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As summer fast approaches, we all look forward to spending long evenings in the garden entertaining family and friends with some games, a garden party, alfresco dining and joyful abandonment.
But now we have the garden furniture out, the lawn has been mowed, the weeds pulled out, and the paving and decking have all been pressure washed; we now need to illuminate this wonderful outside space and to do that, we need some fantastic garden lighting ideas.
We are looking for garden lights inspiration to brighten up those magical setting areas like our dining table, the seating area, outdoor kitchen or the terrace at the back of the garden, so how do we achieve that stylish and elegant look that we see in interior design magazines and online pictures of wonderfully landscapes gardens and outside spaces?
Too Bright?
Before deciding on any garden lighting schemes, we must be aware of what and where the lights will go as different spaces need different brightness of light or lumens as they are known. If you have festoon lighting, string lights or fairy lights, you will need a lower level of lumen than a garden pond, small spotlights or floodlights.
Here is a convenient guide to help you decide what you need for your outdoor lighting.
Solar Powered Or Mains Supplied Lights?
That, again, depends entirely on you and what the outdoor lighting is needed for.
Solar-powered lighting is much more energy efficient and cost-effective but will need regular maintenance as they are less bright in the winter than in summer. Anybody can generally install these as they do not require any power source besides Mother Nature.
Mains-powered lighting will give you the versatility you require but must be installed by a qualified electrician. Most ponds, wall lights, floodlights driveway lighting will be mains powered. A great advantage to mains-powered lighting is that you can install a timer so that they are only in use when the sun sets, thus saving money and save energy.
1. Decking Lights
Decking lights are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor space. These lights are designed to be installed as low level lights on the surface of the decking, to add interest by providing a soft and subtle glow that illuminates the area without being too bright or overpowering.
Decking lights are usually relatively small in diameter and come in bunches of ten lights plugged into a transformer and then into a mains plug socket. This means they can be used in your lighting scheme all year round, even during winter when there is less sunlight.
2. Driveway Lights
Installed at ground level or tower lights to light up your driveway, and are useful all year round. LED versions will ensure efficiency and make them more affordable.
3. Dining Area Lighting
Try festoon lighting or fairy lights to create an ambience whilst alfresco dining with family and friends. A different coloured bulb in each socket can add a warm glow and a relaxing atmosphere to your evening.
4. Pathway Lighting
Freestanding and solar-powered tower lighting or low-level uplighter to create depth, good lighting, practical solutions to guide walkways and highlight your flower beds or newly manicured lawn.
5. Garden Wall Lights
Garden wall lights are a great way to add ambience and brightness to your outdoor space. They come in a variety of styles and designs, from traditional lanterns to modern, sleek fixtures. One of the most popular options is solar-powered garden wall lights, which are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, mains supply garden wall lights are also available. These lights are connected to your home’s electrical system and provide a reliable lighting source. However, it’s crucial to ensure that a qualified professional does any electrical work to comply with British Standard light regulations and ensure safety.
6. Steps
One often overlooked area in garden lighting is on illuminating steps or areas where the levels change. If you have wooden steps that run from your decking, then the deck lights are a great option, but for brick, paved or concrete steps, the choices are just as varied as with any garden lighting.
Installing into brickwork so that they are flush is a stylish and contemporary way to install them, or simply adhering to walls close to the step area will provide illumination and add that extra safety feature you will require at night time.
7. Festoon Lights
Solar or mains these are a versatile light that can enliven and instantly transform your dining area, wrapped around tree trunks or just a decking terrace that you sit on. They add a warm glow to any outside space.
In Conclusion
Illuminate your outside space no matter if it is a big garden or a small garden. If you want your lighting scheme to include security lighting, fairy or festoon lights, stone globe lights, or paper lanterns you have the ultimate choice on how to create a pretty backdrop and add that flickering glow to your long summer months.
