6 Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Garden

Whether it’s a family gathering, a party with friends or just a cosy cuppa under the stars, your garden is an amazing place to spend an evening – or several. Or at least it can be with the right outdoor lighting.

Here are six outdoor lighting ideas to turn your garden into a versatile space long after the sun has gone down.

1. String lights

Also known as ‘festoon lights’, string lights are the ultimate outdoor lighting idea if you want to turn your garden into a sociable space. Stretched across seating areas or hung from fences, they add scattered light and a quirky festival feeling.

2. Bulkheads

Bulkheads are the best option if you want bright lighting in a specific area of your garden. Maybe it’s an outdoor dining area or just a space near the back door. Whatever the case, a few bulkheads can be added to the exterior walls of your home to complement more subtle lighting elsewhere.

3. Uplights or downlights

Another option on your exterior walls is uplighting or downlighting. In short, this is lighting directed vertically rather than outwards. While it won’t add as much illumination as a bulkhead, for example, it can work wonders in highlighting the texture of your walls to add another dimension to your garden’s design.

4. Floor uplights

An alternative way of using uplighting, rather than adding it to walls, is to have lights integrated into the floor. This works wonders on the perimeter of decking or even patio areas, to keep them well lit and add a subtle border to a specific space within your garden.

5. Walkway lights

Maybe you don’t want your garden to be too bright? If this is the case, you can simply light up walkways with solar lights. By lining walkways, people will be able to see where they’re walking, without affecting the relaxed atmosphere of your garden.

This can also be used on steps or slopes where guests might not notice the change in height. Subtle spotlights built into your steps, for instance, will help people avoid accidents and add another attractive lighting feature to your garden.

6. Security lights

Let’s not forget the importance of functional lighting within your garden. As well as being switched on and off, lights can be fitted with sensors, so they come on when anyone is in your garden. This security lighting acts as a deterrent for burglars, who know they can be seen. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing when anyone is in your garden.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to use a garish floodlight. Sensors can be fitted to stylish lanterns or any kind of outdoor lighting, so you can combine appearance with function.

Expert installation of outdoor lighting

Whether it’s simple wall lighting or integrated uplights, the team at Smart Electricians can make sure your outdoor lighting looks great and works perfectly. We’re a team of electrical experts based in Sheffield, on hand to help homeowners across Yorkshire get the perfect outdoor lighting.

To arrange a no-obligation survey and quote, simply call our team on 0330 043 2031.