We would like you to get as many hours out of your Sloane and Sons Garden Benches as you can. Why go indoors when the sun goes down? Why allow the vibrancy of your borders and the grooming of your lawn to fade into the shadows? With some extraordinary outdoor lights, you can extend the show into dusk, and then well into the night.
So, which outdoor lights are best? Here is a quick tour of the most recommended illumination for your garden.
Top Outdoor Lights
First, you need to decide what type of lighting you want. Fixed lights are excellent for security. You can choose low-level globes or sticks, which help to emphasise areas of particular beauty in your planting, or you can purchase string lighting – that adds an element of the carnival, of the Spanish bar-front after dark.
John Lewis offers an excellent wall lantern for a solid, fixed light. The Nordlux Vejers wall lantern looks stylish and would add to the appearance of your outside wall – as well as sending a strong beam of light into the garden. The fins are not just there for design either – this detailing disperses the light – giving a gentle effect – with light washing out across your outdoor space.
If you do not want something so permanent but still want something that offers a bold fixed point of light, then you should try the Menu Carrie LED table lamp. This is a globe that comes in its own metal carry case and can sit on your garden bench or table and offer light where you need it. These are a little more expensive than your fixed wall lantern but it does offer flexibility and versatility – and gives a wonderful radiant glow.
Photo source Mr.Cheangchai Noojuntuk/Shutterstock
But why not have more fun? Festoon lights are particularly popular in the modern garden – with long streams of bulbs to give that festival feel. The wires can extend over 12 metres and can come with a plug for indoor and outdoor use.
If you are looking for something a little simpler, with solar power and easy installation – then Argos offer a set of 6 solar marker lights for less than £10. These simple lights push into your borders and mark out the edges of your lawn or paved area. These stake markers are only as good as the amount of sun we have – and you certainly won’t be able to read by the light they cast off – but solar lights are simple and effective at adding a light marker to the edges of your garden.
A favourite is the Highwayman Large Lantern. These lantern cases are beautiful – and they house a candle. What could be simpler and more pleasurable than the flickering of candlelight from a beautifully crafted case. Waitrose offer these lanterns in three sizes and you could splash out – get a combination of lanterns – and fill up your patio with an array of gentle glow. You would never want to go back in the house again!
Some Essential Tips
If you want to maintain the texture and depth of your garden, it is likely that you will want a combination of lighting in your garden. Each of the spaces will hold different challenges and reveal different delights – it might be that fairy lights are perfect in one corner – but a led neon light for a more striking effect may be needed in another part of the garden. It is a good idea to come up with a plan and then design the lights around your desires. Sure, there is some pleasure in being surprised by the impacts and effects that lighting can bring – but why not plan which outdoor lights are best for which area. You could get some fab inspiration from www.neonfilter.com.
Here are the most important points to remember: go for specialised outdoor lights – the weather is not our friend at times and outdoor lights are designed to resist being dowsed in water! Cheap is not always best with garden lighting – it is often best to invest more and see your lights last. Finally, before putting a megawatt spotlight on your wall – have a think about whether you need to speak to the neighbours.
Photo source Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock
