Long, light summer evenings or dark, cosy winter nights? Create an outdoor retreat whatever the weather and enjoy your outside space long after the sun sets with these garden lighting ideas. From fairy lights and festoons, to solar lamps and lanterns, get the ambience just right with these top tips.
CONSIDER YOUR ZONES
When thinking about lighting ideas, consider how you use your garden in each season. For summer, use candlelit centrepieces and fairy lights to create a magical setting for alfresco dinner parties whilst the sun goes down. Low level solar-powered lanterns are great for adding extra ambience around the table and come winter, move easily to create a cosy, atmospheric space by the firepit.
SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED
You don’t need a huge garden to benefit from outdoor lighting, for balconies and courtyard gardens, string festoon lights from walls or panels for high level impact and nestle candles in sand-filled pots on the floor or border walls for extra sparkle. Citronella candles offer an added bonus in keeping bugs at bay.
MAKE A STATEMENT
For that wow-factor outdoors, opt for a floor standing lamp next to your seating area. Cantilevered styles are great for adjustable lighting solutions to suit you, taking you from a cosy reading nook to a party backdrop in no time.
SEASONAL ILLUMINATION
For lighting that goes the distance all year, consider the materials. Aluminium frames and shades are rust-resistant, looking great all year round. Whilst teak-framed solar lanterns weather beautifully and take their charge from the sun. Most options are USB rechargeable too so you won’t be left in the dark if sunlight is at a minimum. Festoons and outdoor fairy lights look great hung from pergola frames, offering beautifully lit shelter whatever the weather. For something more contemporary, try wall-mounted LED strip or neon lighting although we’d always recommend consulting an electrician beforehand.
