Do it yourself Outdoor lighting LED House and apartment

6 things to look out for when choosing garden lighting

Forced by the pandemic to stay indoors, we have learned to enjoy every moment spent surrounded by nature. Whether on the balcony or terrace or in our own garden, time spent together has become priceless. After sunset in the garden season, we can enjoy it, properly lighting our surroundings outside our four walls. When choosing the right lighting for the space around your home, consider a few factors.

Kanlux SOLCA L
 Kanlux STONO IS 63

The style of the surfaces and objects you want to illuminate


Choose a different design and type of lighting to illuminate plants, rockeries or ponds, and another to brighten up façades or driveways. For landscaping elements (trees, shrubs, water features) and wherever decorative plants dominate, choose minimalist luminaires and efficient light sources. For example, the stone-look luminaire STONO IS 63 is an original lighting idea. Its main advantage is that the light source can be modified to match any natural elements. The design of garden or balcony furniture and furnishings should also be taken into account. 

Lighting location

For pathways, alleys and driveways, you can choose lamps that are directly in the ground, and you should choose luminaires with high mechanical resistance (IK08 or higher), as most of them will be stepped on or run over hundreds of times every year. It is best to use medium-intensity light sources so that they do not dazzle home dwellers and guests by shining upwards. Stylish illumination of space can be ensured by selecting INVO TR architectural lighting with a replaceable light source. You can illuminate alleys with it, but you can also place it near garden seating areas.

Kanlux INVO TR
Kanlux AKVEN LED


Kanlux AKVEN LED luminaire is the best choice to illuminate the pond. It's waterproof, so it's perfect for backyard pond lighting. The Kanlux AKVEN lamp can be installed in the pond at a depth of up to 3m due to its very high waterproofness.

Good to know: A lamp in a pond or pool looks impressive. However, you have to choose a lamp with the right IP rating.  For this purpose, look for a lamp with an IP of 67 (immersion up to 1 meter) or 68. 


Power sources and energy efficiency 

The power source is also an important criterion when selecting outdoor lighting. While small lighting elements with LED lamps can use PV cells, which are a virtually cost-free solution, lamps placed in driveways and on façades have to rely on the electrical grid. No one needs to be convinced of the importance of their reliable operation.
When designing and installing lights, rely on an electrician, don't do it on your own!


See which garden luminaires you can choose for your space

 

Kanlux GARTO LED
Kanlux SOLCA L

Safety, waterproofing and installation integrity 

A basic indicator of the safety of outdoor lighting is the IP rating. 

Durability and safe use depend to a large extent on resistance to external influences such as dust and water. The key is the watertightness of the housing, represented by the IP value, which is expressed in two digits, the first of which corresponds to the degree of protection against the ingress of solids and the second – water. IP00 means no protection, while IP69 is the highest resistance to dust and flooding.

The second important issue – the outdoor installation should be connected to a separate circuit, protected against the risk of electric shock. This is especially important when children play around the house.

Manual, radio or time switch? 

Here the choice is simple, as it is dictated by the function of the lighting in question. However, it is worth noting that switches based on motion sensors are becoming increasingly popular due to the optimal use of electricity. Nevertheless, if you want constant, elegant illumination of the building façade, time switches are the best solution. And nothing can replace the convenience of turning on your lights with remote control as you approach your entry gate.

 

Kanlux SOLCA O

Cleaning and maintenance  

When choosing outdoor lighting, we must also consider the maintenance costs. Remember that garden lights are exposed to prolonged and intense ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight band, which turns them yellow and makes them look old and unpleasant after a while. So it is obvious that they need to be cleaned and maintained. Yellowed plastic garden lampshades are most effectively cleaned with hydrogen dioxide, known to everyone in its low concentration version as hydrogen peroxide. If you don't have access to this substance, you can use... chlorine bleach or toilet cleaner/disinfectant. Shades after a few minutes of such wash will regain their former colour and will be perfectly clean. 
Before cleaning the lampshades, check the manufacturer's maintenance instructions as you may permanently discolour or damage the lamp if you use a cleaning agent that is too strong.

