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| Home > Lighting > Lighting for your Garden | ||||
Lighting for your Garden | ||||
| The garden has increasingly become more of an outdoor room than ever before. We eat outside, we chat outside, the children play outside, and we relax outside. Once night falls there is absolutely no reason to take the atmosphere indoors with you, and no reason to sit in the dark talking with your guests. Outdoor lighting has improved dramatically in style, availability, affordability, and flexibility making it an even more viable addition to any garden and any location. The Advance of the Outdoor Light Fitting Traditionally, outdoor light fixtures were hidden away so that only the lighted object could be seen. However, this was the era when light fittings were bulky and ugly to say the least. The introduction of affordable solar lights and even more affordable electric lights soon saw the demise of the ugly fitting and the introduction of light art for outdoor living spaces. We take a look at the wide variety of fitting types available and some of the more common and best looking uses for them. Downlights: Spotlights and floodlights are among the more commonly used varieties of downlights. The fixture is placed above the object or area that is to be illuminated and the light shines down. This type of fitting can be used either to provide a moonlight or other natural lighting effect or a more stark light for use as security or safety. Uplights: Originally, uplights were halogen lights placed in the ground and aimed up towards a building or feature. Typically, little effort was taken to hide these lights from the eyes because generally the effectiveness of the area they lit was enough to draw the attention. As well as being able to get in ground lights and other hidden light sources of this variety it is also possible to buy truly unique uplight fixtures that are a sight to behold themselves. Pathlights: While pathlights are obviously used to light paths they can be used in a variety of settings and ways. Far from the streetlights we're most accustomed to, pathlights for the garden are generally placed relatively low to the ground and provide cover for a fairly large area. Different colors and strengths of light are used to provide different effects but the most important aspect is to provide light and visibility for anyone walking through that area. Backlights: These are one of the least common used lights. Placed behind an object or plant and hidden from view, backlights cast a shadow or silhouette. Done properly this can give an incredible and artistic effect. If using bright halogen lights then extra care should be taken to ensure that the light source is hidden to prevent damage to people's eyes. Unique lights: As technology becomes more affordable, more compact, and generally more impressive so too do its uses. Outdoor lighting is available in a staggering variety. As well as some of the more standard varieties mentioned above, unique lights such as rope lights and artistic lights are also available. Used well these give twofold benefits. As well as generating the required light in the required area, the fittings themselves can be used as an aesthetic addition to the garden. Save the Best for Last Only ever consider the installation of lighting once all other landscaping has been completed. The wiring alone will require careful thought and planning to ensure that no wire is left uncovered and that any extensions or joins are made before the lights are fitted. Location, Location, Location Choosing a location can be done by first identifying the major focal points in your garden. Some gardens rely on trees or plants as focal points while others concentrate on structures or items. Both have their advantages and both can be lit in different ways to gain the very best effect. Lighting the Way Also remember to include any areas in your garden where there is likely to be a lot of foot traffic. There is nothing worse than having guests bump their way down the garden, especially after an evening's entertainment. Electricity Points Consider the location of your focal points and walkways with the existence of electricity points. Solar lights have improved dramatically in terms of efficiency and effectiveness but they are still comparatively limited in design. Ensure that any wiring you have is long enough and that you don't need to interfere with pipes, existing wires, or an area where you are likely to damage your newly installed wire. A Final Word on Outdoor Lighting Your garden is an outdoor living area, but it can be as fun as you dare to make it. Don't be afraid to try something new simply because it goes against the normal idea of what is right. Consider the different varieties of fitting and consider something completely different. Often, moving away from the traditional use of lighting can create entirely new, original, and incredible looking effects. Enjoy yourself. By:Johann Erickson |
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