space inviting in the evening.
What is Kelvin?
Light temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). Low values give a warm, yellowish light; high values give a cold, bluish light. In landscaping, this choice directly determines the feel of the space.
- 2700K–3000K (warm): ideal for plants, timber and natural stone; calm and inviting
- 3500K–4000K (neutral): functional for security and path lighting
- 5000K+ (cold): usually looks artificial in landscaping; not recommended
Consistency matters
When fixtures of different temperatures are mixed in the same garden, the result looks scattered. The general principle is to stay in a single warm tone (e.g. 2700K) across the whole landscape.
Technique and method
Techniques such as uplighting a tree trunk, low-level path lighting and wall/surface washing light the space in layers without shining directly into the eye. LED solutions are preferred for energy efficiency and long life.