WHEN THE NIGHT SKY TURNS TO DAY: WHAT IF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WAS LIT UP 24/7?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I once helped design a place where the owners wanted “resort-level” lighting everywhere—looked cool at first, but after a week, they were complaining about not being able to relax outside. Here’s what I learned: layer your lighting. Accent lights for pathways, dimmers for patios, and keep the backyard dark enough to catch a meteor shower now and then. It’s all about balance... too much light just kills the mood and honestly, ruins those quiet late-night moments.
WHEN THE NIGHT SKY TURNS TO DAY: WHAT IF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WAS LIT UP 24/7?
I get wanting that cozy vibe, but honestly, I prefer a bit more light outside. My old street was pitch black at night—tripped on the same step more times than I can count. Sometimes a little extra brightness makes things safer, even if it means missing a few stars now and then.
- Totally get the safety thing—no one likes a busted ankle on a dark curb.
- But honestly, constant brightness can mess with sleep cycles and wildlife, not to mention energy bills.
- I think there’s a happy medium. Soft, directed lighting instead of floodlights everywhere… keeps it safe without turning the street into a stadium.
Honestly, I’ve seen neighborhoods go too far with the “soft” lighting and it ends up being more of a tripping hazard than anything else. Subtle is nice, but if you can’t see the steps or your driveway clearly, it kind of defeats the purpose. I’m all for energy savings, but I’d rather have well-placed, brighter lights that actually do the job—just shielded so they don’t blast into bedroom windows. There’s a balance, but sometimes “soft” just isn’t enough for safety.
“Subtle is nice, but if you can’t see the steps or your driveway clearly, it kind of defeats the purpose.”
Yeah, I get what you mean. I tried those “soft” solar lights once and nearly faceplanted on my own walkway. But man, those brighter lights can really jack up the electric bill if you’re not careful... Is there a middle ground that doesn’t cost a fortune?
