Create A Stunning Effect With Outdoor Lighting
As Summer gets into full swing the longer days and warmer evenings mean that you can entertain friends and family, or relax outdoors, well after sunset.
Garden lighting plays a pivotal role in transforming your outdoor space and enhancing your garden design – carefully chosen fixtures and considered placement can create a stylish ambiance that sets your garden apart from the crowd.
Beautifully handcrafted from solid brass and mouth-blown glass, the Agriframes collection of outdoor lighting has been designed to illuminate the outside of your home, pathways, decking and garden.
Constructed from high quality materials, each piece is uniquely made by pouring molten metal into traditional sand moulds. Designed for outside use, our lamps are weatherproof and have been carefully crafted to withstand the great British weather.
The Agriframes Lighting Collection takes inspiration from classic and vintage styles and is available in a range of finishes from heritage-style Aged Iron and Antique Brass to the more industrially-inspired Vintage Copper and Rustic appearances.
These are a few things to consider when adding lighting to your garden:
Define the purpose of the outdoor lighting
Before looking at anything else, think about the purpose of your outdoor lighting.
Are you looking to light pathways, highlight architectural features, or create a relaxing ambiance for entertaining?
Setting out with this purpose in mind will help you to understand what you want and need from your lighting design and make sure you achieve the results you are hoping for.
Look at you garden’s layout and features. Identify key areas you want to illuminate, such as pathways, patios, water features, and specific plants or trees. Consider the function of each area: Do you need bright, practical lighting or soft ambient light for relaxation?
Create a lighting plan that outlines where each light will go and the type of lighting required.
Consider the position of lighting
Strategic placement of lighting fixtures can significantly impact the overall ambiance of your garden. By combining different light sources you can achieve a balanced and visually appealing look, whilst maintaining consistency across your garden design.
Wall lights and lanterns are great for lighting up doorways or giving ambient lighting on the terrace with a traditional architectural style.
Bulkhead lights are both sturdy in construction and versatile - installed along pathways, on garden walls, or around outdoor seating areas they add industrial charm.
Layering lighting is also a great way to establish depth and dimension. Combine ambient lighting with wall lights, downlights lights, uplights and ground lights to cast a warm and glow across your garden.
Understand the style of your garden
Consider the style of your garden when selecting outdoor lighting options - is it a contemporary design with clean lines and minimalist features or more relaxed with lush greenery and natural elements? Choosing lighting fixtures that complement your garden aesthetic ensures that you enhance rather than dominate the existing scheme.
For example, in modern gardens choose sleek and modern designs, like the Wilton Box Lantern, while in more traditional or rustic landscapes our Fairford Bulkheads are ideal. By harmonising lighting choices with your garden's style, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor environment that invites relaxation and enjoyment year-round.
Invest in quality lighting
Investing in our hand crafted fixtures will save you from frequent replacements and maintenance - our outdoor fixtures are IP54 rated which means they’re weatherproof ensuring durability and reliability in all conditions.
Not only this, but they are also all crafted with robust, high-quality solid brass to ensure your outdoor lighting lasts for years to come.
Types of Garden Lighting
Pathway Lighting
Pathway lighting is essential for safety and navigation. Low-level lights, such Ashmore Downlights or Burford Spike Lights, are ideal for illuminating walkways and driveways. These lights should be spaced evenly to create a continuous line of light without overpowering the space.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used to highlight specific features in the garden, such as statues, fountains, or architectural elements. Uplights placed at the base of these features can create dramatic effects by casting shadows and adding depth.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting sets the overall mood of the garden. String lights and festoons are popular choices for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. These can be draped over pergolas, wrapped around trees, or hung along fences to add a soft, magical glow.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is functional lighting that illuminates specific areas for activities like cooking, dining, or reading. Bright, focused lights such as Swan neck or wall-mounted fixtures are suitable for outdoor kitchens and dining areas.
Choosing the Right Bulbs
The type of bulb you choose affects the quality and efficiency of your garden lighting. LED bulbs are the most popular choice due to their energy efficiency, longevity, and range of colour temperatures. They provide bright, consistent light and are available in various forms to suit different fixtures.
For a warm, cosy feel, opt for bulbs with a lower colour temperature (around 2700K). For a more modern, crisp look, choose higher colour temperatures (3000K-4000K). Smart bulbs, which can be controlled via apps, offer versatility in adjusting brightness and colour to suit different occasions.
Solar vs. Electric Lighting
Solar lights are an eco-friendly option that harnesses sunlight during the day to power the lights at night. They are easy to install and ideal for accent and pathway lighting – great for a party! However, their brightness and duration depend on the amount of sunlight received, which can be limiting in shaded areas or during winter months.
Electric lighting, on the other hand, offers more reliability and flexibility. While it requires wiring and installation, it provides consistent illumination regardless of weather conditions. A combination of both solar and electric lights can be used to balance eco-friendliness and functionality.
Consider energy-efficient and smart options
LED bulbs are the go to choice for outdoor lighting as they consume less energy, have a longer lifespan and are available in a range of colour temperatures to suit different moods. They also reduce your environmental footprint whilst cutting costs – a win-win for outdoor lighting.
You can incorporate smart lighting technology into you allowing you to adjust the brightness at the touch of a button to suit any occasion and set timers to control your lighting.
It is really important for the wildlife in your garden that lights are turned off at bedtime so that they can enjoy some total darkness during the night.
Installation Tips
Begin with essential lighting for pathways, entrances, and key activity areas to give a foundation that you can build upon with accent and ambient lighting.
Use a mix of different lighting types and levels to create a layered effect adding depth and visual interest.
Where possible position the light source to avoid glare and create a more natural look - Burford Spike lights work well hidden behind plants and structures.
Experiment with light placement to create interesting shadows and reflections. Uplighting trees and large plants can produce striking silhouettes, while lighting water features can create shimmering effects.
Incorporate timers, dusk-to-dawn sensors, or smart controls to automate your lighting. This ensures your garden is lit when needed and conserves energy when it’s not.
Seasonal Adjustments
Garden lighting needs may change with the seasons. In summer, focus on ambient and task lighting for outdoor gatherings. In winter, prioritise pathway and security lighting to navigate and protect your garden. Adjusting the lighting scheme to match seasonal plant growth ensures your garden looks its best year-round.
By combining different types of lighting, choosing the right bulbs, and considering seasonal changes, you can create a garden that is not only beautiful but also functional. Whether you’re highlighting specific features or creating a welcoming atmosphere for entertaining, well-designed garden lighting can transform your outdoor space into a captivating nocturnal landscape.
