Garden lighting: how to make winter less gloomy
When winter arrives in the UK, gardens often feel cold, wet and lifeless. But it doesn’t have to be that way. As the evenings draw in and we switch on every indoor light, our windows turn into mirrors, shutting out the beauty of our outdoor spaces. All the hard work you’ve put into your garden becomes invisible and what a shame that is.
What if you could turn those mirrors back into windows? By exploring garden lighting ideas for winter and adding subtle, warm garden lighting, you can enjoy your outdoor space all year round. Thoughtful lighting design not only enhances your garden’s beauty but also creates a welcoming glow during the darker months.
Garden lighting: how to make winter less gloomy
When winter arrives in the UK, gardens often feel cold, wet and lifeless. But it doesn’t have to be that way. As the evenings draw in and we switch on every indoor light, our windows turn into mirrors, shutting out the beauty of our outdoor spaces. All the hard work you’ve put into your garden becomes invisible and what a shame that is.
What if you could turn those mirrors back into windows? By exploring garden lighting ideas for winter and adding subtle, warm garden lighting, you can enjoy your outdoor space all year round. Thoughtful lighting design not only enhances your garden’s beauty but also creates a welcoming glow during the darker months.
Why garden lighting matters in winter:
- Extend your enjoyment of the garden: Lighting transforms your outdoor space into a visual feature, even when it’s too cold to sit outside.
- Improve safety and practicality: Well-placed lights make pathways and entrances safer.
- Boost property value: A professionally lit garden adds elegance and appeal.
Designing the perfect garden lighting scheme
At Nicholsons, we believe less is more when it comes to outdoor lighting. Here are some key considerations:
1. Practicality and Ecology
Lighting should be functional without harming local wildlife. Avoid excessive uplighting, which can disturb birds and bats. Instead, focus on smaller trees closer to the house with skeletal structures like multi-stems – this creates a beautiful effect without ecological disruption.
2. Choosing the Right Fittings
External light fittings should be reliable, discreet and complement your garden design. We recommend Weathered Bronze for its timeless, durable finish that blends seamlessly with planting and hard landscaping.
3. Light Temperature
For a warm, inviting glow, opt for 2700K. Avoid harsh white or blue tones (3000K and above), which can feel cold and negatively impact wildlife.
Lighting is easiest to incorporate during a new garden design or renovation. Retrofitting an existing garden is possible but may involve extra costs for lifting and relaying surfaces. Don’t let this deter you, transforming your garden with light is worth the investment.
Nicholsons offers bespoke garden lighting design and installation across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire and the Cotswolds. Our team provides detailed plans and visualisations so you can see exactly how your garden will look before work begins. Let us help you create a warm, inviting outdoor space that shines through the darkest months.
Why garden lighting matters in winter:
- Extend your enjoyment of the garden: Lighting transforms your outdoor space into a visual feature, even when it’s too cold to sit outside.
- Improve safety and practicality: Well-placed lights make pathways and entrances safer.
- Boost property value: A professionally lit garden adds elegance and appeal.
Designing the perfect garden lighting scheme
At Nicholsons, we believe less is more when it comes to outdoor lighting. Here are some key considerations:
1. Practicality and Ecology
Lighting should be functional without harming local wildlife. Avoid excessive uplighting, which can disturb birds and bats. Instead, focus on smaller trees closer to the house with skeletal structures like multi-stems – this creates a beautiful effect without ecological disruption.
2. Choosing the Right Fittings
External light fittings should be reliable, discreet and complement your garden design. We recommend Weathered Bronze for its timeless, durable finish that blends seamlessly with planting and hard landscaping.
3. Light Temperature
For a warm, inviting glow, opt for 2700K. Avoid harsh white or blue tones (3000K and above), which can feel cold and negatively impact wildlife.
Lighting is easiest to incorporate during a new garden design or renovation. Retrofitting an existing garden is possible but may involve extra costs for lifting and relaying surfaces. Don’t let this deter you, transforming your garden with light is worth the investment.
Nicholsons offers bespoke garden lighting design and installation across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire and the Cotswolds. Our team provides detailed plans and visualisations so you can see exactly how your garden will look before work begins. Let us help you create a warm, inviting outdoor space that shines through the darkest months.
