Garden Lighting Products
Garden lighting is very big business, worth millions of dollars every year. There are so many different products about that we are spoiled for choice. For every need you might have there is something to cater for it, and more innovative and tasteful lights come out on a weekly basis. For the widest choice then going online is the best option by far. In under an hour you can browse through catalogs to your heart’s content, and pick up some great ideas to style your garden in the process.
However, there is nothing better than viewing these products in the flesh, so a trip to garden center should also be on your list of things to do. There is no delivery charge here so bear that in mind. An online light may be cheaper at first, but when you add the shipping charge it may work out more expensive. You also have to wait for delivery from online shopping.
Spot lighting is one of the most common types used in gardens all round the world. They are quick to set up and you can adjust them very easily to change angle. Some of the latest kinds can change the intensity of the light, which you can use to reflect you mood if you like! Others rotate at differing speeds, and can do the work of many lights on their own. Colored bulbs are popular for changing the mood of the garden, which is good for the changing seasons. In summer you can bathe the garden in purples and blues to shine on the blooming flowers, and in autumn you can change this to more neutral colors.
Wrought iron light housings work well if you have other items of iron, such as railings. The light bulb is contained within a very stylish little house or lantern, and some even have leaded windows that have patterns on them, which will reflect across the lawn or plants and create shapes and shadows. The wrought iron will also weather very nicely, and they are very durable, and should last for many years without hardly any attention.
So back to the different kinds of light you may come across. Bollard lights are mostly used to light driveways and paths. They come in different heights, ranging from very small to over two feet high. The shape is like a small post, and that is what they are. The most common housing units come in aluminium, brass, copper, stainless steel, bronze and hardwood. Dimmer switches can be used to create a soft glow along the path that is inviting and brings calmness. This can work wonders to change your mood as you get home after a stressful day at work. In general, the light is contained in the stick, as opposed to being on top of the stick.
Colored lighting can be used to transform any garden in an instant. Usually the light casing has a colored filter that it used to create the effect. Most spotlights work in this manner, and you can change the filter color for a different color if needed. The typical colors used are red, yellow, green, purple, blue and white. There are other more elaborate colors such as moonlight which produces a cooling effect just like the moonlight. This is achieved by increasing the temperature of the bulb, and is mostly used with halogen lights. Honeycomb filters will spread the light over a wider range, and also split the beam into many unique patterns.
Downlights and wall spotlights are used to point light in one direction. The downlight needs to placed up high and pointed downwards. Popular places are on walls, beams and on posts. The spot lights can be adjusted at different angles to point at a patio or a certain feature you want illuminated. Downlights can also be placed in tree branches and have a hook that fits over the branches. If you use these then be careful not too put them in too deep or the branches and leaves may stop the light shining through. Adding frosted filters can help spread the beam all over the branches and gives an extra sparkle.
Floodlights are generally used for security and just lighting up an area. They are usually on a sensor that comes on when you trigger it. You can also just have it connected to the wall socket and switch it on when you are about to go outside. Fitting a timer is also a useful idea for security when your not home and may deter any unwanted people because they are highly visible in your garden. The lamps are very powerful and do use a lot of electricity. Halogen is the most popular kind of bulb for these outdoor lights. The beam is not very focused, and will spread out all over the place, which is the intended result.
Ok this post has gone on quite a bit, and there are many other lights to get through so i think i will make another post and continue this on the next post.
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A Few Simple Lighting Tips
There are hundreds of ways to light your garden, and no shortage of products to help you achieve this. The proliferation of lighting products can make a fairly simple process more complex than it needs to be. By sticking to a few simple rules you can save yourself both time and cash.
First of all you need to decide what features you want to illuminate, and what type of lighting will be best suited for this job. Take a close look at your garden and note down the most prominent features such as plants, shrubs, flower beds, trees, decking, patio or pathways, flagged or lawned areas, and finally any existing garden furniture such as gazebos or benches. These are the basic framework of most gardens, and you need to decide which parts you want to highlight, and which parts you don’t. Sometimes being subtle with your lighting is the best solution, you don’t want to overdo things.
The nest step is to decide the type of lights you need and the materials they are made from. Most lights are going to weather in time, so the original material can be important as you ideally want something that will blend in with the surroundings. Aluminium and copper are two very popular types of material that weather very well and are usually powder coated to prolong their life. Bear in mind that sometimes they may become blotched if there is a lot of pollution near to your garden.
Lighting decking is typically done with recessed led lights which look fantastic when fitted. The downside is the cost, which can be very expensive if you have a large decking area. The same applies to pathways and patio areas as well as garden steps. Make sure you have a good idea of how many you will need before you even go searching. A quick trip to any garden center will get you some expert advice for free so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
It is perfectly possible to plan everything yourself, and it can be good to experiment as you go along. You will learn much more this way and it will cost you less than hiring a designer to charge you a small fortune for something you could do yourself. Probably the most important part is to make sure you get a qualified electrician to install any electrical accessories such as transformers and cables. Work this cost into your budget as part of your planning.
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