Outdoor Lighting Tips for Dark Skies

How to Get Outdoor Lighting Right

Good outdoor lighting helps us see better, reduces opportunity for crime, saves energy, and protects critical wildlife.

Before you install or replace outdoor lights, ask yourself these questions:

1) Do you really need light?

Only install lighting with a clear purpose. If an area doesn't need illumination, skip the light entirely.

• Avoid uplighting (unless you're signaling Batman). Instead, aim lights downward to illuminate the ground or task at hand.
• Sheild fixtures so light stays focused where it's useful — not spilling into the sky or neighboring properties.
• Skip decorative lighting unless it serves a purpose or is used occasionally for special occasions.

2) When do you need light?

More light does not automatically mean more safety. Studies show that constant nighttime lighting does not necessarily reduce crime — and in some cases may even increase it.

• Use motion‑sensor lights instead of leaving lights on all night. Motion‑activated lighting turns on instantly when activity is detected, providing effective security while using far less energy.
• Choose high‑quality motion sensors and adjust them carefully so lights don’t switch off too soon or trigger every time a car passes by.
• If you prefer continuous lighting, consider motion‑dimming fixtures. These stay at a low, unobtrusive level and brighten only when motion is detected.

3) Where is light actually needed?

Glare and light trespass can reduce visibility and comfort. Good outdoor lighting illuminates what we need to see — without exposing us directly to the light source.

• Focus lighting on walkways, entrances, steps, and work areas.
• Use shielded fixtures and thoughtful placement to prevent light from spilling into windows or neighboring properties.
• Choose low pathway lights rather than tall floodlights.
• Hide the bulb whenever possible to reduce glare.

Our eyes automatically adjust to the brightest light in view. When a fixture is too bright or visible, our pupils constrict—making everything else harder to see. Ironically, excessive brightness can reduce overall safety. Look for fixtures with the International DarkSky Association (IDA) Seal of Approval, which meet standards for responsible outdoor lighting.

Credit: DarkSky International | Protecting the night skies for present and future generations

4) Are you using the right type of light?

Blue‑rich white light is helpful during the day because it boosts alertness. At night, however, it can disrupt sleep cycles and negatively affect human health and wildlife. The American Medical Association has raised concerns about excessive blue light from outdoor lighting.

When choosing bulbs:

• Use lower lumens (less brightness). Lumens measure how much light a bulb produces. A typical 60‑watt incandescent bulb emits about 760 lumens—roughly the brightness of 760 candles.
• Choose warmer color temperatures, rated 2700 Kelvin (K) or lower. Warm light has a soft, amber tone similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. Cooler, blue‑white light is harsher and more disruptive at night.

Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kelvin_Temperature_Chart.svg

Additional Outdoor Lighting Resources

• DarkSky Home Outdoor Lighting Assessment
• Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting (PDF)
• My Neighbor's Lighting
• What is Light Pollution?
• BirdCast Live Bird Migration Map
• Chelan PUD Commercial Lighting Incentive Program
• Chelan PUD Street Lighting Program