Outdoor lighting can make an evening meal, a catch-up with friends or a quiet moment outside feel more inviting. Start with one area you already use, rather than trying to light the entire garden.
For a simple decorating project, focus on portable, solar or battery-powered options designed for outdoor use.
Begin with the seating area
A lantern on a table can create a small pool of light where people gather. Keep it in a stable position with enough room for plates and glasses.
Choose a brightness that suits the activity. You may want more light for dinner and a softer setting once the table is cleared.
Use string lights to define a space
Decorative string lights can frame a patio or add interest above a seating area.
Check the product’s mounting instructions and use suitable supports. Keep lights clear of walkways, doors and moving branches. Avoid attaching them in ways that pinch or damage the cable.
Give solar lights a suitable position
Solar lights need access to daylight to recharge. Before placing them, look at how shade moves across your garden or balcony.
A spot that looks sunny in the morning may sit under cover for most of the day. Follow the product’s guidance, and expect operating time to vary with weather and available sunlight.
Keep steps and paths easy to see
Decorative lighting creates atmosphere, but steps and changes in level need practical attention too.
Look for dark patches and glare from a person’s usual walking direction. Keep fixtures out of the walking area and avoid relying on faint decorative lights as the only illumination for a hazard.
Check the whole setup
Use products suited to the exposure they’ll receive. An outdoor rating doesn’t automatically mean a light can be submerged or left in every weather condition.
Keep any plugs and connections protected as instructed. Fixed wiring and new outdoor power points should be handled by a licensed electrician.
Finally, view the space from indoors and consider neighbouring windows. Direct light toward the area you use and switch it off when it’s no longer needed.