When the sun goes down, a little lighting can go a long way. Outdoor uplights add a beautiful touch to landscaping and give an otherwise simple setting that extra oomph. Plus, the right lights do more than you think, like setting the tone from cozy to dramatic to even magical. You can use outdoor uplights in several areas, including walkways, foliage, patios, and walls.
We’ll explore beautiful ways to enhance the exterior of your home with uplights (along with a few design tips and tricks).
What Are Outdoor Uplights?
Uplights are an outdoor lighting feature which includes fixtures designs to cast light upward. These lights are typically found in the ground, either by superficially adding them or building them into surfaces (like a recessed area or low base structure). These lights are more focused and directional, making them a great addition for illuminating trees, architectual elements, walls and even scultpures.
So, why should you add uplights? If you’re on the fence, here are few reasons to explore.
Add drama. Use uplights to add dimension, texture, and contrast to otherwise flat spaces without needing to redesign or update other landscape elements.
Boost safety. Light the path to your entryway, stairs, garage, or yard with strategically placed uplights.
Enhance curb appeal. Highlight details of the outside of your home that you love the most.
Elevate other lights. Complement flood lights, path lights, wall sconces, and even string lights.
Uplights come in a variety of sleek designs, and many offer energy-efficient LED options at an affordable price, so you can give your home a design boost on a budget.
1. Highlight Your Home’s Best Features
Maybe you’re wondering if the outside of your home needs “something,” but you don’t quite know what to update. Keep it simple (and budget-friendly) with uplighting. Highlight key features of your home like archways, high windows or even textured walls. This is also very effective for stone or brick exteriors because it adds drama without minimal effort.
2. Illuminate Your Entryway
Light the path leading up to your front door with in-ground uplights. Soft lights are great for welcoming guests and elevating curb appeal. You can also install built-in up lights (like the example below) for a sleeker finish. Pathway/entrway uplights are functional and add beauty to the entrance of your home.
3. Uplight Trees
Need an easy outdoor element to highlight? Use existing trees in your back or front yard. Uplighting the base of the trunk and canopy casts beautiful shadows and depth. Use color temperature and shadowing to your advantage to evoke different feels from whimsical to relaxed.
4. Mix it Up with Downlighting
Uplighting pairs really well with downlighting to add dimension. Mount fixtures with light facing down directly or close above uplights below to intentionally feature different aspects of your home (like tall windows or large entryways).
5. Define Walkways
Consider incorporating subtle uplights at the edges of walkways to add definition. Not only will this make walkways easier to navigate, but uplights can highlight greenery or stonework. Mix and match different lighting with uplights for a polished and elevated feel.
6. Add Grazing to Walls or Fences
Mounting uplights near the base of a wall is a technique called grazing. It brings out surface texture and architectural details by creating highlights and shadows. Grazing is one of the easiest ways to elevate basic landscaping.
7. Give Patios and Decks Some Extra Light
Uplights around patios or decks can enhance seating areas and transition spaces. You can pair them well with outdoor wall lights, string lights, or even step lights for extra ambiance.
8. Create Focal Points Outdoor Uplights
Have a garden statue or fountain that you love? Make it stand out with uplights placed below to make it the perfect nighttime centerpiece. Consider playing with different beam sizes, like narrow beams for tall sculptures and wider beams for broad pieces.
9. Backlight Shrubs or Foliage
Shrubs and foliage need attention, too. While trees are a great option for uplight placement, it’s also just as important to highlight plants that either light pathways and outline front or backyards. Place lights behind plants to create a silhouetting effect that’s especially stunning with large tropical leaves or ornamental grasses.
10. Mix Uplights with Spot Lights
Mixing flood lights or spot lights with uplights can create a soft balance in areas that already have strong architectural features. Try a layered lighting design to help your landscaping shine from multiple angles.
11. Play with Color Temperature
Bulb colors can create a warm and cozy vibe or offer a cooler, energizing feel. Warmer bulbs (around 2700k) are great near entryways, while cooler tones (4000k+) make white trim and stonework pop. Varying color with uplights lets you fine-tune your outdoor space to match your mood.
12. Choose Stylish Finishes
Brass uplights are as beautiful as they are classic. Plus, they can handle different types of weather (making them a win-win year-round). Powder-coated aluminum is another finish go-to for a sleek look that pairs well with other outdoor design features.
13. Go In-Ground for a Clean Look
In-ground uplights can create a minimalist feel. They sit flush with your lawn or pavers, virtually disappearing during the day, but making a big statement at night.
14. Use Uplighting to Improve Security
The right lighting plan can offer beauty and safety. Strategically placed uplights around dark corners, fences, or entries can help increase visibility and deter intruders. Consider pairing uplights with security or smart home systems for even more peace of mind.
15. Uplight Outdoor Art or Murals
If your home features an exterior mural or mounted art piece, uplighting can help it shine. Choose wide-beam fixtures with adjustable angles and use a dimmer or smart controller to fine-tune brightness depending on the mood.
Highlight your garden by installing uplights at low angles beside garden beds. This creates a cozy glow that helps flowers and foliage pop after sunset.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Outdoor Uplighting
DIY Installation
Uplighting is very DIY-friendly. Follow the outdoor lighting installation tips from the brand you purchased and check that the transformers and wiring match the fixture load.
Best Lightbulbs
LED lightbulbs are our top choice for uplighting because they’re long-lasting, energy-efficient, and available in various beam widths and temperatures.
Places to Purchase
Most local retailers, both in person and online, will carry a range of options. Large home improvement stores often have the widest selection.
Avoid Light Pollution or Glare
Keep beam spreads narrow to avoid washing out nearby areas (or annoying your neighbors). Test fixture angles at night and adjust as needed.
Uplighting is all about stylishly illuminating landscaping to highlight the most beautiful aspects of your home. They are a great way to easily add dimension, artistry, and mood to your outdoor space. No matter what your current landscaping looks like, you can take it to the next level with uplights.
By admin 
