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Whether it’s for the purpose of night-time entertaining, evening aesthetics, security or simply so you can see where you’re going, adding lights outdoors brings your garden to life. Here’s the inspiration you need to light up the night.
Set the mood
Glowing pathways, lit up by candles flickering in enclosed lanterns are so appealing! Look for lanterns that can be spiked straight into the lawn or garden beds, then insert wax candles or battery-powered models for added safety. Tiki-style oil lanterns are also fabulous for that appealing resort vibe at home – especially when fuelled with citronella oil to keep the mozzies at bay.
Add twinkle factor
Continue the charming candlelight theme by suspending glass jars with wire handles from tree branches in your backyard. To do this: fill each jar with a smidge of water and place a wax float candle on top. Hello, romantic evening under the stars!
Go with the glow
Enjoy evenings spent with your nearest and dearest by the glow of candlelight. Group together a mix ‘n’ match of decorative lanterns, then light up the night with wax or battery-powered candles. Can’t you just picture these beauties in the centre of your table after a delicious meal? Cheers to that!
Pathway power
Make the journey through your garden a well-lit one with lanterns dotted every half-metre or so along the way. Shop for solar-powered models in traditional shapes that can be hooked over a metal stake, just like this example – cute as!
Starring solar
By day, the power of the sun charges garden lights like these, then at night they do their best to light up your yard. Ideal uses include along your pathways, around garden beds and indicating the entry to your driveway. Best bit? You just spike them in!
Traditional touches
For cottage gardens, look for classic-shaped lighting options. Again, models like this sparkler are solar-powered so they don’t require batteries or cords, and rather than placing them alongside pathways – try pushing them between your plantings to add evening ambience out in your yard
In the mood
Highlight feature trees and plantings in your garden with upward-facing spotlights. This technique looks fab in tropical schemes, especially when used to light up the trunks and sculptural foliage of palms. Our tip? Have your electrician install a series of exterior-quality spotlights on a timer so you don’t have to worry about flicking them on and off.
Front door friend
A light by your front door makes getting the key in the lock easy to achieve! For a more traditional look, go for an exterior-quality light fitting that suits the classic architectural elements of your home. For contemporary homes, shop the market to find clean-lined models you love!
Look, no hands!
There’s nothing worse, or more dangerous, than arriving home in the absolute pitch-black of night. Avoid this by having your electrician install exterior lights on motion sensors so that when you get to your front gate – your driveway, front entrance, garage (or anywhere you see fit) is suitably lit up. Ta-da! Psst… Motion sensors and lights on automatic timers assist in spooking unwelcome visitors, too.
It’s party time!
The trend of suspending a string of exterior party lights is nothing new; there has just been a shift to using clear bulbs rather than a spectrum of retro colours. These festive beauties look best zigzagged overhead under verandahs or patios, or strung up as a single length above a long dining table for special occasions. Party on!
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