Garden Lighting Ideas information from Garden Lighting London, Exterior lighting design, installation and supplies for London & the home counties |
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When it comes to lighting a garden its is always important to identify the different areas of the garden and how you wish to use them. We would always recommend a visit by a trained garden lighting designer who will know exactly what will and will not work. Below area some examples of the different types of area to consider and avoid.
A pergola or seating area where you plan to eat / relax outdoors would mainly require down lights as this is the best way of lighting this area in terms of practicality and look. Strong up lighting should be avoided as will tend to dazzle the viewer and diminish the overall effect. Up lights can be used but we would recommend they are used against the uprights of the pergola or for example small trees and shrubs just out side the pergola boundary.
Lawns can be very tricky to light as they usually require a large spread of strong light which tends to ruin the overall effect of the rest of the garden. In our experience the lawn area is best left in darkness as it tends to frame the other area of interests which are lit and provide a strong emphasise on depth.
Drive ways are another interesting feature and can be lit in various ways from recessed LEDs to down lighting from trees. The main aim for this type of area is to get the delicate balance between practicality and beauty which when done well can transform a house and garden.
Large trees are always fantastic to light and really make a garden stand out. There are lots of different ways of lighting trees but in our experience this is always governed by the surrounding area. An example would be a large tree in the middle of a lawn would require recessed lights in the ground with another three or four in the tree to catch the main canopy. The only time we would not light a large tree would be if there was a strong light source that would interfere such as a street lamp.
Retaining walls and path walls are fantastic to light as they add definition which again provides depth to the overall effect of the garden lighting scheme. They can also add to the practically use of paths by subtly lighting them in a very soft and inviting way.
Water features are another must when it comes to lighting your garden. The use of water can add both movement to the light and reflect mirror images that can turn your scheme into something amazing and beautiful.
We hope the lighting ideas above give you a small but insightful introduction in terms of areas to consider and areas to avoid. If you have an area that is causing you problems and you would like help in designing or over coming specific lighting problems please feel free to send a photo via email and we will provide advice and guidance.
design@gardenlightinglondon.co.uk
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