Introduction
During the warm months, there is nothing nicer than being able to sit outside with friends and family, and just because the sun has gone down, there is no need to end the fun. With the right outdoor lighting, you can enhance your home’s outside space, improve security and make it look visually appealing too. There are lots of options to choose from, which is why we’ve got you covered with tips and ideas for lighting up your yard, so read on to find out more.
Things to Consider Before Installing Outdoor Lights
Before you start buying fixtures and installing outdoor lights, you need to make sure you have a plan. Here are some things to consider:
Firstly, what is the purpose of lighting up the garden? Are you doing it for security purposes, to highlight landscape features or to make your garden look pretty for guests? Defining the ‘why’ will shape the ‘how’.
You need to think about power sources- will you use low-voltage wiring or line-voltage? Consider solar options for eco-friendly, no-fuss installation.
Where are you going to put the lights? Aim for depth and shadows, highlighting textures where you can. You also need to check the IP rating of the lights- look for at least IP65 for outdoor use, so your lights are dust-tight and water-resistant.
Outdoor Lighting Ideas
Different areas of your yard serve different purposes, so they need unique lighting treatments. Here are some ideas:
On the Patio
Ollny solar string lights are the perfect choice for setting the mood around a patio. They can be hung around seats or hung from pergolas, adding an easy, magical glow to your outdoor space. Because they are solar-powered, they require no outlets so they are easy to install and easy on your bills too.
Around the Pool
Transform your pool into a stunning lit-up oasis that you can enjoy after hours. You can suspend Ollny patio lights above the pool for a starry effect, or drape them across the length of the pool in a canopy pattern. This warm illumination wraps around and reflects on the water, perfect for cozy evening swims or gatherings with friends.
On the Fence
Drape Ollny outdoor string lights across the top of your fences for a simple yet effective and warm look. You can design them however you want, drape them simply or wrap them around posts for a more detailed and creative design. You can even hang them in layers or have them dangling in the breeze to let the soft warm glow surround you as you enjoy your outside space.
In the Garden
Wrap Ollny string lights around your trees to illuminate them and create a magical glow around them. You can either hang them on a swing, along the branches or wrap them around the trunk for a hint of romance and to create a striking visual effect. You can go one step further and cover bushes with net lights for a special sparkle too- warm white is the best for creating a cozy atmosphere.
Under Eaves
Use Ollny rope lights under your eaves to add a stunning glow to your home when the sun goes down. You can run them along the roof line to outline the house in a glow that is warm and inviting, keeping it classic with a warm white colour, or adding multicolors for a bit of flare!
Along the Path
Ollny Solar Spotlights can be placed at the base of trees or plants along your pathway for a deep glow. Angle them towards unique textures in your space, like stone walls or grass for visual interest, avoiding glare where you can.
What are the Types of Outdoor Lighting?
There are countless options when it comes to lighting your outside space- whether you want to use it on your roof, walkways, patios, trees or your pool. For patio lighting, solar string lights or icicle lights are best. Balconies and trees work well with string lights, and the rest of the garden can look great with LED string lights, pool lights or solar lights.
How Do You Pick a Color of Light?
There are three things you should base your color choice on: one is matching your home’s style- black or chrome for modern homes, and bronze or brass for traditional. You should also coordinate with hardware, matching door handles and gutters with your lights. Thirdly, you should blend or contrast the lights to hide the fixture, or go darker to let it stand out. Black or white are always great options if you can’t decide.
Is Warm White or Cool White Better for Outdoor Lights?
Warm white is better for outdoor living spaces- it is warm, cozy and yellow which is perfect for creating a relaxing space. Cool white is brighter and harsher, so is better for security lighting.
Conclusion
The lights you choose for your outdoor space transform it from a simple, dark area to somewhere you can enjoy spending time in long after the sun goes down. Whether you opt for magical looking string lights, dramatic white spotlights or illuminate your pool with solar lights, you can easily make your outdoor space a relaxing retreat. Try one of these concepts, and enjoy your backyard all summer long.
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