If you take these factors into account and match the luminaires and light sources, your garden lighting will be safe and trouble-free. It is worth spending a little more time on the selection to give a unique atmosphere to warm evenings outdoors for years.


Other articles

LED lighting: an investment for years to come. Why is it worth it?

Technology is constantly evolving and environmental awareness is growing. For this reason, an increasing...

Lighting in cultural institutions: museums and libraries

Lighting in cultural institutions such as museums, art galleries, or libraries plays a crucial role....

How to illuminate the attic, basement and storage spaces?

Interior design is not limited to the living room and bedroom. More and more people are beginning to...

How does lighting affect the efficiency and well-being of employees?

Properly designed and adjusted lighting can have a significant impact not only on the efficiency but...

Modern premium lighting: what is worth investing in?

Lighting at home no longer has only a practical function but is becoming an important interior design...

Artificial intelligence in lighting: innovative solutions for home and flat

Technology is constantly evolving, introducing innovations in various areas of life. One area where artificial...

Light and consumer sentiment. Lighting of stores

Store lighting is not only a matter of product visibility, but also a key element affecting consumer...

Lighting trends for 2024

What will be on top in the coming year 2024? What lighting trends will designers and architects focus...

How does light affect the perception of interiors?

Interior design is not just a question of aesthetics but also of comfort. Light is one of the key aspects...

Why is home office lighting important?

Today, remote work has become an integral part of many of our lives. More and more people are working...

How to illuminate your attic?

An attic is a space that tends to be unused and forgotten. With a little desire, it can become a place...

How to Plan Lighting for a Home (Part 1)

Planning lighting in your home should be as important as planning the layout of each room. A well-thought-out...

Which desk lamp to choose for the office, bedroom and children's room?

Desk lamps work well not only in offices, but also at home. They are multifunctional. They can provide...

What lighting to choose for the office?

We spend a large part of the day in the office. Work always requires focus, and well-chosen lighting...

How to create mood lighting in a restaurant?

A restaurant is not only a place where you can eat well, but also have a good time and relax. Appropriate...

Hidden lighting: will it work for you?

Lighting hidden in the ceiling or walls works great in modern and minimalist interiors. What rooms will...

All you need to know about light pollution

Light pollution means a situation when outdoor lighting is not properly designed. Excessive clusters...

How to light a small and large terrace?

In spring and summer, we naturally spend more time outdoors. If you have a terrace, this is definitely...

How to light plants in the garden?

Roses, tulips, trimmed shrubs, fruit trees... The garden is the place where the most beautiful plant...

How to make a small room look bigger?

Small spaces in a flat require proper arrangement so that they can be not only cosy but also functional....

How to light a garden gazebo?

Spring is the perfect time to get your garden in order. The next few months mean long hours spent in...

Everything you need to know about connecting and arranging lighting in the garden

In spring and summer, the garden becomes an often visited relaxation area. Find out how to choose a lighting...

How to turn an apartment into a relaxation zone?

You've had a hard, tiring day or maybe you've been thrown off balance at work. You overslept in the...

Lighting in a teenager's room – what to pay attention to?

Active, full of energy, with a thousand ideas a minute. Belonging to a subculture or a typical individualist....

What lighting should you choose for modern interiors?

Interiors decorated in a modern style are not only very aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and...

LED lighting: pros and cons

LED (Lighting Emitting Diode) is one of the modern lighting methods. It has gained popularity through...

7 things you need to know about Kanlux SMART

A smart home not only brings you comfort but also provides you with security. Kanlux SMART is an ideal...

Lighting trends for 2023

Focus on the lighting! 2023 is the year of lamps, luminaires and... light bulbs. Light is set to be next...

Why doesn't the lighting work? 5 reasons

Here we go again. You've checked the fuses, made sure there is no power cut notice yet the lamp still...

5 lighting ideas for house back rooms

Lighting for house back rooms? It sounds a bit strange, but it refers to cupboards, larders, storerooms...

