Garden Lighting Options Available Today
There are many varieties of garden lighting to choose from on the market today. Deciding on which style to go with all depends on the look you are going for, and your budget. There are pros and cons to each type depending on how you are going to incorporate the lighting into your outdoor space. Lets take a look at a couple of the more popular choices in garden lights available today.
Today more than ever we are seeing the increasing trend of smart products being introduced in the market. Smart products are materials and products that are designed to leave the smallest environmental impact possible. One technology that is becoming ever so popular is solar power. While solar technology is not new to the market, it has become more affordable than ever before.
Garden lighting that incorporates solar technology is smart because once your initial investment is paid for, there are no reoccurring electrical bills associated with lighting up your yard or garden. They are extremely environmentally friendly and help to reduce your carbon footprint. Since you do not need any cables to set them up, they are a lot easier to install and allow you to get up and running much quicker. Most styles are a self contained all-in-one unit that just needs to be pushed into the ground and your ready to go. You do not have to worry about the location too much, however, you still have to be sure they are in a place that gets enough sun during the day. The last thing you need is for your garden lights to go out while your entertaining guests.
Another great option that is still relatively cheap is low voltage garden lighting. Low voltage lighting is the most popular type of lighting for yard or outdoor garden. The upfront investment is less than solar but you will be using electricity from month to month which will make low voltage garden lights more expensive to operate in the long run. Installation is a lot more involved because each light needs a wire ran to it in order for the system to operate. One great tip is to use a gas or electric sidewalk edger and cut a small slit in your yard where you need to run wires. This will save you the hassle of having to dig trenches for the wire. Low voltage wiring is small and a small incision in the yard is all you need to hide the wire. Before you know it your grass will grow right back over those small cuts and you will never know your yard was ever cut up. Another major advantage is low voltage garden lighting will be brighter when compared to garden lighting using solar. Until technology progresses, this will always be a negative mark against solar garden lights.
Let’s face it, low voltage lighting may be your only option. For instance, if you have a yard with a lot of trees, your yard might not get enough sunlight to make it worthwhile for a solar light. If you are going to be putting in electric lighting, you will need a transformer, cables, fixtures and the lamp. There are packages where you can buy them all together at many home improvement stores, and this makes things a bit easier. Make sure to put the transformer in a safe place. They are sold in a number of different sizes, so just be sure to get a large enough model to handle the number of bulbs you require, should you choose to purchase it separately. You might want to have someone help you with the installation if you are not a DIY expert.
As far as garden lighting design, both solar and low voltage can be found in a number of different designs. If you are hurting for ideas, try going to the garden store. There are many styles of lights to get your hands on, or you can shop around online. You can also go through your neighborhood for inspiration. Just make sure you pick lights that go with your yard. They are sold in a lot of different shapes and styles, so picking the right one is critical. You have to choose between up lighting, down lighting, cross lighting, etc. You might want to experiment with a number of options and then pick the best looking design for your outdoor decor.
Also, do not forget that garden lighting is not just for gardens. For instance, putting them underwater in a pool, pond or fountain can be very stylish… of course make sure they are designed to be used underwater. A terrace or patio also looks much better with outdoor lighting shining on or around it. You can also get indoor garden lighting, as well as exterior garden lighting. In other words, there are a number of places you can use garden lights around your home.
Outdoor garden lighting has been known to even lower the risk of potential threat to your home. Criminals obviously stay away from well lit homes, so you might want to consider them for this reason alone. Also, if you want to save money, motion sensor outdoor lighting is wise because they only turn on when something is moving in the area. This will allow you to keep your lights off for the majority of the time and they will automatically come on when need be.
The bottom line: getting quality garden lighting is important. Make sure to shop around, generate some ideas, and find the best solutions for your yard or garden.
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