Without a doubt, bollard lights are becoming popular among homeowners. Why? Because it can brighten and provide impressive style in any landscape.
But to use bollard lights properly, you have to get a clear understanding of what they can do. It’ll be easier to decide how to maximize its features.
This article will bring to light not just the definition of bollard lights. It’ll also answer help you understand how these lights can add to the beauty of your property without costing a lot on maintenance.
What are residential bollard lights?
Bollards are short and thick posts. You can see it along the road to divert traffic. Or you can see these lined up on a wharf or the deck of a ship. Sometimes, it can have ropes that connect the bollards.
That definition should give you an idea of what bollard lights are. It looks like a short post with a light on it – usually on top.
Residential bollard lights usually measure between 36 to 52 inches. To keep the bollard light stable, you have to embed them in concrete. These light fixtures use different materials – like concrete, stainless steel, and even wood. All of these materials are strong enough to withstand the outdoor elements.
Like other outdoor fixtures, the purpose of bollard lights is to draw attention to something in the landscape – in this case, pathways. It’s not like post lights that stand out or other light fixtures that can be “accents” themselves. Usually, landscape artists and designers choose bollards that can blend with the landscape.
But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be aesthetically appealing. It may blend, but people will still see these lights. It should be attractive on its own.
What are bollard lights used for?
Based on the definition, you can easily guess what residential bollard lights are for. It has two main purposes.
First, it gives illumination. You’ll know that it’s best for lighting driveways, pathways, and other types of walkways with its height. The low lights make sure that the path is lit very well – without giving too much glare. Like if someone is backing up a driveway, they want to see without the distraction from any blinding lights.
The second purpose of bollard lights is to set boundaries. If there are important features in your outdoor area that you want people to stay away from, using these posts is a stylish way of keeping them away.
For instance, if there are garden or flower beds that you don’t want people to step on, use aluminum bollard lights. The lights can face the flower beds or plants, so it lights up at night.
Or, if you have a small pond in your garden and you don’t want people, especially small children, to fall into it, install simple yet stylish bollard lights around it. These lights can reflect on the water at night – giving off a beautiful oasis vibe in the area.
Of course, these lights can also light up feature walls. While there are wall washers for that, it’s also possible to use bollard lights for variety.
Benefits of using LED bollards
As amazing as residential bollard lights are, it gets even better. If you get LED bollard lights, you don’t just get a functional and stylish light fixture. You also get an energy-efficient, durable, and very bright source of light.
While bollard lights are means to light up something, they can also be for security purposes. You can use it to give your outdoors an extra layer of lights that will keep intruders away.
Not only that, but it also keeps passing people safe. You and your family can walk without fear of tripping. Even your guests unfamiliar with the layout of your landscape can easily see where they are going.
These are possible because LED lights emit a bluish light that is more visible to the naked eye. A typical bollard light structure also provides a 150° light distribution, which makes it a great option to illuminate paths.
And since LED lights are low maintenance, you don’t have to spend a lot to keep your outdoors well-lit.
Light design tips for residential bollard lights
When installing residential bollard lights, there are a couple of things to consider.
Space
Since bollard lights have a low height, they won’t have enough space to spread out. That means you’ll have to space it closer compared to other taller vertical lights. Ideally, the spacing should be 2.5 to 4 meters apart.
If you use LED bollard lights, you can space them far apart since it usually emits brighter light. Just make sure that there won’t be too many dark spots. After all, the illumination usually has a 150° light distribution. Also, if you want the area to be brighter, you’ll have to space the lights closer to each other. If not, they can be further apart.
Shape
Residential bollard lights come in different shapes. You can choose any design that fits your landscape. You can go for the traditional straight and sleek or the short and stout-looking bollard lights.
Some designs illuminate only one side or two sides of the bollard. You can go for the classic with a lantern-like design.
Bollard lights have different shapes for the top too. You can choose a square, curved, cone, or rectangular top. Make it match the landscape design of your property.
Reflector
If you check out bollard lights, there are designs with reflectors inside. If you choose these, you can get LED lights with a lower wattage, and it shouldn’t matter. The reflector will make the lights brighter and sometimes even more intense.
These reflectors contribute a unique appeal to the overall aesthetic of the bollard lights. These come in different types.
- Specialized reflectors – these are for equal distribution of lights. It’s great for optimizing LED lights.
- Louver reflectors – these reduce the brightness and are perfect for ambient lighting.
- Type V Glass – these reflectors give a broader distribution of lights.
- Cone reflector – these hide the light source and are the most cost-efficient of the other reflectors.
Placement
You know how to space the bollard lights – but what about the placement?
Landscape artists say that bollard lights shouldn’t be in straight lines. Stagger them, so it looks like a zig-zag. Unless the pathway or driveway is really wide, don’t place the light fixtures in front of each other.
You should also ensure that these are far enough from the edge. That way, car doors have enough space to open – and the person can maneuver around it.
Four considerations when buying bollard lights
With what you know about residential bollard lights, the next challenge is choosing the right one.
You have to remember, and these lights are usually left open the whole night. You want to ensure that you’re getting the right fixture that will function well. At the same time, it has to cost you a minimal amount in maintenance and upkeep.
To help you choose the best bollard lights, here are four things you have to remember.
Efficiency
If you get LED bollard lights, energy efficiency is an easy feat. But what does this mean? It means you don’t have to consume a lot of energy to emit a bright light.
This will keep your energy bills low. Even if you leave them on at night, it won’t eat up much of your monthly budget. You can feel safer with these lights illuminating the surrounding area of your home.
Lifespan
The great thing about LED lights is they are naturally long-lasting. So with LED bollard lights, you don’t have to worry about changing the LED often. LED bulbs can light up for hours on end. These lights don’t use filaments or anything that will burn out if you leave them on for too long. So you can expect that getting new LED lights will be far in between.
Durability
Your residential bollard lights are outdoors. You want it to be able to withstand the harsh elements outside.
To make that happen, you have to choose a bollard structure that is strong enough to take the heat of the sun, the pouring rain, or the cold winter season. Fortunately, bollard lights are usually made of really strong materials. Among the materials include concrete, aluminum, steel, etc. These can survive extreme weather conditions.
Thanks to the LED lights, they won’t take long to light up once you turn them on. There’s no need to heat up to make it happen – like how other bulbs do it. LED lights are perfect for all types of conditions – even during the cold season.
Environment
Finally, choose bollard lights that are good for the environment. Solar LED bollard lights will recharge themselves during the day, so they don’t consume electricity when they are on at night.
The LED lights can also contribute to this. This type of light does not produce harmful emissions like infrared or ultraviolet radiation. This makes it safe for people to be around.
Conclusion
Using residential bollard lights is a great way to light up pathways and set boundaries around your home. The lights won’t just bring life to the outdoor landscape. It’ll also give added security and safety for everyone.
Just make sure that you consider the space, shape, reflectors, and placement of the bollard lights to maximize their use. The more you understand these lights, the more you can choose the right ones that’ll fit your needs.
