Outdoor Lighting Ideas

It’s the summer season and the time of year when we all break out the BBQs and outdoor entertainment to make the most of the (limited) sunshine and warmth. With the long summer days it is easy to enjoy our gardens from early morning until late evening, but what if we want to carry on partying into the night? A selection of outdoor lighting will ensure that your garden, patio or balcony is illuminated well into the early hours of the morning and creates a stylish and elegant ambiance in your chosen space.

If your garden features large trees, foliage and trellises then why not make use of the wide variety of clear or coloured outdoor fairy lights that are available on the market this summer. These outdoor string lights can be battery or solar powered and feature waterproofed wires to ensure they can be left outside in all weathers. Wrap them around the base of your trees or drape around the branches for a magical and delicate finish. They can also be hung in swag style formation along a hedge row or intertwined with a climbing pant through a trellis or arch for a refined feminine finish.

Lanterns are the perfect way to add some light to a seating or dining area and create a romantic feel that is perfect for enjoying a candlelit dinner for two. Shabby chic style lanterns will create a fresh coastal feel that brings a sense of the great British seaside into your outdoor spaces. For a more Mediterranean or Moroccan style garden then select some mosaic or metal filigree lanterns that can be placed in the centre of your table or lined up along a wall or pathway for zoned areas of subtle light. Use tall pillar candles for optimum light or select led powered candles for extra safety around children. Alternatively you can fill your lanterns with fairy lights for a combination of outdoor lighting styles.

One of the best times to think about your outdoor lighting is before you start designing your garden layout and finish. If you are planning on transforming your garden with a patio, decking area or new fencing then your lighting can be built into your design making it a permanent and key feature of your outdoor area. Small spotlights can be built into your decking and patio areas and provide the perfect amount of illumination to ensure you can enjoy your garden at any time of day or night. If your seating area is directly connected to the rear of your property then you can add some wall mounted lights to the exterior of the building and they can be controlled from switches inside the home without the need to run any electric to the outside areas.

Solar lights make a simple and cost effective addition to a garden area and are a low maintenance option that can be displayed in a wide variety of styles and designs. If you want to create a fun, festival inspired outdoor area then a selection of wicker ‘Tiki’ style torches will look fabulous encircling a decking or patio area or look great lining a path or drive way to welcome your party guests. Solar powered plant pots are available across the high street and provide a striking visual focal point that can be used to accentuate a selection of potted palms, banana plants or orange trees for a stylish, tropical feel.

For more outdoor lighting ideas that will transform your exterior spaces, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Outdoor Lighting