Protect the Stars: How to Light Your Home Without Contributing to Light Pollution
When homeowners think of landscape lighting, they often picture glaring floodlights or harsh spotlights. But high-quality, professionally designed systems use targeted, low-lumen fixtures that direct light only where it’s needed—and nowhere else.
Here’s how we do that:
1. Low-Lumen, High-Performance Fixtures
In our designs, we typically use fixtures that emit 500 lumens or less—more than enough to safely illuminate walkways, highlight plantings, and accent structures, without overwhelming the space or spilling light where it’s not needed. These low-output fixtures allow us to shape and direct light precisely, supporting both aesthetics and dark sky awareness.
2. Strategic Uplighting, Thoughtfully Controlled
Uplighting often gets a bad reputation when it comes to dark sky concerns—but the issue isn’t the technique, it’s how it's used. We use uplights strategically in dense tree canopies or against architectural features where the light is absorbed, softened, and contained, rather than cast into open air.
By reducing glare, focusing beam spreads, and carefully placing fixtures close to the subject, we ensure that the effect is dramatic without being disruptive. Proper angles and shielding keep the light where it belongs: enhancing texture, depth, and visual interest—not polluting the night sky.
3. Color Temperature and Output Control
We lean on warm white (2700K–3000K) color temperatures that are easier on the eyes and less disruptive to wildlife. Coupled with zoning and dimming, you have complete control over brightness and schedules—keeping things subtle, efficient, and dark-sky friendly.
4. Smart Automation
We design systems to turn off automatically during non-use hours, or to respond to seasonal needs. This avoids lights being left on unnecessarily and gives homeowners the flexibility to enjoy their property without leaving a permanent glow in the night sky.
What the Studies Say
In a 2020 study published in Journal of Environmental Management, researchers found that residential lighting, when properly designed, contributed less than 1% of total skyglow in suburban environments.
The real culprits?
High-mast parking lot lights
Unshielded commercial signage
Roadway floodlights
So if you're worried about impacting the night sky with a few subtle path lights and tree uplights—you’re not the problem.
It’s Not a Matter of “If,” But “How”
The reality is, you can enjoy tasteful, effective landscape lighting without compromising your environmental values. When designed properly, lighting:
Improves safety without glare
Supports nighttime wayfinding
Adds beauty and contrast to your landscape
Respects neighboring properties and the sky above
At Lindquist Outdoor Lighting, we take this responsibility seriously. Every design is customized to ensure the least amount of light, in exactly the right places, with zero unnecessary waste.
Interested in lighting your home without lighting the sky?
We’d love to show you how thoughtful design and smart fixture choices can create a stunning nighttime atmosphere—while keeping Northern Colorado’s skies as clear and natural as ever. 📅 Schedule your consultation today!
