Once the warmer evenings arrive, most of us want to spend as much time outside as possible. A few well placed garden lights can completely change how your space looks and feels. They make the garden more inviting, safer to walk around and far more usable once the sun goes down.
We often get asked about installing outdoor lighting, especially in the run up to summer when people are tidying patios, sorting seating areas and generally getting the garden ready to enjoy. If you are thinking about adding lights this year, it is worth taking a bit of time to plan things properly before jumping straight in.
Think About How You Actually Use Your Garden
Before choosing any lights, have a walk around your garden in the evening and think about what you want from the space.
Do you want a soft glow for relaxing in the evenings, or something brighter so you can see clearly when cooking or entertaining? Are there steps or pathways that could do with better lighting? Do you have features like trees, fencing or flower beds that would look great highlighted?
Most good garden lighting is a mix. A bit of practical lighting where you need to see what you are doing, and softer lighting to create atmosphere. If everything is too bright, it can feel harsh and take away that cosy outdoor feel.
A simple plan at the start makes everything easier later on. It also helps avoid spending money on fittings that do not quite work once they are in place.
Choosing The Right Lights
There is a huge amount of choice out there now, from simple spike lights to wall lights, decking lights and feature spots. It can feel a bit overwhelming if you are not sure what to look for.
The main thing is to make sure anything you buy is suitable for outdoor use in the UK. Always check the IP rating. This tells you how well the fitting is protected against water and dust. For most garden lighting you will want at least IP65 so it can cope with rain and general weather.
LED fittings are usually the best option. They last longer, use less energy and give off a nice consistent light. You can choose between warm white for a softer, more relaxed feel or cooler white for a more modern or security focused look.
It is also worth thinking about where the lights will go and how they will be powered. Some people like solar or plug in options for small areas, but for a proper, reliable setup most garden lighting ends up being wired into the mains.
Getting The Design Right
One of the most common mistakes we see is people adding too many lights. It is easy to think more is better, but that is not always the case.
A few well placed lights usually look far better than lots of very bright ones. Subtle lighting around seating areas, gentle path lighting and the odd spotlight on a feature can make the garden feel welcoming without it looking over the top.
Try to avoid lights that shine straight into your eyes when you are sitting down. Think about where the light will fall and how it will look from inside the house as well as outside. You want it to feel natural and comfortable, not like a floodlit car park.
Timers or smart controls can also make a big difference. Being able to switch lights on automatically in the evening or control them from your phone makes everything much easier to manage.
Installing Garden Lighting Safely
This is the part where it is important to be realistic. While there are some plug and play options available, most proper outdoor lighting systems involve fixed wiring.
That can include running armoured cable under the ground, connecting into existing circuits, installing outdoor sockets or adding new switching. All of this needs to be done safely and in line with current wiring regulations.
Electricity and the outdoors are not something to take lightly. Cables need to be buried at the correct depth and protected. Connections must be waterproof. Circuits should be tested properly once installed. If something is not done right, you could end up with ongoing faults or even safety risks.
We often get calls to fix garden lighting that has been installed as a DIY job and stopped working after the first heavy spell of rain. It is always cheaper and less stressful to get it done properly the first time.
Is It Worth Using An Electrician?
In most cases, yes. A qualified local electrician can help you plan the layout, recommend suitable fittings and install everything safely and neatly. They will also test the installation and make sure it complies with UK regulations.
That means you can enjoy your garden knowing everything is safe and built to last, rather than worrying about potential issues later on.
If you are thinking about upgrading your garden lighting this year, we would always recommend speaking to a professional before getting started. And if you are not sure how to choose the right person for the job, we have put together a helpful guide that covers what to look for and what to avoid.
You can read our guide to the dos and don’ts of hiring an electrician here.
It will help you make sure you are getting the right service and value for your money, so you can enjoy your garden properly this summer.
