Garden lighting is both functional and decorative and good lighting can drastically change the look of your outdoor space. Strategic and well-planned lighting also reinforces safety, as it illuminates certain hazards in your garden that people may need to watch out for at night.
To have a beautifully landscaped outdoor space that integrates lighting, all it takes is a little bit of planning, creativity and research about the options available out there in the market.
Indirect and Low Voltage Lighting
• Utilizing fixtures that point light indirectly to the walls or are positioned downward produces a softer effect.
• It’s recommended for landscape lighting since bright, harsh light can be distracting.
• When lighting a path or framing the edges of a flowerbed, consider low voltage lighting since these areas only need a subtle glow most of the time.
• If you've got stairs leading to your garden or they’re a feature in your landscape design itself, why not illuminate them with soft ambient lights? Not only will it help in avoiding accidents, they also add a touch of drama and sophistication.
Solar Lights
• Using solar lights that recharge through the sun's rays in the morning are not only energy efficient; they’re easy to install.
• Since solar lights don’t need to be connected to a power source (no wires!) you can just plant them firmly on the ground and voilà, you’re done!
Floodlights & Spotlights
• As the name suggests, spotlights are used to put emphasis on a focal point. They emit a narrower gleam of light, approximately less than 45 degrees wide.
• Using spotlights will highlight your chosen point of interest, adding a dramatic look to your space. Floodlights, on the other hand, diffuse the light, making it spread across a space.
• Their beams are usually 120 degrees in width and affect a wider area, which is why they’re often used to illuminate walls.
Choose a focal point
Choosing a focal point in your landscaped garden that can be put in the spotlight, literally. This will make the space more dynamic. This can be a water feature or a tree. It is advised to position the spotlight upward, making sure that the light is focused solely on the chosen focal point to make it easier on the eyes.