Lighting a landscape can extend the use of outdoor space while providing safety, atmosphere and space definition. Lighting can also accent areas of a landscape or create patterns and contrast.

Nighttime use of a landscape requires good visibility. It is not essential to highly illuminate all areas, but highlight specific areas like steps, entry areas and walkways to eliminate shadows and dark spots. Walkway lights can define the curve of a sidewalk or an abrupt corner. Lights around the perimeter of a landscape can define the area and create transitions from one area to another.

Directional lights can accent a feature, emphasizing it more at night than it is in the daylight. Rain, fog and snow are much more dramatic in the night when illuminated.

Dark and light contrasts and shadow patterns are much more interesting with night lighting. Lamp grids or shields can be used to make well defined light patterns not possible in the daylight.