Did you know that your exterior garden lighting can be designed around moods? It's true! The right lighting can set the tone for any outdoor space and create an atmosphere that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking to design a party area or simply want to relax in your own backyard, there are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to setting the mood with your outdoor lighting. In this blog post, we'll explore five different moods that can be achieved with exterior garden lighting and how to create them.
If you're looking to create a relaxed and peaceful mood in your exterior garden, then soft, diffused lighting is key. You'll want to avoid harsh light sources that can be harsh on the eyes. Instead, opt for light fixtures that cast a softer, more diffused light or indirect light. This type of lighting is perfect for creating a tranquil atmosphere in your garden. To enhance the mood, consider adding a water feature with moving water to create a truly relaxing experience.
Some key light fittings that work well to create relaxed and peaceful areas are garden lanterns, garden spotlights and garden wall lights. These light fittings emit a soft, diffused light that is perfect for creating a tranquil atmosphere. We recommend an ultra-warm temperature for relaxed lighting, between 2400k and 2700k.
Keeping all garden lighting at a low level to illuminate the ground and low-level foliage gives the feeling of elevation and safety, allowing you to feel more relaxed.
Check out these links for great light fittings that create relaxed and peaceful environments:
Switch Lighting Pillar Garden Light LED
Switch Lighting Friction Fit Landscape Light Recessed LED
Hunza Wayfinder Bollard Light LED for Garden Paths
For an elegant and formal mood, you'll want to focus on creating an air of sophistication with your exterior garden lighting. Tree pendants are a great way to add a touch of glamour to any outdoor space. If you don't have the budget for tree pendants, then wall and fence lights are other options. You'll also want to avoid any bright or glaring lights as they can be disruptive and make it difficult to carry on a conversation. We recommend using slightly cooler coloured lighting, 4000k or blue to lift whites that are common in formal situations such as dresses or shirts.
Some key light fittings that work well for elegant and formal garden lighting are tree pendants, garden wall lights and tree up-lights. These light fittings emit a feeling of having a canopy of light over you, perfect for creating an elegant atmosphere and making you feel secluded in a serene place.
To add an extra touch of sophistication to your garden lighting, consider using dimmers. This will allow you to control the brightness of your lights and create the perfect ambience for any occasion.
Check out these links for great light fittings that create elegant and formal environments:
Hunza Tree Pendant with LED Lamp
Switch Lighting Spike Light using 5w LED Lamp for Large Trees
Switch Lighting Multi-Use Exterior Light Recessed LED 1w
If you're looking to create a fun and playful mood, then you'll want to focus on bringing some excitement to your exterior garden lighting. String lights are always a popular choice for creating this type of atmosphere. Another great option is accent lights that can highlight specific features in your garden to develop light zones, such as sculptures or fountains. Just make sure not to go overboard with the lights, as you don't want it to look like a carnival!
Another fantastic option when trying to create a fun and playful area with a bit of drama is to silhouette features and plants. This is achieved by putting the light behind the feature or plant instead of in front of the feature or plant to give the illusion of a silhouette. You can also use coloured light fittings to add a bit of flare; we don't recommend using more than one colour.
Consider RGBW light fittings for your outdoor areas to give you the ultimate control around the feeling of the space; this control will allow you to move between different moods as the night progresses. This will add an element of fun and playfulness to your garden and is sure to put a smile on everyone's face.
Check out these links for great light fittings that create fun and playful environments:
Switch Lighting Exterior Recessed Down Light
Hunza RGBW Spot Light LED Pole Mounted
For a romantic and intimate mood, you'll want your exterior garden lighting to set the stage for some cozy moments. Soft, dimmable lights are ideal for creating this type of atmosphere. You may even want to consider using candles as an addition to the garden lights when having a special night. Just place them in safe locations that won't pose a fire hazard. Don't hesitate to incorporate a sound system into the garden area using outdoor speakers to provide background music.
Romantic and intimate moods can be set in one of two ways, either using very few lights strategically positioned to give enough ambient light or using many dim lights to provide a twinkle effect in the outdoor space. We recommend going ultra-warm with this mood 2700k or lower is best.
Don't be afraid to incorporate a spa pool or brazier to add comfort to the space. Keeping the space feeling warm will increase the mood and make magic happen. Always have warm blankets nearby to ensure the night is not ended early by cooler temperatures.
Check out these links for great light fittings that create romantic and intimate environments:
Hunza Bronze Cast LED Step Light
Switch Lighting Mini Friction Fit Marker Light LED
Switch Lighting Mini Fixed Deep Mounted LED Uplight
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to add some extra cheer to your exterior garden, festive and joyous lighting is the way to go! Fairy lights are always a popular choice for this type of mood as they add an element of magic and wonderment. Bright, cheerful colours can also help contribute to the festive atmosphere. And don't forget about incorporating some fun holiday-themed decorations into your display!
Using warm or coloured light, you can throw light through trees and features to create shadowing; this will add dimension to the space and make it feel more dynamic as the branches and trees move in the breeze. Garden lanterns can also help add to the magic of a festive night.
If celebrating a special occasion, make sure to have an exterior outlet installed for any appliances you use on the night to save people tripping over leads. You can also incorporate RGBW fittings or Bluetooth Dimming technology to change how the lighting feels as the night progresses without needing to change any wiring or arrange a tradesperson.
Check out these links for great light fittings that create festive and joyous environments:
Mr Ralph Festoon Lighting with LED Bulbs
Hunza Bollard Light with Top-Hat Reflector
With so many different types of garden lights available, the possibilities are endless. So don't be afraid to get creative and have fun experimenting until you find the perfect combination for your space. These are just five examples of the many different types of moods that can be created with exterior garden lighting.
