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Outdoor lighting ideas for your garden

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Create a beautiful display in your garden this spring with some stunning outdoor lighting. 

It can make your outdoor space look pretty, but it can also be used creatively to help to make a space look bigger. 

Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about outdoor lighting, and share some of our favourite options on the market right now.

How outdoor lighting works

Outdoor lighting uses various power sources to illuminate bulbs and this can be through mains electricity, batteries or solar power, which captures sunlight during the day to charge a battery which will then power your outdoor lights through the night.

This can be through mains electricity, batteries or solar power, which captures sunlight during the day to charge a battery which will then power your outdoor lights through the night.

Outdoor lights are also used to withstand exposure to the elements, whilst often also having motion sensors.

This can help improve your security alongside the aesthetics of your garden.

Most modern lighting use low-voltage power for safety as well as cost-effectiveness.

Can outdoor lighting be used indoors?

Outdoor lighting can be used inside, should you wish, but indoor lights don’t tend to work very well outside, as they’re not weather proof.

Outdoor lights are robust and perfectly safe to use indoors – you just need to make sure they have the correct voltage, lighting type and UL rating.

Where to install outdoor lighting?

You can install outdoor lighting across your garden space, use them to decorate your fence or garden boundaries, illuminate pathways, or to add some character to your trees or bushes.

There are plenty of options available depending on the size of your garden and the look you are going for.

From garlands and lanterns to solar powered lamps, you’re bound to find something you love. 

Here are a few of Good Homes’ favourite designs… 

1. Magical fairy garden

If you’re after a fairytale style display for your garden, this beautiful outdoor lighting selection is perfect for you.

The TruGlow Waterproof Outdoor Candle Trio really gives this a mythical feel, which is further created using the 50 Warm White LED Micro Battery Outdoor Fairy Lights.

It adds interest to the seating area whilst creating an ethereal setting to the space.

outdoor lighting magical fairy garden
Photo: Lights4fun
  • Truglow waterproof outdoor candle trio, £22.49 – buy here
  • 50 warm white LED micro battery outdoor fairy lights, £7.99 – buy here

2. Garden path lighting

Light up your garden pathways with these easy to set up bollard outdoor lights.

Lighting up a pathway into your garden, perfectly placed around decking or anywhere else in the garden, these will always look fab.

The sleek design won’t go out of fashion and will complement your plants, as well as making it safe.

Outdoor lamps lighting pathway, goodhomesmagazine.com
Photo: Iconic lights
  • Wharf IP44 450mm Bollard in Black, £20.99 – buy here

3. Industrial chic wall light

Perfect for summerhouses, sheds and by the back door, this Bow Oval Bulkhead Wall Light will ensure you can clearly see where you’re going, whilst also fitting nicely into your garden décor.

We get serious holiday apartment vibes from the brushed chrome design, definitely a game-changer.

Outdoor light mounted on wall, goodhomesmagazine.com
Photo: Iconic lights
  • Bow IP64 Oval Bulkhead Wall Light in Brushed Chrome, £36.99 – buy here

4. Subtle festoon lights

Transform the look of your space in an instant by adding some hanging outdoor lights.

So simple yet so effective, these ProConnect warm white connectable festoon will immediately give your garden area a lift.

These will also work beautifully in smaller spaces such as balconies and patios, so a worthy investment.

Photo: Lights4fun
  • Pro Connect 5m 10 Warm White Connectable Festoon Lights White Cable, £44.99 – buy here

5. Dandelion solar stake light

Add a bit of excitement to your front garden with this stunning Dandelion solar stake light.

It can transform your front or back garden space with it’s enchanting glow.

It could look stunning guiding a pathway if you bought a few, or as part of a wider lighting display.

Photo: Sparkle Lighting
  • Dandelion solar light, £35.95 – buy here

6. Copper wall light

Made from raw copper, this Howick wall light is perfect to be fitted onto sheds and summerhouses.

It is motion sensor compatible so can enhance security around your back entrance as well as being aesthetically-pleasing.

The rustic design is stunning and the raw copper will only become more rustic and intriguing as it’s exposed to the air.

Photo: Garden Trading

7. Simple and stylish

Illuminate your home in a simpel yet stylish way with these affordable wall lights from B&Q.

The classy black will go with most styles and garden designs and they will lift up your outdoor areas.

outdoor wall light
Photo: B&Q
  • Fixed black outdoor wall light, £10 from B&Q – buy here

8. Shape Lights

Give your outdoor space a glow up with these stunning solar-powered shape lights.

They are perfect for outdoor celebrations and can be used both indoors and outdoors. They look stunning and will illuminate your space.

Photo: The Solar Centre
  • Shape Lights USB solar powered, £24.99 – buy here