4 changes to home lighting that will help you reduce electricity bills

Have you ever forgotten to switch off the bathroom light in a hurry? Have you ever failed to notice that...

5 tips on how to prepare lighting for painting and renovation work

Amateur painting, construction works and cleaning up afterwards are serious challenges. How do you protect...

5 things you didn't know about the way light affects your mood

You certainly know that sunlight improves your mood, even if the temperature outside does not allow you...

4 rules for setting up lighting for study corner

September brings about two things that are not necessarily everyone's favourite : the start of the academic...

7 things you need to know about LED bulbs

LED bulbs are becoming more and more popular, mainly due to their energy efficiency. They also have...

Can you configure a set of LED strips by yourself? Yes, but keep these 3 things in mind

LED strips have quickly conquered the market because they can be mounted almost anywhere and their installation...

No need to be an electrician to bring new lighting possibilities to your home

When browsing through online inspirations, you likely often come across striking ideas for adding a bit...

4 reasons to choose lighting with light intensity and colour adjustment options

Home lighting is supposed not only to brighten the rooms, but also create a certain ambience. For this...

5 ways to extend lamp life span

Replacing a bulb in a lamp is nothing complicated, but it is usually an unpleasant surprise and an additional...

9 tips to help you keep your outdoor luminaires clean

Outdoor lamps, to a much greater extent than indoor luminaires, attract dirt and then, to make matters...

5 lighting ideas for balcony and terrace

Spring is finally here, isn't it? We can finally enjoy evenings outdoors and their unique atmosphere....

4 signs indicating that a lamp needs to be replaced

If a lamp blinks after being turned on, it is a sign that it may be time to replace the light bulb. What...

4 mistakes that you can avoid when planning façade lighting

The outdoor lighting of a building's, especially the façade, requires almost as much attention as the...

5 lighting ideas to illuminate your garden in spring

The beginning of spring is the time to plan changes in the surroundings of the house and on the balcony...

3 ideas for springtime changes in lighting and light decoration

Spring usually means cleaning and changes in the house and its surroundings. Find out what's worth changing...

Living room lighting - what to consider

How to light a living room? What lamps should you choose for a room that, regardless of its size, fulfills...

What kind of lighting is the best option for a children's room?

Trying to pick lamps for your child's room? Find out what factors you need to consider in order to make...

5 tips on how to plan lighting arrangements for a small flat?

Which lamps do you choose for a small flat? How can you make any room appear bigger using multiple light...

5 things to remember when cleaning your lamps

All light sources need to be kept clean, as this not only affects the way they look and perform, but...

Kanlux iQ-LED LIFE - natural light at your fingertips

Natural sunlight makes our surroundings more comfortable. This kind of light is the healthiest light...

Four ways to lower your energy bill

Electricity costs more and more, so everyone is looking for ways to reduce energy consumption levels...

How can you use lighting to make getting up in the morning easier?

When the days are shorter and the mornings are gray, it is harder to get out of bed in the morning, isn't...

Key lighting trends for 2022

It is 2022. You have been spending more time at home for two years, which is why the appearance of luminaires,...

What you need to keep in mind when designing lighting in your dining room

When you sit down at a table together with your family, you want the light not only to brighten the space...

How to plan lighting for your kitchen or kitchenette

The less sunshine and warmth there is outside, the more time we spend in our kitchen. Autumn and winter...

4 things to consider when planning your porch lighting

Does shorter and shorter days make you realise you need better lighting of the entrance to your house?...

How to get some more light around the house in autumn?

Autumn is the perfect time to experiment with lighting, either artificial or natural. In the afternoon,...

How to choose the right garage lighting for your household?

A garage is a specific place with multiple purposes, so the lighting in it must meet a variety of requirements....

Bedroom lamps

Bedroom lighting should meet a few basic conditions. The most important include the warm colour of the...

Staircase lighting

The staircase, whether in a residential or office building, is an area that absolutely should be properly...

Hall lighting

Lighting in the hall is often neglected. You spend little time there and rarely care to equip it with...

