• Exterior lighting

With the right lighting, your garden can be just as inviting after sunset as it is during the day.

 

Set the mood, highlight plants and architecture, and make your outdoor space both beautiful and functional. Here are the best tips for illuminating your garden in a stylish way!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Facade


 



 

 

 

Balcony
Patio


 



 

 

 

Facade
Opt. 1


 



 

 

 

Facade
Opt. 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trees

What to Consider?

 

Outdoor Lighting in the Garden 
Outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in both the ambiance and functionality of your garden. Just like indoor lighting, you should consider the spatial experience outdoors as well. By using lights at different heights, you can create depth and give your garden a vibrant character. Strategically placed lighting also contributes to a safer and more welcoming outdoor environment.

Adapting Light to the Surroundings
Ground spotlights are ideal for highlighting trees and plants, while bollard lights and post lighting provide clarity and safety along pathways, naturally leading the way to the entrance. At entrances and facades, wall-mounted or recessed fixtures are a practical choice. To create an interesting balance between light and shadow, it's wise to illuminate specific elements such as a wall surface, a tree, or a pathway. Avoid spreading the light too much—undefined lighting can result in a flat and unclear impression.

Choosing the Right Light Intensity
The necessary brightness depends on the natural light conditions of the surroundings. In darker areas, softer lighting is often sufficient, whereas brighter light may be needed in well-lit environments. To find the right level, it’s a good idea to test the lighting before installation. Follow the recommendations in the table below for guidance. With proper planning, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and functional at any time of day.

Feature to illuminate Lumen
Small shrubs, low walls 80-240
Medium-sized shrubs 240-600
Larger shrubbery 480-960
Medium-sized tree, two-story house 800-1500
Large tree (e.g. pine) 1000-4000


 

  
 

Entrance

The lighting at the entrance should complement the architecture of the house to create a welcoming atmosphere. For older buildings, wall-mounted fixtures that match the style of the house are often a good choice. To minimize glare, place fixtures at eye level on either side of the door rather than directly above it. Also, consider positioning the fixture on the same side as the door handle to avoid shadows when opening the door. A slightly stronger light at the entrance compared to other parts of the house makes the entryway stand out and feel inviting.

Balcony/ Patio

Lighting on balconies and patios extends their usability into the evening hours. Wall-mounted fixtures can help with navigation in the dark, but be sure to complement them with additional lighting throughout the garden when applicable. Well-balanced lighting creates a pleasant and dynamic environment, integrating the patio as part of the overall design.

Facade - Option 1

For taller houses, up-and-down lights are ideal for illuminating the facade. Installing a downward-facing fixture at the entrance creates a clear focal point and a dynamic lighting effect.

Facade - Option 2

For modern villas or houses with a plastered facade, a light strip that provides soft grazing light along the roofline is a stylish option. The entrance can still be accentuated with a wall fixture for a subtle highlight.

Garden

Try to maintain a dominant color temperature in the garden, though some variation can enhance the effect. For example, tree trunks look great in a warmer tone, while a colder tone works well for tree canopies with a naturally cooler hue, such as pine.

Ensure there is lighting along pathways, stairs, entrances, and garages to enhance safety and assist with navigation in the dark. Shadows can also be used as an aesthetic element—for example, an overhead light on a potted plant can create beautiful shadow patterns on the ground.

Tree Lighting

For larger trees, spotlights with a narrow or medium beam spread are recommended to illuminate the trunk, while a fixture with a wider beam can highlight the canopy. Smaller trees typically require only one spotlight, while larger trees may benefit from two.