Architectural Lighting Ideas

Facade

• Downlights placed in the eaves, or at the edge of the roof, will illuminate the facade of a structure, stressing the appeal of the architectural design and enhancing the security of the property. This type of architectural lighting effect also gives a home a welcoming air of lively good cheer and adds greatly to the nighttime curb appeal when guests arrive for an evening of festivities.

Pathway and Shrubbery

• Low-voltage lighting, placed along the pathways on a property to light the way to the entrance, increase safety. Lights placed in the flower beds and along the property perimeters illuminate the plantings and emphasize the size of the grounds. Spotlights ignite the trees with light, and underwater lights in a pool cast a dreamlike glow. These architectural lighting effects combine to show a home and surrounding property in their best light.

Cove

• Cove lighting is a great enhancement to an interior space. When crown molding is installed in a room, the top edge of the trim can be dropped a few inches from the ceiling, creating a lighting trough for either strip lights or, more economically, rope lighting. These lights should be installed on rheostats to enable the adjustment from full room illumination to lower, ambient lighting.

Stair Tread

• A beautifully designed, curved staircase can have its graceful architectural sweep illuminated with strip or cove lighting placed in a small overhang at the edge of each tread, making the stairway the star player in a large entrance hall or reception area. This effect not only adds greatly to the safe use of the stairs, but it also allows the dimming of wall sconces and chandeliers to create a charming, flattering glow when greeting guests at the door.