Outdoor lighting can transform your garden into a stunning night-time retreat, but when done wrong, it can lead to discomfort, wasted energy, and a less-than-ideal aesthetic. To help you get the best results, we’re sharing five common outdoor lighting mistakes and how to avoid them.
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Glare – The Biggest Offender
Glare is the number one mistake people make when installing garden lighting. It happens when a light is too bright, positioned incorrectly, or lacks shielding—causing unnecessary eye strain and discomfort.
Common glare issues include:
- Wall-mounted lights positioned too high and shining directly down on seating areas, making it uncomfortable to enjoy an evening outdoors.
- Deck lights or step lights facing straight up, which can blind people rather than providing useful illumination.
- Lights that shine in the wrong areas instead of subtly enhancing key features.
How to avoid glare:
- Carefully position lights to avoid direct eye exposure.
- Use shields, eyelids, or honeycomb filters to diffuse brightness.
- Consider indirect lighting techniques to create a softer, more inviting atmosphere.
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Choosing the Wrong Colour Temperature
Colour temperature determines the warmth or coolness of your outdoor lighting. It’s measured in Kelvins (K), and the right balance is crucial for a cohesive look.
The ideal range:
- Aim for 2700K – 3000K, which closely mimics natural daylight and enhances the beauty of your garden.
- Avoid mixing different colour temperatures, as this can create a mismatched and unappealing effect.
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Overlighting the Space
More light doesn’t always mean better lighting. Overlighting can wash out your garden’s natural beauty and diminish the impact of subtle highlights and silhouettes.
Signs of overlighting:
- Too many fixtures in one area.
- Lights that are too powerful for the space.
- Incorrect beam angles, such as using a wide-angle light where a spotlight would be more effective.
A simple rule to follow: If you can’t see the stars while standing in your garden, your lighting is too bright!
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Buying Light Fittings Without a Plan
Impulse shopping for garden lights often leads to a scattered and ineffective design. Instead of buying fixtures simply because they look nice in a showroom, consider the function of each light.
What to plan for:
- Do you need to light up steps or pathways for safety?
- Are you highlighting a water feature, statue, or trees?
- What mood or effect are you trying to create?
Having a clear plan will ensure your lighting enhances your space rather than feeling disjointed.
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Choosing Low-Quality Fittings
Cheap outdoor lights may seem like a bargain at first, but they often fail within a few years, leading to additional costs in replacements and repairs.
How to identify quality fittings:
- Check the warranty—longer warranties usually indicate better durability.
- Ensure the fittings are waterproof and designed for outdoor use.
- Look at the materials, powder-coated finishes may look good initially, but if the metal underneath isn’t properly treated, they won’t last long.
Get Professional Advice
If you’re unsure about any aspect of outdoor lighting, consult with a professional. The right advice can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Final tip: Don’t compromise on quality—cheap lights often end up being the most expensive mistake of all.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a beautifully illuminated outdoor space that enhances your garden’s features while ensuring safety and longevity. Happy lighting!