Garden lighting ideas that make your garden usable after dark

Good lighting turns a garden into an outdoor room you can use on summer evenings and enjoy from inside all year round. The best schemes are planned at the same time as the paving and planting, so cables can be hidden and fittings placed exactly where they are needed.

Light for atmosphere

• Uplight a mature tree, a feature wall or a pergola to create a focal point.

• Wash light across a textured wall or hedge to show off its surface.

• Hide strip lights under benches, steps and raised beds for a soft glow.

Light for safety

• Step lights recessed into risers or walls make level changes safe.

• Low path lights guide people without dazzling them.

• Light the route from the house to any garden room, shed or gate.

Light for use

• Brighter, well-shielded light over a dining table or barbecue area.

• Dimmable circuits so the mood can change through the evening.

• Separate switching for different zones, controlled from inside the house.

Outdoor electrics: what to know

• Outdoor fittings must have a suitable IP (ingress protection) rating for their position.

• Circuits outdoors need RCD protection and cable that is suitable for burying or properly protected.

• A new circuit is notifiable building work, so use a registered electrician who can certify it.

• Low-voltage systems are easier to extend and adjust but still need a properly installed supply.

Planning a new garden?

Koniu Construction designs and builds gardens across South West London and Surrey, with lighting planned in from the start. See our projects or get in touch.