When it comes to designing an outdoor space, garden lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing both functionality and ambiance. However, many homeowners fall into common traps when purchasing garden lights. Here’s a breakdown of the eight most common mistakes people make when buying garden lighting, and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Lighting
One of the biggest mistakes people make is selecting the wrong type of lighting for their garden. Garden lighting is not one-size-fits-all. It’s essential to understand the various types of lights available spotlights for highlighting features, path lights for safety, and ambient lighting for creating mood. If you fail to use the right type of lighting for each part of your garden, it can lead to either an over-lit or under-lit space.
2. Ignoring Lighting Placement
The placement of your garden lights is as important as the type of lighting. One common error is placing lights too close to the ground or too high, causing awkward shadows or ineffective lighting. Strategic placement, like under trees to create a dramatic effect or along pathways for safety, ensures you achieve both functionality and visual appeal.
3. Forgetting to Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Many people still overlook the benefits of energy-efficient garden lighting, such as LED lights and solar-powered options. Traditional bulbs consume more energy, leading to higher electricity bills. LED lights, on the other hand, last longer and consume significantly less power. Solar-powered lights are an even greener alternative, harnessing sunlight during the day to light up your garden at night.
4. Overlooking the Importance of Durability
Garden lighting is exposed to the elements—rain, wind, snow, and sun. Buying cheaper, low-quality lights may seem appealing initially, but they are likely to deteriorate quickly. Always look for weather-resistant, waterproof lighting fixtures that are built to last.
5. Not Having a Clear Lighting Plan
Without a well-thought-out plan, it’s easy to end up with a garden that’s either over-illuminated or full of dark spots. Before purchasing any lights, think about which areas need lighting and the purpose of each fixture. Consider the pathways, seating areas, plants, and architectural features that you want to highlight. A lighting plan will save you from buying too many or too few lights.
6. Focusing Only on Aesthetics
While it’s tempting to choose lights based purely on how they look, functionality should be equally considered. Lights that are too bright can create glare, making it uncomfortable for outdoor gatherings, while dim lights may not provide enough visibility for safety. Choose lighting that balances both form and function, ensuring it complements the overall design while serving its purpose effectively.
7. Neglecting Professional Installation
Some garden lighting installations can be complex, especially if they require wiring or involve electrical work. Homeowners often make the mistake of attempting DIY installations, which can lead to safety hazards or inefficient setups. In most cases, it’s best to consult a professional, especially for larger projects, to ensure that everything is installed safely and correctly.
Another one with this is booking the electrician for the same day that the lights are due to arrive, so even a small delay could end up with the electrician wasting time and charging you for it. Also, not consulting the electrician carefully enough. It is not unusual for the client to buy 12 volt lights to find the electrician has laid the cable for 240 volt lights so the whole project has to be delayed until that is resolved.
8. Failing to Consider Maintenance
All garden lights require some form of maintenance. However, some lighting options are more demanding than others. Solar lights, for example, require regular cleaning to ensure the panels receive adequate sunlight. Homeowners often forget to factor in maintenance when buying garden lights, leading to neglected or broken fixtures. Before purchasing, think about how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in keeping your lights functioning well.