Types of garden lighting
For the optimum effect, you have a choice of different types of garden lighting such as:
- Wall Lights
- Garden posts
- Pedestals
For extra accentuation of garden paths, lawn, borders or the driveway, for example, use:
- Ground/recessed lighting
- Spot
All of these types are available in a variety of styles. But, whichever style you prefer, in doing so, obviously prefer to choose the alternatives that are the most environmentally friendly; LED and solar.
Goals garden lighting (lighting plan)
Broadly speaking, you make a choice between ambient lighting and functional lighting. That is the first basis on which the choice is made. Also look at the options in the garden. Where do you have space at all to place garden lighting and where is what kind of light required at what times? This is how you quickly arrive at a certain type of lighting. Then see which one you like best. Very simple really.
Functional lighting
- This is lighting that increases safety. Consider lights near the shed/garage, back door or along a path or driveway. Good lighting is not only convenient but can also increase safety. For example, place lights in dark hallways or to illuminate certain stairways. A garden with well-placed lighting is also less attractive to burglars
Mood lighting
- With this, we put elements in the "spotlight." With the right mood lighting, you'll enjoy them in the evening and in winter, too. Choose ground spots under a tree or directional spots to highlight a border.
For mood lighting, there are truly endless possibilities. Lamps intended for safety have more requirements. For example, the light must be brighter and brighter. Do you want a lamp based on a motion sensor or do you opt for a structurally burning lamp? For jobs in the dark, there are also lamps with a wide beam so that everything is powerfully illuminated. In any case, don't skimp on supplies. Use special outdoor cables and accessories. If you don't, things are bound to go wrong and you don't want to see that happen. Safety above all!
With your lighting plan, make sure there is enough balance between ambient and functional lighting. In this video, see directly how you can get started with your lighting plan!
The sightlines in your lighting plan (garden)
In our garden design program, you can really play around with your garden lighting. For example, is your garden not that big? Then add depth to a garden by adding lighting at the back of a line of sight. Also play with heights: it is not necessary to hang all lights at eye level. How about ground spots? When placing your lighting plan, do pay attention to the sight lines from the house. In our online garden design program, you can easily switch viewing directions (North, South, East, West and top view).
Your lighting plan in 3D
Is your lighting plan ready? Then our garden design program will automatically generate a cable plan and order list for your garden lighting. Curious about the effect of your lighting plan on the garden design? Check it out in 3D! That way you can walk through your new garden and immediately see the effect of your lighting plan.
The lighting design
Designing your garden's lighting plan and choosing the right kind of lighting overlap to a large extent. This is why we often do this at the same time. Realize that light has a substantial impact on the experience of your garden and is highly influential in setting the mood. Without darkness there is no light, so look at your garden through "dark glasses." Where are the dark spots and where would you prefer to see light? For the right mood lighting, use spotlights, uplights and floodlights. These can all be ordered in our webshop. To make the path, height differences and stairs clearly visible, use ground spots. It is also very nice to create contour lighting in the backyard by placing the lights behind certain objects or vegetation. This way you get a very nice depth effect. What you also have to take into account is that (apart from the layout of the garden) there are other factors that have a major influence. The season is a good example of this but also structures or tall trees in the vicinity of your garden. In short: look at all the factors that matter, decide where you want to place garden lighting, and thus design your ultimate night garden!
Where do you find the tool to create a lighting plan?
The lighting tool can be found under "view" > "lighting". You simply add power and lamps at your preferred location. Are you still in doubt about whether to have the lighting plan installed in your (new) garden? Then add a lighting plan to your design and have cables laid at a safe depth during construction or remodeling. That way, you can still choose to install the fixtures and connect the lighting at a later date. In this way, however, you avoid having to dig up the garden to bury the necessary cables. Think ahead and create your dream design. It is always possible to then bring that design to life in steps.
Would you also like to start with a lighting plan for your garden?
