A well-planned outdoor lighting scheme is a perfect way to extend the life of your garden at night. It can also make your home appear more welcoming to guests after dark, and create an overall mood for relaxing or entertaining. But there are many factors to consider, such as how bright your lights should be and where you want them to go.
To avoid glare, it’s recommended that you use light fixtures with frosted bulbs rather than clear ones, especially if you plan to sit under them. The frosted coating reduces the intensity of the light, so you can enjoy your garden without straining your eyes.
Another tip is to hang your lights high, around 30 feet up if possible. This will give you what’s known as a moonlighting effect, where the light is soft and reflected on the leaves of trees. It’s a great way to highlight larger plants or statues in your garden.
When installing your lights, be sure that you take the weather into account. Rain can damage a light fixture or lead to breakage, so it’s important to choose a light that’s sturdy enough to withstand the elements. Look for lights made from metals like steel and brass, which are less likely to rust or break. Also look for fixtures that are wet rated, which means they can be used in areas that get wet.