During the day, the power of the sun charges garden lights like these, then at night, they do their bit to light up your outdoor areas. Ideal uses include along the edges of your pathways, around garden beds and indicating the entry to your driveway and front gate. Best bit? You just gently spike them into the ground!
2. Traditional features
For cottage gardens, look for classic-shaped lighting options. Rather than placing them alongside pathways – try pushing them between your plantings to add evening ambience out in your yard, or even on the porch.
3. Entertaining areas
The trend of suspending a string of outdoor party lights is nothing new; there has just been a shift toward using clear bulbs rather than a spectrum of retro colours. These festive beauties look best zigzagged overhead under verandahs or patios or strung up as a single length above a long dining table for special occasions. Party on!
4. Mood lighting
Enjoy evenings spent with your nearest and dearest by the glow of candlelight. Group together a mix ’n’ match of decorative lanterns, then light up the night with wax or battery-powered candles. Tiki-style oil lanterns are also fabulous for that appealing resort vibe at home – especially when fuelled with citronella oil to keep the mozzies at bay.
5. Access lighting
There’s nothing worse (or possibly more dangerous) than arriving home in the absolute pitch-black of night. A light by your front door makes getting the key in the lock easy to achieve! For a more traditional look, go for an exterior-quality light fitting that suits the classic architectural elements of your home. For contemporary homes, shop the market to find clean-lined models you love!
6. Stealing the spotlight
Highlight feature trees and plantings in your garden with upward-facing spotlights. This technique looks fab in tropical schemes, especially when used to light up the trunks and sculptural foliage of palms. Top tip? Have your electrician install a series of exterior-quality spotlights on a timer so you don’t have to worry about flicking them on and off.
Outdoor lighting picks
1. Oki Oval outdoor bollard, $175, Myer
Shop now at Myer
If sleek is what you're after, then this functional and modern light is our pick. Effortlessly brightening up any area of your outdoor space.
2. Ibiza outdoor wall light, $164.95, on sale for $148.46, Zanui
Shop now at Zanui
When thinking about outdoor garden lights, this traditional outdoor wall light from Zanui instantly springs to mind. Its classic yet memorable design is a popular choice amongst outdoor lighting enthusiasts. Plus, it's made from energy-saving LED so it will stay shining all night long.
3. LED Vintage Style outdoor festoon lights, $64.95, Temple and Webster
Shop now at Temple and Webster
You can't have a garden party without hanging these in your backyard! Choose either 10m or 20m depending on the size of your space.
4. Galactic outdoor opal, $109, Myer
Shop now at Myer
Add a bit of life into your outdoor evening gatherings with this spherical globe from Myer. It adds the perfect elegant finish to any low-lit garden - compliments guaranteed.
5. Brava copper outdoor wall light, $91.95, on sale for $82.75, Zanui
Shop now at Zanui
Attach this sophisticated outdoor light to your front porch, barbecue area, or even poolside for added illumination. In a rustic copper finish, it's the perfect addition to a courtyard garden.
6. Outdoor Post Top, $330, Dick Smith
Shop now at Dicksmith
Who said lighting had to be just functional - it can also be fun. Add this style element to you'll be on your way to achieving your dream cottage-style garden.
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