Lighting in the garden – design a beautiful and functional space
Garden lighting has more functions than just practical illumination of a selected space. We expect it to combine practical, functional and decorative aspects. Design the lighting in your garden according to specialists’ tips and enjoy a well-thought-out relaxation space.
Designing garden lighting requires taking into account several issues that should combine in a harmonious way, meeting absolutely all the individual needs of the investor. Starting with the appropriate level of brightness for comfort after dark, through the decorating of the garden and accentuation of its selected zones, to the issues of practical comfort and functional amenities. Check what you should pay attention to when designing lighting in the garden.
Divide the garden into zones
Garden designs are very diverse. Relaxation zones, rockeries, paths, bushes and groves – this is just a small part of what can be found in the garden. The garden lighting project should take into account the individual needs of each zone where the light points are to be located. Each of them should also be illuminated in such a way as to emphasise its aesthetic values. Well-chosen garden lighting will turn the multi-dimensionally illuminated space into a beautiful, refined whole, eye-catching with exposed details.
For lighting the relaxation area, where there is a table and garden armchairs, and to illuminate the paths, choose light with a warm colour temprature, it is more cosy and creates a “warmer” atmosphere that promotes relaxation. Plants, in turn, look most beautiful in neutral and cool colour temperatures, emphasising their aesthetic values and bringing out the natural colours of flowers and greenery.
Choose the appropriate light source
Depending on what elements of the garden architecture need to be emphasised, we can choose different light sources. This applies to types of luminaires, their purpose and functionality.
For lighting the entrance to the house, stairs or the road leading to them, it is worth choosing luminaires with a motion sensor. These can be different garden lamps from one collection – check out the GTV Corta series, in which a coherent style will ensure a carefully refined effect. Wall lamps will be best for the façade, while the path leading to the entrance will be beautifully illuminated by lighting posts. However, you should be careful with motion sensors – if there are pets running around the garden, the dynamics of their motion may cause an accidental “disco” effect.
When illuminating plants, use luminaires with adjustable beam angle. With them, you can direct the lighting exactly where it is needed. In addition, adjustable luminaires allow you to reduce harmful light pollution and annoying shining directly into neighbours’ windows. A very practical idea is the aluminium GTV Diego fitting, providing control over the beam angle and convenient change of its direction at any time.
The queen of garden lighting – her majesty the filament bulb
Filament light sources are a decorative type of lighting that is also appreciated for its functional values. The decorative filament, although it looks like a “classic incandescent bulb”, is energy-efficient LED lighting, so it lasts longer. Filament bulbs are available in many different forms and shapes. Starting with the classic “bubble” in various sizes, through slender shapes – oblong, teardrop or cones. There are also rich finishes of such bulbs, classic glass, milk glass or smoked glass in a vintage style. It is also worth knowing that filament bulbs illuminate their entire surface, while traditional PC bulbs usually only shine upwards, mainly illuminating the interior of the lamp.
Luminaires you will love at first sight
The choice of lampshades and luminaires is, of course, crucial for aesthetics. The multitude of available possibilities can make one dizzy. As in matters of taste, there can be no disputes, let’s focus on functional considerations. The raw materials from which garden lampshades are made are different. Starting with the popular polystyrene, through the frequently chosen metal or plastic.
Polystyrene lampshades. Polystyrene is a thermoplastic plastic that allows for a wide variety of shapes and therefore, styles, but it tends to yellowing over time. So if you want to have peace of mind for many seasons when buying garden lighting, do not reach for polystyrene luminaires.
Metal luminaires. They are resistant to mechanical damage and scratches and available in a wide range of styles. Metal lampshades also cope perfectly with weather conditions, but they must be of sufficiently high quality so that they can easily overcome moisture, frost or strong sunlight. Garden lamps made of aluminium or stainless steel are a very good choice as garden lighting that will look great for many seasons to come.
Polycarbonate lampshades. Polycarbonate is the so-called safe glass. However, it only looks transparent as glass, but functionally it is much more durable. Polycarbonate lampshades are not only the least susceptible to yellowing, but they are also extremely resistant to impacts and cracks.
Plastic luminaires. They do not require grounding, do not rust and they are available in a wide range of patterns and colours to choose from. With a refined style – such as the GTV Paris LED luminaire – they look extremely modern and blend perfectly with both a classic, minimalist and modern garden.
Choose the size and power of the lighting to the size of your garden
Large lamps in a cosy nook for rest, multi-point light garlands over a small table or large lighting spheres in a small garden will disturb the aesthetics and dominate the garden decor. There are so many possibilities for garden lighting that you can choose lighting elements to suit the style, size and individual needs. Ultimately, lighting should blend into the arrangement, complementing it, but not playing the leading role.
Think about comfort and safety
Garden lighting elements and accessories available in this range will help to improve user comfort.
If you use a robotic lawnmower, use posts with power sockets. In addition to the robot charging station, you will gain electrical points in selected areas of the garden, and this can be useful in many situations.
When preparing a garden lighting project, remember about the possibility of connecting cables in the ground using special hermetic connectors, be sure to check the GTV WZL connectors. Waterproof cable connectors are available in various variants – with double or triple input. If you want to maintain a high level of tightness, select cables carefully – round ones will allow the seal to perfectly fit the cable surface.
