The best lighting for paths are pathway lights that balance safety, aesthetics, and energy efficiencies. The specific path light fixtures to accomplish this balance is up to you, and you have plenty of path lights available to choose from — including: LED pathway lights, solar path lights, low voltage pathway lights, and more!

LED pathway lights are often the preferred choice for pathways thanks to their extended lifespan and low energy consumption which offers an environmentally-conscious and cost-effective pathway lighting solution.

When deciding on the best pathway light for your home, office, or other property, you may also want to highlight the area around your pathway — such as a garden or the architecture of your home. In these cases, it's important to find a path light that can light thsoe areas and the pathway.

Traditional path lights, such as classic path lights or pagoda lights, suit formal homes, while modern pathway lights fit more contemporary styles.

Beyond the path light's application, you should also consider the finish of the path light fixture. Whether you want the elegance and prestige of a raw brass path light or the sleekness of a black aluminum pathway light, you have several options to appeal to any occasion.

Finally, when deciding on the best pathway light, you also need to think about the temperature of the path light. Are you looking for a subtle accent light for your walkways or a brighter light for more safety and security? As with the options above, you have a range of temperatures available and can determine the illumination that best fits your pathway needs.

Ultimately, the best lighting for paths is subjective and based on your personal needs and taste. Whether you want a subtle and gentle glow to your garden pathway or a more practical and safe light to your entryway, you have plenty of choices at your fingertips.

Lighting a path effectively requires blending functionality, safety, and aesthetics. If you are looking to learn how to light a pathway, consider the following.

1. Mix and Match Light Fixtures: Try layering the pathway lights with a variety of fixtures that alight with your design style. By mixing and matching different path lights like bollard path lights, downlighting, and modern pathway lighting, you gain functionality and aesthetics.
2. Placement and Spacing: After the fixtures themselves, you will also need to determine how you want those pathway lights positioned along and around your path. Strategically placing pathway lights will offer the balance you need for a well-lit, but tasteful, walkway. Spacing path lights between 10-14 feet apart is a typical rule-of-thumb, but the actual distance of your pathway lighting will depend on your needs and the lights you use.
3. Height Considerations: The height of pathway lighting is another important consideration when lighting your walkways. You'll need to position the lights in such a way to avoid undesired shadows while also enhancing the illumination of the pathway.
4. Choose the Right Lighting Type: If you're looking for durability, effectiveness, and efficiency — you may want to consider an LED pathway light. Choosing the right type of pathway light is an important decision in the process.
5. Creative Placement: You may also want to try creative placements of your pathway lighting such as in-ground or downlit from a tree. The placements you choose will have a significant effect on the results of your pathway lighting.
6. Consider Your Landscape: The surrounding area of your pathways should determine the design and layout of your pathway lighting. The right approach will accent and elevate the architecture and landscape adjacent to your walkway.
7. Consult Lighting Professionals: For the best pathway lighting results, you should consult a landscape lighting professional. They have the skills and experience needed to light the perfect pathway.

The steps above offer an introduction into how to light a pathway, but the reality is — every walkway is unique and will need a custom lighting solution.

For path lighting, the best brightness level ranges between 100 and 200 lumens. This range provides a balance between brightness and subtly — an oft-desired result of pathway lighting. For homes, 100 lumens is typically sufficient for lighting pathways effectively. Commercial walkways tend to want more functionality than warmth, so 200 lumens might be more appropriate.

The purpose of the lighting is a large consideration when deciding on the best lumens for lighting a pathway. For accent lighting and decoration along the walkway, lower lumen lighting can satisfy your needs. If you need a brighter pathway for more security or otherwise, the higher end of the lumen scale may be required.

The goal of pathway lighting is to strike a balance between the light and the mood it sets along your walkways, Choose a path light that strikes this balance the best for your individual needs.

The cost of pathway lighting varies widely based on factors such as the type of lights, the number of fixtures, and the method of installation. Path lights, designed to light walkways for both safety and aesthetic appeal, can range from $50 to $150 per fixture, with some higher-end path lights costing up to $250. If you're looking at a professionally installed pathway lighting system, you're likely looking at an investment of $2,000 to $4,500, with an average cost of around $3,250. This solution will typically includes pathway lighting as part of a larger landscape lighting project.

For those considering a DIY approach, solar path lights can be a cost-effective option, potentially costing up to $1,500 for 10 lights. If you prefer more reliable lighting that can shine more intensely than solar options, low-voltage pathway lighting could be a better choice, with costs for these systems falling within similar ranges but offering more consistency and power.

To give a specific example, installing outdoor lights along pathways can cost between $400 to $7,200, depending on the light fixture and scope of the project.

More economical options like garden or pathway lights can cost about $400 to $1,500 for a typical 60-foot long walkway installation. On the higher end, bollard lights, which offer a 360-degree beam angle and are taller, could cost between $1,250 to $7,200 for similar installations.

The cost of pathway lighting is influenced by a range of factors from the type of fixture and power source to the area of installation and labor costs. Whether opting for a DIY project with solar path lights or a professionally installed landscape lighting system, careful planning and consideration of these factors can help you achieve the desired effect within your budget.