Planning garden outdoor lighting:
Light distribution, protection rating, and light color
Outdoor lighting for gardens and patios
Light in its most beautiful form
Not only indoors, but also outdoors, the right lighting can create a special atmosphere in the garden and on the patio. Dark, unlit corners should have no place in a modern garden! The right outdoor lighting ensures safe footing in front gardens, on garden paths, garden steps and on the patio. What’s more, it boosts your sense of security when lights provide brightness and good visibility in the evening and at night. After all, light keeps burglars at bay!
But that’s not all: in the dark, the right, customised garden lighting creates an atmospheric and inviting ambience. With the right outdoor light in the right place, you can even create striking lighting accents in the garden! Warm summer evenings are also made to last longer with the right lighting.
Everything you need to know at a glance:
LUMINI metal outdoor lights
Which garden lighting is the right choice?
A well-lit path leading to the house welcomes residents and visitors alike. The postman is particularly pleased when the house number is clearly visible and the letterbox isn’t left in the dark.
Clarity in planning
Light distribution curves
When planning garden lighting, it is important to determine how much light the lamps emit and at what angle. To do this, the planner needs a light distribution curve. This clearly shows how far the beam reaches and the intensity of the light emitted by the lamps. As a general rule, the higher a lamp is positioned, the further its beam reaches. Using the light distribution curve , the designer can determine the type and number of luminaires required depending on the desired illuminance level
Power and protection rating of LED lights
Another important factor when choosing an outdoor light is the power of the light source used. Our COMO and AREZZO bollard lights, for example, feature energy-efficient LED lights with warm white light and a power output of 5 watts/430 lumens. This ensures sufficient brightness in the garden and creates a pleasant atmosphere. The LED light-emitting diodes also have the advantage of not emitting ultraviolet or infrared light, which attracts pesky insects. Another factor used to characterise the light source is the IP protection rating. This indicates whether the lights are protected against dust and splashing water, meaning they have a long service life. Outdoor lights should have a minimum IP rating of IP44; the higher the number, the higher the level of protection. We use LED bulbs with an IP54 rating, which provides sufficient protection against dust and splashing water, ensuring there is no risk of a short circuit.
Clarity in planning
Light colour
The difference between the various light colours is particularly evident during the Advent and Christmas season, when fairy lights illuminate homes and gardens. Light colours are measured in Kelvin (K) and are appropriate depending on the situation. Generally speaking, warm white light (< 3,300 Kelvin) is perceived as cosy and creates a pleasant atmosphere on the patio and in the garden. Neutral white (3,300 to 5,300 Kelvin) or daylight white light (> 5,300 Kelvin), on the other hand, is perceived as cool and sober, but both ensure particularly clear visibility at house entrances and on stairways. Ultimately, therefore, the choice of light colour is a matter of personal taste.
Design
for outdoor lighting
As we all know, there’s no accounting for taste. However, the design of a bollard light for the garden should not be overlooked entirely. After all, beautifully shaped and understated designer lights can also serve as elegant features by day. Tasteful outdoor lights for patios, gardens and front gardens highlight pathways, create focal points in the garden and show other features in their best light.
Care of the light fitting
and outdoor lights
As for the light fitting itself, it is sufficient to gently wipe it down from time to time. Thanks to its IP54 protection rating, no dirt can penetrate the interior. The body of the outdoor or bollard lights, on the other hand, must be cleaned depending on the material. The rust-red surface of Corten steel generally requires no maintenance, as the surface continuously renews itself. Only in the case of acids – e.g. from dog urine or road salt – should the outdoor lights be washed down with water and a soft brush. For lamps made of stainless steel, organic and greasy deposits should be removed regularly. This is best done with a special stainless steel care product and a soft cloth. For heavier soiling, a stainless steel lotion is recommended. It removes corrosion marks and seals the surface.
