1. They use lights that make things look dull or too ‘cold’
Not all light sources are made equal. This is because artificial light does not emit a balanced mixture of all colours CRI is a measurement showing how light affects the appearance of colour you can find out more about this here. In general you want lights with a CRI of 90 or better.
The warmth or coolness of light is described by colour temperature and measured in Kelvin. Read here for more information on this. When using LEDs in your garden it’s important to choose warm white LED’s. Cheap LED light bulbs and fittings tend to be cool because it’s cheaper to make an efficient LED in a cool colour temperature.
How to avoid: Check the product spec or ask suppler for a CRI value and colour temperature. Make sure the colour temperature of different fittings match.
2. They buy lights that won’t last.
Garden light fittings are exposed to the elements and poor quality fittings won’t last. If one fails in the first 12 months will you be able to get a replacement and would the light match the existing fittings? Do the light fittings come with a warranty and Will the supplier be around long enough to honour that warranty? The market is flooded with poor quality light fittings.
With good quality LED’s lasting over 50,000 hours, we use products that are designed for longevity. We put an emphasis on specifying products that can be maintained, repaired and recycled, so that ‘throwaway culture’ has no place in lighting design.
How to avoid: Use a reputable manufacturer. Ask your supplier where the fittings are made and what testing they have done.
3. They use too much light.
A little light goes a long way outside and we’re certainly of the view less is more. You don’t need to light your lawn to the same level as Wembley stadium. Your garden path isn’t a runway at Heathrow Airport.
Yes provide task light where needed and use light to accent beautiful features, see our step by step guide for garden lighting here, but be mindful of the lumen output and beam angle of each fitting. Be particularly mindful of light pollution and light trespass (light spill into other peoples properties). We look to use the minimum amount and most energy efficient light fittings, while of course delivering a high quality and beautiful lighting design. We only use light where it’s needed. We treat it sparingly like a precious commodity reducing environmental impact.
How to avoid: Only use light where it’s needed. Think is it useful or is it beautiful.
Before you start an exterior lighting scheme check out our 5 best light fittings for your garden.
If you would like help lighting a landscape or garden please do feel free to get in touch for a
free 30 minute consultation.
