As Summer draws closer and you sit there eagerly waiting for warmer weather, now is the time to get your garden ready for those longer days filled with sunlight and warmth.
Garden lighting is an important part of enhancing your landscape design, while also providing practical functionality. With the right garden lighting, you can entertain friends and family, or relax in the great outdoors, well into the evening hours.
Let's explore our garden lighting ideas that will help you to craft the perfect outdoor retreat.
1. Define the purpose of the outdoor lighting
Before delving into specific lighting choices, it's essential to define the purpose of your outdoor lighting. Are you looking to light pathways, highlight architectural features, or create a cosy ambiance for entertaining? This will help you to understand what you want and need from your lighting design and will aid you to accentuate the most capitvating aspects of your outdoor space.
Swan Neck Outdoor & Bathroom Dome Wall Light - 8 Inch - Pewter & Brass (Image supplied by © Joanna Kossak, Designer: Chris Harrington)
2. Consider the position of lighting
Strategic placement of lighting fixtures can significantly impact the overall ambiance of your garden. By combining different light sources you can achieve a balanced and visually appealing look, whilst maintaining consistency across your garden design.
For example, if you’ve got a garden with limited space flush mounts offer a seamless lighting solution for this since their flush design means they provide a gentle glow without sacrificing space.Wall lights are also great for lighting up your small gardens. By considering the position of each light, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor environment.
Our Bulkhead lights are both sturdy in construction and versatile in design, which makes them a practical choice for garden lighting design. Whether installed along pathways, on garden walls, or around outdoor seating areas, Bulkhead lights add a touch of industrial charm to any garden design.
Layering lighting is also a great way to establish depth and dimension. Combine ambient lighting, like path lights, uplights and wall lights, to cast a warm and inviting glow across your garden.
3. Understand the style of your garden
Consider the style of your garden when selecting outdoor lighting options. Whether your garden boasts a contemporary design with clean lines and minimalist features or exudes a rustic charm with lush greenery and natural elements, choosing lighting fixtures that complement its aesthetic enhances the overall ambiance.
For example, in modern gardens choose sleek and modern designs, like the Globe or Dome, while in more traditional or rustic landscapes our Bulkheads are ideal for that. By harmonising lighting choices with your garden's style, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor environment that invites relaxation and enjoyment year-round.
4. Automate and adjust with smart lighting technology
You can enhance the functionality of your garden lighting by incorporating smart lighting technology. Not only does this allow you to adjust the brightness of your outdoor retreat to suit any occasion, but it also gives you the ability to set timers to control your lighting.
All our LED bulbs are compatible with smart technology, so you can create the perfect garden space.
5. Consider energy-efficient options
LED bulbs are the go to choice for outdoor lighting as they consume less energy, have a longer lifespan and are available in a range of colour temperatures to suit different moods. They also reduce your environmental footprint whilst cutting costs, so it's no wonder these are popular features in outdoor lighting designs.
Check out more of the benefits of LED bulbs here.
Brooklyn Dome Wall Light - 8 Inch - Pewter (Image supplied by Chriswharton.photography)
6. Invest in quality lighting
All our outdoor fixtures are IP44 or IP65 rated which means they're waterproof and weatherproof. This ensures durability and reliability in all weather conditions, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor retreat no matter where they are installed.
Not only this, but they are also all crafted with robust, high-quality and durable metals, like solid brass or pewter, to ensure your outdoor lighting lasts for years to come.
Investing in our weather-resistant fixtures will save you from frequent replacements and maintenance, saving you time and effort in the long run.
7. Consider pendant lighting for outdoor dining spaces
We can't forget about the importance of BBQs during the Summer season. That's why it's essential to create a cosy and functional outdoor seating area with lighting. Pendant lights hung above seating areas not only provide functional task lighting to illuminate that long-waited BBQ food, but they also provide a warm glow which enhances the ambiance of your outdoor seating area.
Our versatile designs range from sleek modern fixtures to industrial-style domes, which makes them suitable for a variety of garden styles. With adjustable flex and customisable features, our pendant lights allow you to tailor the fixture to suit your outdoor setting.
Our waterproof pendants add a touch of sophistication to your alfresco dining space, ensuring that your outdoor oasis remains inviting and well-lit well into the night.
Brooklyn Outdoor & Bathroom Dome Pendant - 13 Inch - Pewter & Brass (Image supplied by © Joanna Kossak, Designer: Chris Harrington)
Garden lighting plays a pivotal role in transforming outdoor spaces into inviting retreats perfect for longer evenings. By strategically selecting lighting fixtures, considering placement, and embracing smart technology, you can create a captivating ambiance that enhances both the beauty and functionality of your garden.
With durable, waterproof lighting options designed to withstand the elements, you can enjoy your outdoor oasis year-round, regardless of the weather.