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As we fast approach the Summer, our outdoor space becomes useable once again, so we will don our gardening gloves, weeding the flower beds, mow the lawn, pressure wash the paving and decking and re-sealing that lovely garden furniture that has been in hibernation for those long Winter months.
But once we have all those boxes ticked, the barbecue is on, and the drinks have been chilled, we will be entertaining friends and family with alfresco dining on those warm, balmy evenings that never seem to end and what better way to instantly transform your lovely, newly manicured, cleaned, and spruced garden than with some ultra-modern and highly desirable garden design lighting.
From solar powered lighting, brightly coloured exterior lights, warm white lights, path lights, twinkly lights to mains-supplied LED spotlights, the possibilities to enliven your garden once the sun sets are out there. It is up to your imagination where you get the inspiration to give your garden lighting scheme that evening wow factor.
How Bright Should My Garden Lighting Be?
Lights and light bulbs are measured in lumens, the standard measurement in Britain and across Europe for any light source.
Most interior lights for your house will be from 25 – 100 lumens as they are in a confined and waterproof space; the requirement is relatively low. However, for most garden and exterior lighting, your minimum number is 12 lumens for small lights in steps and pathways, up to 1300 lumens for more oversized lamps such as floodlights and security lighting.
There is a handy guide for you once you have determined the style and placement of the garden lights in your outside space, and you can make the correct choice of brightness and ensure that your garden looks welcoming in an ambient glow instead of a well-lit car park.
Lighting Styles For My Garden
Whatever you choose as a form of clever lighting in your garden, tie it in with any features you have. If you have a seating area, then illuminating may only require temporary lighting during the summer months. Still, if you have a garden pond, for instance, that will require all year-round lighting that will need to be mains powered and in which case you would require the services of a fully qualified electrician to install them.
One fantastic invention is the timers you can buy for your lighting, again whether that be for a deck light, floodlight, garden pond light, or steps; you can set them to come on at a desired time every evening for fuss free lighting, thus saving electricity and making them more energy efficient.
Solar Powered Lights
Solar-powered lights are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These lights are powered by solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. This means that they do not require any external power source and can be installed in areas without access to mains electricity.
Solar-powered lights come in a variety of styles and designs, including LED lights, decking lights, and garden wall lights. They are also available in different colours and brightness levels or lumens, making them suitable for various applications. Whether you are looking to highlight key features, make focal point, light up your garden, driveway, garden path, or patio, a solar-powered light will meet your needs.
One of the extra special advantages of solar-powered lights is that they are environmentally friendly. They are low maintenance, give off a gentle glow and do not require any wiring or electrical work, which makes them easy to install and use.
Mains Supply Lights
Mains supply lights are a popular choice for outdoor lighting as they provide a reliable and constant power source. These lights are connected directly to the mains electricity supply and can be controlled by a switch or a timer. They are available in various styles and designs, from traditional lanterns to modern floodlights.
They must be fitted by a qualified electrician. Mains supply lights have become more energy-efficient in recent years, using LED bulbs that consume less power than traditional incandescent bulbs.
These are traditionally used for spotlights, on driveways and in high-traffic areas where you need to guarantee light all year round.
However, it is crucial to ensure that mains supply lights are installed in accordance with British Standard light regulations. These practical regulations specify the minimum requirements for outdoor lighting, including the maximum wattage of bulbs, the height of fittings, and the distance between lights.
Therefore, seeking professional advice before installing mains supply lights is essential to ensure they are safe and compliant.
LED Lights
LED lights and light bulbs are becoming increasingly popular due to their atmospheric glow, energy efficiency and long lifespan. They use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.
They have the ability to be used for a variety of garden lighting needs, including task lighting, accent lighting, and general lighting. They are also available in various brightness levels, from dim to bright, making them cast beautiful shadows on summer evenings making them suitable for any environment. LED lights are also available in different shapes and sizes, making them easy to install in a variety of fixtures.
British Standard Light Regulations
Regulations are in place to ensure that the outside lighting is safe, efficient, and effective. The regulations cover various aspects of lighting, including the design, installation, and maintenance of lighting fixtures.
One essential part of the British Standard Light Regulations is the requirement for lighting fixtures to be energy-efficient. This means the fixtures must use energy-efficient bulbs, such as our LED, as mentioned above lights, which consume less energy than traditional bulbs. The regulations also require that the fixtures be designed to minimize light pollution, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
British Standard Light Regulations require that lighting fixtures are to be installed and maintained by qualified professionals. This ensures the fixtures are installed correctly and maintained to a high standard. The regulations also require that the fixtures be tested regularly to ensure that they withstand any function correctly and meet the required standards.
