614.832.3139
Contact Us

by

There’s a difference between simply lighting up a yard and designing an experience. When a Columbus-area family dreamed of turning their outdoor space into a peaceful retreat, they reached out to Light Up Columbus with a simple request: make it beautiful, make it functional, and make it feel like home, even after the sun goes down. The result? A breathtaking transformation that recently earned “Best of Show” from the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP)—one of the industry’s top honors.

More Than Lights—An Atmosphere

This wasn’t about floodlights or overly bright fixtures. The goal was to create a space that invited relaxation, connection, and calm. Designer and President of Light Up Columbus, Chris Apfelstadt, led the project with that exact vision in mind.“We weren’t just solving for visibility,” Apfelstadt shared in a recent episode of The Lighting Coach podcast. “We were building an experience—something peaceful, something memorable.”With that mindset, the Light Up Columbus team got to work.

The Details That Made It Magic

The property already had great bones: a pool, stone pathways, mature trees, and multiple entertaining areas. But at night, everything faded into darkness.

To bring the space to life, the team used a mix of subtle, layered lighting techniques:

  • Moonlighting high in the trees to cast a gentle glow—mimicking the feel of a full moon
  • Underwater lighting in the pool to enhance movement and safety without glare
  • Soft step and path lighting to guide guests naturally across the space
  • String lighting in seating areas to create warmth and intimacy

The result was soft, inviting, and seamless for an outdoor space that feels just as alive at night as it does during the day.

From Backyard to Award-Winner

What started as a standard backyard quickly became one of the most talked-about designs in the industry. The Moonlit Oasis project stood out not just for its technical skill, but for how it made people feel. It’s proof that outdoor lighting, when done right, doesn’t just light up a home, it transforms it.

Inspired? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’re dreaming of your own moonlit escape or want to make better use of your outdoor space after dark, we can help you get there.

by

Outdoor lighting does more than just brighten your yard, it enhances safety, security, and the beauty of your home. Whether you’re upgrading your backyard, entryway, or driveway, here are three compelling reasons to invest in professional landscape lighting in Columbus, Ohio:

  1. Enhanced Safety
    Thoughtfully placed lighting helps prevent trips and falls by illuminating walkways, stairs, driveways, and entrances. It’s especially valuable for families with children or older adults, offering peace of mind when navigating outdoor areas after dark. Pathway lighting is one of the most practical and impactful outdoor upgrades.
  2. Increased Security
    A well-lit home is a strong deterrent to would-be intruders. Strategic outdoor lighting eliminates dark corners and hiding spots around your property, making it clear that your home is protected, adding a layer of safety for you and your loved ones.
  3. Elevated Curb Appeal
    Professionally designed landscape lighting accentuates your home’s architectural features and landscaping, creating a welcoming ambiance that enhances curb appeal. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Landscape Professionals, landscape lighting is among the top outdoor features that boost a home’s value and homeowner satisfaction. The report highlights that landscape lighting not only improves aesthetics but also contributes to a sense of security and well-being for homeowners.

Why Work With an Award-Winning Outdoor Lighting Company?
At Light Up Columbus, our team of experts brings a unique level of design expertise to every project. As seven-time award-winning lighting designers recognized by the
Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP), we understand how to balance beauty, function, and safety to create custom lighting plans that showcase your home’s best features.

Let’s Talk About Your Project
If you’re searching for the best outdoor lighting company in Columbus, Ohio, we’d love to connect. From concept to completion, we’ll guide you through the process and deliver a lighting system that’s both stunning and smart.

Contact us today to schedule your free quote and design consultation.

by

Outdoor Patio Lighting Ideas

There are many outdoor patio lighting ideas to add illumination to patio.  Hanging outdoor wall lights, open-bottom sconces, and lanterns are just a few ideas. These can be strung from the ceiling, built on a stand, or draped over a tree. These decorative lights provide ambient lighting and are perfect for any outdoor living area. Just be sure to check for safety measures before installing lights and make sure that they are of the correct voltage and type.

Solar-powered bottle lights are another fun and easy project for a backyard patio. They are inexpensive and can be hung from trees or placed on a table. They create a romantic atmosphere and can be dimmed for different moods. Mason Jar solar kits are also a great way to teach kids about the energy they use and are an inexpensive patio lighting solution. They can even be used to brighten a privacy fence.

If you have a patio, it’s best to install lighting that will highlight and enhance the natural space. Try not to use harsh lighting around the patio, as this may make it appear cold and unwelcoming. Decorative lighting is essential for a patio, but you should also consider functionality. Use string lights or pathway lights to give your outdoor space a welcoming feel. You can add a variety of other types of lighting for your patio, too.

Outdoor Patio Lighting Ideas
Outdoor Patio Lighting Ideas

Lanterns are another great way to add light to your patio. Most lanterns feature a metal and glass casing, with a metal arm mounted on a wall plate. You can also hang tabletop lanterns for added visual interest. Luminaries that use translucent covers can help diffuse the light and prevent glare. Another great way to use lanterns is to hang them from trees. Deck lights are also another great patio lighting idea. They feature LED lights embedded in grooves, making them safe for people to walk on.

Ambient lighting adds brightness and allows you to use your patio after dark. Adding bistro lighting to your patio is an inexpensive and easy way to do it. This lighting is ideal for evening dining outdoors and can transport your patio to a European bistro. It provides enough light to cook dinner while keeping the atmosphere in a relaxing mood.

Accent lighting can be used to define areas, highlight missteps, and highlight interesting garden features. Small step and deck lights can also serve as boundary lights or highlight stairs. You can also use spotlights to illuminate trees and landscape features. Choosing the right type of spotlight for your outdoor patio lighting ideas will depend on your preferences.

String lighting has become one of the most popular trends in outdoor lighting. These lights are not only inexpensive but can also create a romantic atmosphere. They can be strung from eaves or deck post to post. You can also buy solar-powered string lights for an environmentally-friendly solution. They can also be waterproof, so they will remain illuminated even in the rain.

Outdoor pendant lighting is another popular option for patio lighting. These pendants provide a wash of ambient light. They are not as powerful as other forms of lighting but provide a great ambient glow. You can also use lanterns as an accent. These are ideal for patios where people spend their evenings outside. They give a romantic or laid-back mood, but they should not be used as the main source of illumination. If you decide to use pendant lights, make sure they are placed in the correct areas.

Patio Lighting Ideas
Patio Lighting Ideas
5269 Reserve Dr, Dublin, OH 43017
(614) 832-3139