As summer is in full swing, you may spend most of your time outdoors, perhaps relaxing in your backyard or entertaining guests for dinner outside. However, the lack or inefficiency of your outdoor lighting shouldn’t halt the enjoyment when the sun sets. It’s important to note that not all outdoor lighting is equal, and it’s more than simply hanging a wall light or string lights and calling it a day.
Choosing the most appropriate outdoor lighting that meets your needs can be challenging, especially if you are unsure where to begin. With the vast array of types, functions, and styles available, it may be better to have some guidance to point you in the right direction. When choosing suitable outdoor lighting, you should consider its purpose and the intended area. It would be best to combine lighting techniques to create an appealing atmosphere. Lastly, choose the right colour and brightness to match the ambiance and maintain outdoor lighting for better functionality, safety, and aesthetics.
Here are some more tips for choosing the perfect outdoor lighting for your garden:
- Include the Basic Types of Lighting
Ensure you include the three fundamental kinds of lighting in your outdoor space: ambient, task, and accent lighting. You can achieve ambient lighting by hanging, post, or wall lights, whereas task lighting includes pathway, deck, and security lights. For accent lighting, you can use landscape kits or spotlights. Consider string lights, solar spotlights, or LED candles if you have a limited budget and a small patio.
- Calculate
Determining how much lighting is needed before starting your lighting shopping is essential. A quick calculation can help you estimate the total wattage required for the space you want to light up. You can multiply the square footage of the area by 1.5 to get a rough idea. If you have a 100 square feet space, it will need approximately 150 watts of light.
- Use LEDs
LED bulbs would also be a better option as they consume much less energy than halogen or incandescent bulbs. Plus, they almost require no maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about changing bulbs frequently.
- Take a Look From Inside Your Home
When choosing outdoor lighting for your garden, it can be helpful to consider where to place it and how it will look. One tip is to think about how your patio, garden, and pathways look from the inside of your home. If you want to create a room-expanding view of the outdoors at night, consider illuminating gardens or shrubbery that can be seen from your living or dining rooms. Additionally, you could use path lighting for garden areas or solar outdoor lighting as a simple and easy way to update your style.
- Plan Your Fixtures Ahead
Before purchasing fixtures for your space, ensure that you measure and check their size and position using a paper template for exact placement. Select durable lighting that is made of high-quality and weather-resistant materials as well. For a quick fix for your lawn, consider a landscape lighting kit that plugs into an outdoor outlet and consists of multiple ground spotlights. Solar landscape lighting is also an option to consider.
- Use Subtle Light for Entertaining
For a soothing ambiance during an outdoor meal, avoid using bright outdoor lighting for your garden and go for soft-glow lightings like lanterns, pendants, or ceiling fans with light kits. Regulate the brightness of the fixtures by using a dimmer. Adjust the light to full brightness while cooking or preparing food, and dim it when dining or relaxing.
- Think About Security
Outdoor lighting not only adds ambiance but also enhances home security. Ensure all entry points are well-lit — for example, wall lanterns by the garage or spotlights on eaves, side doors or windows.
Improve the safety, appearance, and value of your property by installing proper outdoor lighting. Contact Augusta Green Sprinklers now for quality lighting services!