Creative garden lighting ideas, including everything from solar lights to candle lanterns.

Designing a creative garden lighting scheme has never been more fun, with such a wide range of different lighting fixtures and products to choose from. Strong spotlights and floodlights can be used for safety and security, or to light up large outdoor entertainment areas.

Low voltage mains powered or solar lights give your garden a soft, romantic ambience at night, while natural kerosene, oil or candle lanterns give off a cozy, warm glow. No matter what kind of garden lighting ideas you have in mind, you’ll be amazed at the range of accent lights, spotlights, low voltage and solar lights, and oil, kerosene and candle lanterns which are available. A quick search online will give you a taste of the many styles, shapes and colors.

Garden lighting design tips.

Before you begin shopping for fixtures, it’s a good idea to think about what you’re primarily going to be using the lighting and the outdoor space for. Perhaps you simply want to add lights along steps, paths and walkways for safety and security.

Timers and motion sensors are a practical addition, so you’ll always have a light on when and where you need it. Garden accent lighting gives a soft, magical glow to your garden, and highlights plants, trees and other features. If you plan to entertain in the evenings in your garden, on the deck or on the patio, stronger floodlights which illuminate larger areas may be the most appropriate choice.

The next choice you need to make is the type of light source which will work best. Strong floodlights may require higher voltages, so it’s important to consult a qualified electrician to make sure they are installed safely. Low voltage mains powered and solar lights radiate a softer light, and are much easier to install and safer to use.

Cables for low voltage garden lighting fixtures can be buried at a shallow depth, or simply laid under some garden mulch. Naturally, solar lights don’t have power cables at all, but you need to place the solar cells in a position where they will be unobtrusive, but effective. Oil, kerosene and candle lanterns radiate a very gentle natural flame, and some warmth as well, and can work very well as soft accents around the garden, deck and patio.

For more information on lighting ideas please read this article on solar patio lighting.

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