5 tips to help you choose outdoor lighting

When choosing outdoor lighting for a building, you should take several factors into account - the choice...

Your Home – Your Style Part 3

In the last part of our series Your Home – Your Style, we want to show you ways to decorate interiors...

LED strips - stylish and functional

LED strips are the most "spectacular form of lighting". It allows you to create fancy installations....

Solar lighting. Key advantages and disadvantages

A lamp that doesn't draw power from the mains? Perfect! That is exactly what fixtures with sources powered...

Replaceable-or-non-replaceable-light source–which-fixture-to-choose?

LED lighting, which was initially treated with distrust, has won the market over thanks to its customizability...

Industrial style interior lighting. 5 practical tips

Raw concrete, steel girders and industrial windows - these are the first associations with industrial...

How to choose light bulbs for your home?

How much time do you spend choosing the right bulb? Paradoxically, this is very important. Light, its...

Grill gazebo lighting. 5 tips

Warm spring, summer and early autumn is the time for meetings with friends under the open sky and such...

6 things to look out for when choosing garden lighting

Forced by the pandemic to stay indoors, we have learned to enjoy every moment spent surrounded by nature....

How to choose lighting for your kitchen?

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the house. That is hardly surprising, given that you spend...

The effect of light on human well-being

how does light affect the way we feel, and why should we plan lighting in our homes? Read about it on...

How to choose lighting for the bathroom?

The bathroom usually does not have access to natural light. Therefore, its lighting is extremely important....

Match the sockets and switches to the style of your apartment!

Can electrical installation equipment decorate your apartment? It can now! See how we combined safety...

Lighting trends in 2021

Are your renovating your house or apartment? Or, perhaps, you are looking to change something or freshen...

Do it yourself - installation of LED strips

LED strips are an increasingly popular type of lighting. We often wonder whether it is complicated. We...

Your Home - Your Style part 2

After recent travels round the world, deriving inspirations from nature in arrangement of flats (have...

Remote work – how to make your home office functional

The current situation has forced many companies to send their employees to work from homes. So what is...

Your Home - Your Style Part 1

Have you ever wondered what interior design style is followed by your home? Are you faithful to one style...

How to choose the perfect desk lamp

A desk lamp seems to be a simple thing, but we should pay attention to several things besides its colour,...

Atmospheric home – everybody’s dream! We know how to do it with light...

We would all like our homes to be an atmospheric place where we go back with joy after a hard day of...

Dark places in your garden - 5 ways to light them up! Discover them all

This year's pleasant and snowless winter will certainly make the start of the garden season faster....

Wardrobe in a light style!

We often face the dilemma: "What to wear?", Although the wardrobe is bursting at the seams. Sometimes...

The magic of colors in outdoor lighting. Which frame color and light color should you choose?

What is the color of light, or rather the color temperature of light? Which lamp color will be the best...

Kanlux XLED: classic form, new quality of light

140 years ago, the incandescent light bulb was invented, and with it, the first safe source of light...

Lighting is the main thing! What to pay attention to in-ground lamps.

In-ground fixtures are used to light pavements, alleys, driveways and elements of the so-called landscape...

How to create atmospheric lighting for terraces, balconies and gardens

When decorating a house, let's try to approach it comprehensively from the very beginning, starting with...

Creating space with the help of light (Part 2)

In the first part we shared with you our ideas for interior lighting using lamps such as Kanlux LAURIN...

Creating space with the help of light (Part 1)

In fact, lighting a home is not an easy art at all, we only find this out when we begin to think about...

Ceiling-mounted lamps for home

Just as there is no life without light, there is no home without light. The most common luminaires in...

Ouch... who put the stairs up here?!

Stairs are present in almost every house. They usually lead to a basement or bedroom located on the first...

Bathroom - a beautiful and safe area for home relaxation

The bathroom is our private world. Research shows that on average we spend 3 years of our lives in it....

Kanlux LEDS SET – designer solutions at hand

LED strips - well known and used for years. How many of you have never decided to do it because of difficulties...