Some Romantic Moonlighting!

Moonlighting is a romantic way to light a garden. It needs to be hidden high up, again perhaps in a tree and arranged, so that the light gently brushes over the main areas of the garden, forming dappled shadows. It is lighting down from low power lights fixed in a tree to shadow the lower branches and foliage onto the ground below. This provides a subtle, dappled lighting effect over a tree seat, lawn, patio, path or border. Moonlighting can be achieved by placing the fixture high above the ground producing a broad, moonlight effect.

Many lighting effects rely on focusing a tightly defined beam of light at a single point of interest. Moonlighting does the opposite. It is created shining from a wide beam of light across a relatively large area. The fitting is usually mounted on a high branch of a tree. The result is a soft, diffused light creating a soothing atmosphere for a seating area. This technique is effective on medium to large trees, placing one or two low voltage lights onto the second or third tier of branches. By angling the light, a romantic moonlight effect is created. When lights are angled down, a completely different subtle spotted effect is created on the ground and this is also known in the industry as moonlighting.

Moonlighting is created by hanging or mounting sources of light within trees. The lights are placed higher in the trees and angled downward so that the light dances through the branches resulting in enchanting patterns of light and shadow on the ground. This attractive and captivating technique also allows for area lighting that gives way to a soft and magical atmosphere. Low voltage systems are much safer, easier to install and smaller fixtures make them more attractive and inconspicuous. The halogen lamps used in the professional low voltage lights are usually very efficient and provide great beam control as well as a longer lamp life.