Mr Skill

Outdoor lighting is an effective means of highlighting the most attractive areas of your garden – and shading some of those which are less desirable. It is perfect for adding extra security to your garden, creating a karmic environment or for outside entertaining, and is certain to attract positive attention plus improve the appeal and value of your home.

Adding lighting effects need not be expensive. A modest lighting scheme may set you back less than a hundred pounds and can be done with the help of a local landscaper in London – although it may be more cost efficient to get some handyman quotes as well before you start. For more elaborate schemes you may need the assistance of a builder in London to help with the reconstruction of any patio areas, and you will definitely require the services of a London electrician as introducing any lighting scheme in your garden will need permission from Building Control before you start and Part P Approval once the work is completed. If it already seems like it is too much trouble – it´s not.  The additional security and value that you will achieve by brightening up your garden is extremely worthwhile.

You need not have an incredibly large garden either.  Small gardens can still be brought to life in the hours of darkness with selective lighting, although you should be careful – no matter what size of garden you have – not to cause undo light pollution and upset all your neighbours! Your choice of lights and lighting fixtures is going to be determined by what you want to achieve with your lighting and how much budget you have. It is well worth speaking with a few exterior design professionals and getting quotes from landscapers in London when you are in the concept stage of your garden lighting. There will be some things which are impractical to do, or your local electricians in London will advise you will not pass planning. Furthermore, consider where your power source is coming from. You may not want an electrical cable running across your lawn, and could benefit from the installation of solar lighting.

There are also many different lighting techniques that you may want to consider:-

Uplighting – This is a subtle way to light up gazebos, pergolas, large tree branches and the sides of buildings. Fixtures are normally fixed at low level or on the ground to create this effect.

Downlighting – Lighting fixtures situated above head level shine light down from trees, walls and roofs. This is a handy technique for illuminating large areas.

Spotlighting – Using spotlights to pick out individual features can be enchanting and create the impression of a deceptively large garden.

Crosslighting – This is where lights are placed on either side of an object (such as a tree or statue) to reveal more detail and create a more subtle shadow effect.

Silhouetting – An exceptionally effective form of lighting where the source of the light is positioned behind a large object to spray light out from behind.

Shadowing – where recessed lighting is placed in front of an object to cast dramatic shadows – often larger than the object itself!

Moonlighting – A romantic moonlight effect created by downlighting a subtle low-voltage light through the branches of trees.

Spread Lighting – This technique illuminates large flat areas, such as lawns and terraces, by creating a circular spread of light.

Water Lighting – If you have a water source, such as a pond or pool in your garden, you can integrate your existing water lighting with the improvements you are making to the rest of the garden. Although underwater lighting can be more expensive, the effects you can get are astonishing.

You may also want to consider lighting up paths, steps and decking.  This can be done in a number of ways, with the most popular being “walk-over” lights being built into the step. Disguising light sources under steps and handrails gives a more subtle light and makes a dark area of your garden safer to navigate.

Do not forget to think about colours as well! Green filters are a popular choice, and white lights bring out the best in water features. You may want to select a colour scheme which matches the summer plants throughout your garden or integrate a mixture of lighting ideas to compliment specific areas of your garden. Whichever you choose, the local tradesmen in London featured in our Tradesmen´s Directory will be keen to help with any inspiration you need to brighten up your garden with outdoor lighting.