In order to be able to have fun in your garden at night, outdoor lighting is a must.

Just like for the lighting in your home, you can choose between several types of light sources: energy saving lamp, incandescent, halogen (for strong light) or LEDs. The latter solution, rare in our homes because of its lack of power and its less warm light, is more popular as an exterior source of light . LEDs consume very little energy, they don't heat up the surface, and they come in a variety of colors. They are also very compact, which makes them adaptable in virtually every corner of your garden.

Also note that there are many solutions to make the most of the solar energy. Practical and easy to install (since there's no cable), they are fully autonomous of every source of energy, and thus very economical. These lighting systems are charging themselves during the day via photovoltaic cells and diffuse a warm glow over a dozen hours after sunset. Their effect is even more efficient though, at present, their efficiency is rather decorative than truly enlightening.

As for the choice of lighting, it depends mainly on the model of the lamp used. Again, the range of possibilities is wide and adaptable both to your desires and to your exterior's layout.

To give your garden an inviting look, nothing beats the use of soft lights. Ground lights or close to the ground lights will allow you to create real paths of light, if you install them along your lanes. The ground lights have the added advantage of being invisible during the day. The wall sconces and indirect lighting of your terrace will help create a calm and comfortable ambiance. As for the LED, they are perfect to give a little modern edge, especially if you opt for a range in color.

Lighting the vegetation will accentuate your garden while making your plants more visible during the night. The majesty of a tree will be perfectly rendered if lit from the bottom up by an external projector. For species with very dense foliage, use internal lighting: install a spot near the trunk for a more beautiful effect. Remember that these lights should be neither too strong nor too close to the leaves, otherwise you risk to set your garden on fire.

Other energy saving options would be the motion detection devices because they limit the time when the light is on and avoid oversights thus being perfect for the entrances.

Finally, like any electrical system, exterior lighting must meet a number of standards and safety criteria. Therefore, it is always advisable to call an electrician because the failure to meet these criteria may result in all kinds of inconveniences, more or less dangerous. In addition, all wiring should be buried and each element of the installation must be completely sealed so as not to suffer because of the weather or cause incidents.