Field guide
Patio lighting without glare
How to layer seating, step and feature lighting on patios and decks while keeping glare and over-lighting under control.
Layered zones beat one bright fitting
A patio usually needs different light for seating, steps, cooking and background planting. One high-output flood tends to flatten the space and create shadows behind people.
Check glare from where guests actually sit
Sit in the main chairs and look back toward the fittings. If you see the bare source, the layout may feel harsher than the brightness level suggests.
Ponds, decks and reflective surfaces
Water, glass, pale paving and wet decking can reflect fittings into sightlines. Use lower angles, shields and warmer output where glare is likely.