When it comes to designing our landscape lighting fixtures, one important decision to make is the type of glass to use for fixtures. Two popular options are flat glass and domed glass, and each one offers its own set of pros and cons.

 

Flat Glass in Landscape Lighting Fixtures

Flat glass is known for its ability to provide a pure and bright light output, without interfering with the beam of light. This makes it a great choice for illuminating large areas or highlighting specific features in a landscape. If purity of light output is the most important item to you, then flat glass is better.

Domed Glass in Landscape Lighting Fixtures

On the other hand, domed glass is better at shedding water and debris away from the light source. This can help to keep glass clear and reduce maintenance costs over time. Domed glass also has a unique aesthetic that can add a touch of elegance to a landscape.

Glass Design

In high-end luminaries, flat glass is often preferred for its superior light output. However, the design of the fixture can also play a role in how well it sheds water and debris. For example, by designing the fixture with a slight angle, water and debris can be encouraged to run off, which can help to mitigate some of the drawbacks of using flat glass.

Which type of glass lens should landscape lighting designers install?

Ultimately, the decision between flat glass and domed glass comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the landscape. By considering factors such as light output, maintenance costs, and aesthetic appeal, lighting designers can choose the type of glass that is best for their needs.

In our case, we chose to go with a premium flat lens for our highest-end luminaries, with the belief that it would achieve the purest and best output of light. However, we also designed the fixture with the idea it would be put at a slight angle so that water and debris not collect, but simply run off. This way, we can achieve the best of both worlds, bright and pure light output plus shedding water and debris away from the light source.

Which landscape lighting fixture lens is best?

In conclusion, flat glass and domed glass both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the decision of which one to use as a lens in the fixture ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific goals of the project. By considering all factors and being mindful of the design, lighting designers can make an informed decision that will provide beautiful and effective lighting for their landscape projects.