Garden Lighting Tips to Balance Aesthetics and Functionality

When it comes to garden lighting a little thought can go a long way in improving beauty. Garden lighting can underline both safety and functionality of outdoor space. Keep in mind simplicity and appeal while planning garden lighting.

Just like you try to highlight piece of art, sculpture, or classic painting in your house, you try to highlight plants and landscape in your garden with lighting. Take visual hints from nature. Principles of lighting stay intact. However, your ideas should take into account the difference of light during day and night.  

Poorly installed or too many lights can create problem of light that creeps into indoor rooms and creates glares. To add to your woes, you will end up spending lot of money and waste power.  Think about position of light during night and check carefully. Use fixtures that can shield to focus light where you want it. 

Remember, higher wattage will create very harsh light. It will not improve the aesthetics or safety. Low-wattage bulbs can provide enough illumination and soothing effect. Think about timers, dimmers, or motion sensors to turn on lights when needed.  

Accentuate water elements: 

Water is extremely hard to spot at night. Don’t let this ruin the beauty of your fountains and ponds during night. It is important to experiment around the fact that water will reflect light.

Eliminate discomfort caused due to light while designing for garden lighting. Ensure that the position of light won’t cause any problem for you while parking your car or for your guests who are visiting your house. Prevent blinding glares for someone who steps into your garden. Two factors that play an important in preventing glare are position and shielding. Avoid using light source that is overwhelmingly big or bright.

Garden lighting is not just about superficial decoration, but about functionality. If you have a very large garden, you can consider motion lighting. While motion lighting might not sound a very attractive proposition, it will help you navigate through your garden in dark and help you spot unwanted visitors in your garden. 

There are several options for outdoor fixtures. Here are few pointers that will help you narrow down the perfect fixture as per your need.

Incandescent bulbs: These bulbs emit soothing light but have a relatively short life and consume more electricity. 

Halogen bulbs: These are highly efficient versions of incandescent with a longer life and consume less energy. 

Fluorescents: They are now available in a wide and vibrant color range, last longer and consume less energy. 

LED bulbs: Undoubtedly LEDs are expensive initial costs. However, costs are reduced in the long run if you factor extraordinary long life and low energy consumption. They don’t contain toxic substance such as mercury. LEDs are eco-friendly and safe.

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