Spending time outdoors improves your memory skills and cardiac health, and fights depression, as well as helping you relax. It’s hardly surprising then that each year Americans spend around $47.8 billion on garden improvements. But giving your garden space a new lease of life doesn’t have to cost you the earth.
If you’re looking for a way to transform your outdoor space and enjoy it for longer than installing LED outdoor lights could be the answer! Finding the right lights for your garden and, importantly, your budget is key.
If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor light for your patio then you’ve come to the right place! Read on to find out what to look for in an LED light and to find out the five best lights on the market at the moment.
Benefits of Using LED Outdoor Lights in Your Garden
LED – or light-emitting diode – lights are the perfect addition to your garden, patio, or deck.
Installing lights on your patio means that you can enjoy it all your around. Flick the lights on to make a long summer evening even longer. Or switch them on in winter, snuggle up next to your patio heater and watch the stars on a crisp winter night.
Installing lights on your patio can also provide a sense of security. You will always have a good view of your garden from inside your home when it’s dark and light in your garden can deter potential thieves. So why do LED lights make the best exterior lights?
These lights use durable and energy-efficient bulbs that are ideal for use outdoors. They are flexible and can withstand extreme changes in temperature so you can leave them out in summer and winter. And the long-lasting life of LED bulbs means that you won’t constantly need to replace them.
LED bulbs are also safe for you and the environment. They emit very little infra-red light so they won’t damage any nearby property. Most bulbs are also recyclable and free from toxic compounds like mercury.
In addition to all this, LED lights can run on very low voltage power so they won’t make your energy bill sky-rocket. All in all, they’re the perfect choice to use in your garden whether you have a patio or a deck.
What to Look for from LED Outside Lights
When it comes to buying the right LED lights for your garden there are lots of things you should consider.
Obviously, looking for quality lights is key. Taking a look at reviews from previous customers can help you to do this. Lights that come with a quality guarantee are also a good choice as they can save you money if the lights do stop working for any reason.
Your budget will also be a consideration and there are several things to keep in mind here. Make sure that you look at the number of lights you get or length the light’s cord as well as looking at their price. This will help you find overall value for money.
Keep in mind the type of power connection that you want to use. Some lights will be rechargeable or battery-powered while others need to plug into mains electricity. For something really eco-friendly, why not take a look at LED lights that offer solar-powered charging?
LED lights also come in a range of colors and with different lumen scores. The choice of color is a matter of personal preference but make sure you choose a light with a high lumen score.
This tells you how much light each bulb will give off. A low score means that you will only get a little light from each bulb which means it offers worse value for your money.
Finally, check how much replacement bulbs will cost for your lights and if they are easily available. It’s a good idea to buy a couple of replacements when you buy your lights so you always have spares on hand.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five of the best outdoor lights available at the moment!
1. Top of the Range: Brightech Ambience Pro
When it comes to outdoor lighting, these Brightech Ambience Pro LED string lights will see you right. They combine commercial-grade lights with style and won’t look out of place wherever you put them.
Each individual bulb gives off a warm light and has gorgeous filament detailing. They are available in soft white or warm white to suit your mood and each set comes with a replacement bulb. Not that you’ll need a replacement anytime soon as these bulbs are designed to last for 20,000 hours!
The bulbs are spaced at three-foot intervals along a stylish heavy-duty cable that reaches 48 feet in length. This should be more than enough length to decorate your patio for a warm and vibrant look. You can also dim the lights to suit the time of year and create the perfect ambiance.
If you’re looking for something that will stand the test of time, then these lights are a great choice. They come with a three-year guarantee and are entirely waterproof so you don’t have to worry about bringing them in during the winter.
We’d recommend removing the bulbs before you rig up the cables and then screwing them back in place. That way you ensure that none of the bulbs get damaged while you are arranging your cables in the perfect design!
2. Best Value for Money: TaoTronics LED String Lights
These dimmable string lights are much simpler in their design but don’t underestimate the impact they could have on your patio!
Covering 33 feet of cable with 100 individual bulbs, these waterproof lights are sure to brighten up any space. These are also extremely versatile so you can really get creative with them.
The connecting wire is stiff enough that you can bend the lights into whatever shape you like. On top of this, the lights come with a remote control that you can use to dim them or to activate a range of other settings.
However, one of the best things about these lights has got to be the price. Offering so much variety for just over $13 really makes these a steal for any homeowner!
3. Something a Little Different: Lighting Ever LED Curtain Lights
If you want to make a statement in your garden then look no further than Light Ever’s LED Curtain Lights. Rather than coming in a string, these hanging lights over a three-meter by three-meter area to create a wall of light!
The glowing bulbs come in warm or cool white but if you can’t choose, don’t panic. There is also a dual-color option that allows you to switch between the two to suit your mood. Whichever color you choose, you will also be able to switch between seven dynamic changing modes to suit any occasion.
You can use these lights to brighten up a statement wall. Or hang them off a pergola and add patio furniture to create a little haven in your garden!
4. Offering Variety: Brightown Globe String Lights
If you like the style of the Brightech Ambiance Pro Lights but have a smaller budget then the Brightown Globe Lights are perfect for you.
These lightweight bulbs are easy to install and position in your garden as you choose. They also come in 25-foot, 50-foot, and 100-foot chains so you can buy one to suit your budget and space. Whichever length of cable you opt for, you’ll be sure to love the globe-shaped glass bulbs that give off plenty of warm light to fill your garden.
Arguably one of the greatest perks that Brightown offers is the choice of lighting design for your garden. You can opt for a traditional black or for something softer, go for a green or white cable instead. Or for something really different, why not try out Brightown’s multi-colored bulbs?
As with Brightech, we’d recommend removing the bulbs while you rig up the cables. This will help them last as long as possible!
5. The Eco-Friendly Option: Urpower LED Solar Lights
Last but by no means least we have the eco-friendly option, Urpower Solar Lights!
In terms of design, these lights take a more practical approach but don’t let that put you off. They provide a lot of light for outdoor spaces without any additional electricity costs and are easy to install.
Whatever style you’re looking for, Urpower has got you covered. You can opt for cool or warm white or multi-colored lights for even more variety! On top of this, you can adjust the light settings yourself or let the setting of the sun do this naturally.
You can use these on their own to illuminate your garden or combine them with other lighting options for the perfect stylish glow!
Give Your Garden a Make-Over with LED Outdoor Lights!
Installing LED outdoor lights in your garden is a great way to give it a new lease of life with minimal effort. They will allow you to enjoy your patio all year round and make it feel warm and vibrant.
For more inspiration on how to transform your patio, check out these five fresh backyard patio ideas for summer 2020.