HOW TO USE OUTDOOR LIGHTING

‘Good exterior lighting has the power to transform your home and maximise your outdoor space,’ says Peter Bowles, managing director of Davey Lighting (originalbtc.com). Follow our tips to help you perfectly light your garden

Porch lights Porches can be lit with a pendant above the door or a pair of wall lights that project both upwards and downwards (‘up-and-down’ lights) on either side. Lights will appear half their size when viewed from 50 metres away, so go big – a quarter of the height of your door as a rule of thumb. Porch lights are usually connected to indoor electricity circuits by drilling through the walls – a job best left to an electrician. ‘If you have stepped areas, consider mounting LED strips under each step,’ suggests Richard Strange of lighting consultancy Darklight Design. To avoid any wiring, use passive lighting with solar-charged strips and a passive infrared sensor (PIR) that will switch the lights on when it senses movement. Garden lighting ‘ You can increase the perception of space inside your home by making your garden visible at night,’ says Bowles. Use uplights to highlight favourite trees or sculptures. Garden lights will need their own electrical circuit run from your fuse box. The circuit must be protected by a circuit breaker to prevent electric shocks in the event of an accident. If you want to run cables underground, they should be buried 45 centimetres under patios and paths, or 75 centimetres under lawns and flowerbeds. And you’ll need to invest in a weatherproof junction box (used for concealing electrical connections) and rubber-coated cables. Lighting for entertaining Garlands of lights bring a party atmosphere to outdoor dining, and many run on battery packs, meaning they don’t require connection to the mains. Hang them in trees and along the top of walls and fences. A fire pit or chiminea will keep you warm as well as providing light. Also, don’t forget task lighting for outdoor food-prep areas. Weatherproof lighting All outdoor lighting needs to have a high IP rating (this is a measure of how well sealed from dirt and moisture the light fitting is) – look for IP44 or above. When it comes to fittings, look for natural materials. ‘They’re low maintenance and age beautifully,’ advises Bowles. ➤