The Lumen Log
The Lumen Log
Plain-English guides on layers, color, control, power, moonlight, upkeep and upgrades, written to be read in a few minutes.
Planning and PowerDo You Need a Lighting Plan Before Installing Outdoor Lights?A plan shows where fixtures go and what the property will look like. Here is why it saves money and regret.
Care and RepairLED vs Halogen Landscape Lighting: Is It Time to Upgrade?LED lasts longer, uses less power and gives cleaner light. Learn how to tell if your system is ready for an upgrade.
Color and ControlHow to Plan Holiday Lighting That Looks ProfessionalClean lines, a limited palette and a plan beat a house full of mismatched lights.
Color and ControlSmart Lighting Control Basics: Scenes, Schedules and AppsA smart controller ties the whole system together. Learn what scenes, schedules and zones do.
Outdoor LivingPool Lighting Ideas: Water, Color and SafetyUnderwater light, lit edges and warm surroundings make a pool beautiful and safe.
Outdoor LivingPath Lighting Spacing: How Far Apart Should Fixtures Be?Even light along a path comes from spacing and shielding. Here is how to plan it.
Care and RepairHow to Keep Outdoor Lights Working Year After YearA little care keeps a lighting system looking like day one. Learn what to check and when.
Design and EffectsMoonlighting Explained: The Softest Effect in Outdoor LightingLight high in a tree that filters through the leaves and casts moon-like shadows. Here is how it works.
Planning and PowerHow to Size a Landscape Lighting TransformerAdd up the watts, add headroom and plan the cable runs. Here is the simple way to size a transformer.
Color and ControlWarm White vs Color LED Lighting: Which Do You Need?Warm white looks natural every night, and color adds fun. Many homes use both.
Design and EffectsHow to Light a House at Night: Layers, Angles and ContrastGood night lighting is built in layers. Learn how foreground, middle and background light work together.Have a question that is not here?
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