In many cases today, when space is at such a premium, the garden is being viewed as an extension to the main living area. Conservatories, elaborate decking and patio designs and general landscaping are proving ever more popular.

With major investment being made in these areas, it is important to plan your lighting requirements well in advance to avoid costly alterations and disruptions.

Firstly divide your outside space into separate areas and decide what each are to be used for.

Generally to the front of the property you will want a mixture of functional and ambient lighting. Lampposts, pedestals and post tops can give general light levels, whilst fittings mounted in the ground can give a more subtle level of light.

To the rear of the property, softer lighting is normally more appropriate. With the right layout you can add depth and colour to your garden, enhancing your planting, ornaments and structures.

When choosing lighting for the outside of any property there is always going to be a balance to be made between functional and ambient lighting or indeed a subtle combination of the two. The lighting requirements for the front of the property can be very different to the requirements to the side and rear gardens.

Functional lighting is essential for identifying hazards, brightening pathways and for security purposes, but this requirement shouldn’t make the fittings any less aesthetically pleasing.

In some areas you will want the light, but you won’t want to see the fitting. Discretely placed spotlights can enhance the natural features of any landscape.

Choosing the right fittings for your project is paramount; making sure it is fit for purpose is essential. As mentioned in previous text suitably “IP” rated fittings will be required, weather it’s for a pond, swimming pool or just a porch.