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An outdoor environment that suits the entire family can help you all spend fun time together. Garden lighting can transform such areas and extend the amount of time you can use them. With the right lighting, families can spend evenings outdoors, be it a relaxed supper on the patio or a fun filled evening of games on the lawn.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some family-friendly garden lighting ideas to help you design a safe and enjoyable outdoor space.
Safety first: path and step lighting for family gardens
One of the most important factors in designing a family garden is safety, especially in areas where children and even older family members are likely to be present.
Good illumination is particularly important for the areas where people will undergo frequent passage, such as steps and beams. Lighting can also be fixed on garden pathways, improving the safety of the area so that people don’t trip over or fall in dark places.
To provide pathways and steps with effective lighting, consider the following different styles of garden lights:
- Solar lights
- LED path lights
- Low-voltage lights
Playful picks: fun lighting options for kids’ play areas
When appropriately lit, children’s play zones can become enchanted spaces. Creative and colourful lighting solutions, such as fairy lights and led strips or even warm glow in the dark elements will make play areas fun and functional. For instance, stringing a set of colourful fairy lights around the edges of a treehouse makes it a magical place to play and can encourage children to spend more time outdoors.
When choosing garden lighting features for play areas, focus on safety and durability. Look for child-approved lighting fixtures that can be used outdoors and are resistant to the elements.
Entertaining outdoors: lighting for patios and dining areas
Proper lighting is very important for patio and dining areas as it makes them suitable for everyday use and entertaining. Ambient lighting that doesn’t emit bright light is good here; think wall and table lamps, pendants, and string lights.
To make outdoor dining after dark even better, add in some portable lights that can be moved around with ease. Standing lamps or battery-operated lanterns can be arranged on tables or scattered around seating areas to create a relaxed mood.
Theme-based lighting: adventures in the garden
Transforming the garden into an adventure zone through themed lighting ignites children’s imaginations and creates a fun atmosphere. Some ideas could be a jungle, fairy tale or pirate themed garden. Spot lights can create stunning effects, while path lights serve as sign posts to mark the various themed domains.
For example, the use of coloured lights and fairy umbrellas can create a dream world theme, while bright colours can evoke a jungle theme. As with all outdoor lighting, make sure you prioritise safe and secure installations for children’s areas.
Sensor lights: combining convenience with energy efficiency
Motion sensor lights are commonly featured for security and convenience in family gardens. These lights are triggered by movement, illuminating outdoor areas that would otherwise be difficult to navigate. What’s more, sensor lights are energy savers as they are only activated when required.
Most sensor lights are designed in a way which is child-friendly and easy to handle, making such lights ideal in a busy family garden setting.
Decorative touches: accentuating garden features with lighting
Additional lighting highlights any other feature of the garden that is unique, be it a statue, a pond, or a particular kind of plant. The idea here is to draw the eye to strategic points, making your experience of your night garden more visually appealing.
Other varieties of garden lights can be decorative in nature while serving a particular purpose. For example, submerged lights can be used in a pond to add aesthetic value. Floodlights can be used to bring out the details of architecture and sculptures, whereas linear lighting systems for gardens, which are cables with LEDs embedded in them, neatly highlight the edges of garden beds and walkways.
All-weather lighting solutions: year-round enjoyment
Considering the unpredictable weather in the UK, it’s advisable to buy all-weather lights that can be used outside in every season. Installing the right types of lighting and fixtures will ensure that your garden has light and will always appear welcoming regardless of the clouds. Use lights that are made of weatherproof materials to withstand rain, snow and chill, thus enhancing durability and effectiveness.
Regular care is essential to maintain your garden light systems. Simple activities like washing the light fittings and inspecting for defects will save on the cost of changing outdoor lights.
Family-oriented garden light ideas can enhance your outdoor environment greatly. As well as extending the amount of time you can use your garden, lighting is a great way to give your outdoor space personality and interest while also keeping it safe.
Have you used any of these garden lighting ideas in your garden?
The post Family friendly garden lighting ideas: brighten your outdoor space with fun and functionality appeared first on Growing Family.
