The Ultimate Guide To Garden Lights and Outdoor Comfort
As winter draws to a close, now’s the perfect time to start thinking about transforming your garden into a comfortable haven. From an abundance of exciting lighting options to the benefits of investing in outdoor heating, there’s plenty of things you can do to make your outdoor spaces more cosy and inviting. Our ultimate guide to garden lights and outdoor comfort reveals all…
Light up your garden
Garden lights are a simple but effective way to completely transform an outdoor space. From floodlights to outdoor lanterns, there’s a host of choices available. Here are a few of the most popular options:
LED garden lights
LED garden lights are highly preferred by people due to their energy-efficient construction. Besides, these lights are available in various designs like garden spikes, ground lights, etc. They are usually powered by a low voltage power source and can last for a long time.
Floodlights
Floodlights are perfect for houses with large gardens and backyards. These lights are known for high coverage and bright lighting. Besides, they are designed to withstand all kinds of climatic conditions. Be it heavy storms or snow; floodlights would still function the same.
Wall lights
These lights are perfect for both indoor and outdoor lighting. You can install them in the fence, and it will illuminate the entire garden. The best thing about these lights is that there are lesser chances of tripping or knocking them down. Some of these lights come with sensors and alarms to notify about intruders.
Landscape lighting
Also known as in-ground lights, these lamps are designed to illuminate trees, fountains, and other areas of a garden. For installing a landscape light, you have to dig up a hole in the garden and then put it there. It gives off a more ambient look to the entire yard.
Ceiling lighting
If you have a small garden on your balcony, then a ceiling light would be enough to brighten up the entire area. They come in various designs and do not need much maintenance. The most popular ceiling designs are flush mounts and pendant lights. While flush mounts are directly attached to the ceiling, pendant lights come with a rod or chain for the installation process.
Post lights
Post lights are also known as path lights and are highly preferred for gardens with walking paths. The best thing about these lights is that you can either mount them on low poles to illuminate small areas or increase their coverage by using tall poles.
String lights
If you’re going for the basics, string fairy lights can be very effective. Drape them around trees or decking for a magical effect.
If you’re planning on investing in some new garden lights, here’s some useful information you may want to keep in mind:
- Lighting systems with solar energy as their power supply is highly preferable as they are energy-efficient, affordable, and environment-friendly. Such lighting systems only require solar panels that will absorb the sun’s rays and charge the entire circuit. Once it is completely charged, the bulbs will light up the garden throughout the night.
- Garden lights with motion sensors can notify you about intruders. These sensors are designed to monitor movement and switch on the lights when anyone is near the vicinity. By doing so, you get to know if there is any person lurking in your garden and get immediate help.
- Battery life is important to consider when purchasing any type of garden light. If the run time is low, then the lighting system would be of no use. For solar-powered bulbs, the average battery life should be around 8-10 hours. However, for LED bulbs, the battery life can be a few weeks or months.
Select some quality outdoor seating choices
To stay comfortable and stylish throughout spring, you’re going to want to invest in some quality garden furniture and outdoor seating options. Popular choices include:
Cocoon chair
A cocoon chair provides the ultimate retreat throughout the seasons for one, two, or three people. And they’re super-stylish, too, working well with any modern scheme.
Daybed
Want to turn a space in your garden into a cosy sanctuary for snoozing beneath the sun? Then a gorgeous daybed might be the best garden furniture for you. Make sure you pair it with comfortable bedding and ensure you put on plenty of sunscreen if you’re planning on taking a long nap.
Corner sofa
If you love a classic look that will never go out of style, opt for a comfy corner sofa. This the ultimate solution for cosy outdoor living – with plenty of designs available, you’re bound to find the perfect fit.
Hanging chair
Hanging chairs are all the rage right now, and we’re not surprised! By keeping tones neutral, they make a sophisticated statement to any patio or decking space – they’re also likely to be a big hit with kids.
Hammock
If you’d love to lie back and look at a canopy of leaves on a sunny weekend afternoon, then why not invest in a quality hammock? It’s a lovely way to get back to nature and is sure to help any stresses melt away.
Don’t forget to complement your exciting new seating area with a plethora of cushions, throws and blankets to maximise the comfort.
Create an outdoor spa
If you’ve been fantasising about long summer nights in a hot tub with a glass of wine or two, then make it happen. There’s nothing more relaxing than spending time outside in water – so whether it’s a pool or hot tub you’re after, make the investment now to create a lifetime of happy memories.
Stay cosy with a garden fire pit or heater
Outdoor heating is essential if you want to stay warm and cosy while enjoying nights in your garden. Here’s some of the most popular heating options available, alongside their benefits:
Firepits and fire baskets
If your aim is to impress, an outdoor firepit or fire basket is the perfect outdoor heating solution. Designed to look like a freestanding open fireplace, usually made from steel or cast iron, they make a stunning focal point in any space after the sun goes down.
The heat element comes from burning wood, which you’ll need to make sure is untreated and unpainted for a clean burn.
Outdoor firepits and baskets can serve several purposes:
- They generate heat just as a traditional open fire would.
- They can be used as an incinerator.
- Some models can be used as a traditional charcoal BBQ if you put a cooking grill over the flame.
Outdoor electric heaters
An easy and budget friendly way to heat your garden is with an electric patio heater – simply plug it in, flick a switch and enjoy instant warmth.
You can choose from several types of outdoor electric heater – ranging from floor, tabletop freestanding models and wall-mounted electric heater units. Some can even be used in your garage or workshop.
An outdoor heating lamp is also one of the best outdoor heating options for small spaces, such as balconies or courtyards, which may not be suitable for fire pits.
Invest in a summerhouse
If you’ve got a large amount of unused garden space, a summerhouse could be a great investment. Here are just a few benefits of installing or renovating a summerhouse:
- Summerhouses are a great extension of your current living space and provide you with that extra room that you can use all year round.
- A summerhouse is a great place to carry out your favourite hobbies without disturbing the rest of your house.
- Installing a summerhouse will increase your property value.
- Wooden summerhouses are extremely energy efficient, so you’ll be able to save on bills.
Woburn Sands Garden Centre has been operating as your local independent garden centre for over 50 years, stocking everything you could want in your garden. So whether you’re looking for garden furniture, BBQs, lighting, compost, plants or lawn care, shop with ustoday. We offer click & collect, home delivery or come in and browse in-store.