Imagine coming home to glowing lights gently illuminating your driveway, having your front door lit up by a stylish accent light and sitting back for a relaxing sunset drink on your deck while admiring your favourite garden features.

Indeed, the right type of lighting can completely transform an outdoor space. But creating a beautiful, functional garden lighting system takes more than just popping a few solar lights around the yard.

In this guide, we go through every step to creating a comfortable outdoor living space with the right types and styles of garden lights. From choosing the right sort to how bright they should be, here are Fusion Lighting's top tips for creating a welcoming outdoor space with lighting.

Different Types of Garden Lights and Where to Use Them

Choosing the right type of garden lighting for the right setting is crucial to improving safety and aesthetics. Here are some common garden lighting systems that might help you understand the correct application for different styles of lights.

Wall Lights

Outdoor wall lights can be placed at entrances, on garden walls or fences, or on patios or decks to provide focused or ambient lighting in outdoor living spaces. Popular styles of wall lights include coach lights, sconces, flood lights, motion sensors or up-and-down lights.

Pathway Lights

Pathway lights aren't just for safety and security, they can also help to beautify and boost kerb appeal on driveways or front paths or make your entire backyard more accessible after sundown. Stake lights or bollards that provide 360-degree illumination, fixed in-ground lights, traditional lamp posts, or the modern look of post lights are most suited to this type of application.

Spotlights and Uplighting

Using spotlights or uplights is the best way to highlight a garden focal point. Trees, garden sculptures, water features and architectural elements need not be hidden once the sun goes down with a narrow, focused beam of accent lighting from a spotlight to highlight them. Uplights create depth and allow you to show off your entire garden once the sun has gone down.

String Lights

Fairy lights and festoon lights are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere in entertaining areas and BBQ areas and they are also extremely versatile. You can hang them across a ceiling (or to create the feeling of a ceiling) or to give a curtain effect from pergolas, patios and walls. Fairy lights can even be wrapped around trees to highlight their beauty after dark.

Deck Lights and Pool Lights

The importance of light fixtures at ground level is often overlooked. However, in-ground lights on your deck or around your pool can improve safety and make the space more appealing. Another way to create an inviting atmosphere on your deck is to use an outdoor pendant light or festoon lights to provide ambient lighting for after-hours relaxation. Alternatively, choose colourful lights to create a party atmosphere around your pool and deck areas.

Step Lighting

Step lighting provides enhanced safety and visibility, especially when compared to traditional overhead lights that cast dangerous shadows. Lighting fixtures fitted with motion sensors are a great way to illuminate staircases without making them a constant feature of your garden lighting design.

Understanding Different Types of Outdoor Lighting Power Sources

When it comes to power sources for garden lighting, there are 3 options—mains-powered, solar-powered lights, or low-voltage lights.

Solar lights are cheap and readily available. However, they offer limited brightness, have a limited run time, depend on favourable weather conditions, can't be placed in shady areas, and often come with low-quality batteries that lose their charge after a short time.

Here at Fusion Lighting, we prefer low-voltage lights for several reasons. Outdoor lights powered by a transformer are much safer to use outdoors than mains-powered lighting options as they minimise the risk of electric shock if wires are accidentally exposed.

They also provide power to multiple lights, making them more energy efficient, and they are easily added to if you decide to change your garden lighting design.

Which Type of Bulbs Are Best for Outdoor Lighting?

The best bulbs for durable, high-performance outdoor lighting are LED bulbs. They have a long lifespan and offer energy efficiency. Alternatives like halogen bulbs use high amounts of energy and have a much shorter lifespan. Smart bulbs are another alternative, although these are more expensive and require a Wi-Fi connection for automation.

Exposed bulbs like those on festoon lights are easily broken in poor weather conditions. This is why Fusion Lighting uses high-quality shatter-proof LED lights in our designs. Our LED lights don't emit heat, so they aren't a fire risk around certain types of plants like palms. They are dimmable without the need for a qualified electrician, and they are designed to withstand harsh weather.

When choosing lighting for outdoor spaces, you should always go for bulbs with a high IP rating of at least IP65 to ensure their weather resistance.

What Colour Lights are Best Outdoors?

Choosing the correct colour temperature is essential to creating the right sort of atmosphere in outdoor spaces. Cool white light is most suitable for security lighting and task lighting, while warm white lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.

The unit used to measure colour temperature is a 'Kelvin'. The higher the K value, the bluer the light. A lower K value indicated a warmer, yellowish light. Warm white globes for patios and paths should be around 2700K, while cool white lights for security and tasks should be from 4000-5000K.

How Bright Should My Outdoor Lights Be?

Now that we've looked at the colour temperature, the other consideration for outdoor lighting is brightness. You don't get more brightness with a higher-wattage bulb. The wattage only measures energy consumption. How much light a bulb emits is measured in lumens.

Security lights require more lumens for greater light output with around 700-2000 lumens usually suitable. Pathway and accent lights should range from 100-300 lumens.

The Easiest Way to Choose Garden Lights is to Give Us a Call

At Fusion Lighting, we don't just sell lights. We offer a free custom lighting plan with our garden lighting design service, and we can even offer installation guidance to ensure they are positioned correctly for optimum functionality and style.

Visit our website to explore our full range of outdoor lighting solutions to enhance your space. We offer the highest quality outdoor garden lights in Australia, with a warranty period of 2-5 years, and personalised service that can't be matched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to choose the right outdoor lights?

The wrong types of light outside can impact the look, functionality and safety of your space. For example, lights that are too bright or poorly directed can cause glare, while inadequate illumination can pose a safety and security hazard.

What is the rule of thumb for outdoor lighting?

Choose the right brightness and colour temperature, install lights at the right height and facing the correct direction and space them evenly for the best effect.

How to choose garden lights?

Outdoor lights that are durable and made to last are a great investment as they can reduce your energy usage and ensure you have a cosy, safe outdoor area after dark for many years to come.

How many lumens is a good outdoor light?

This depends on the purpose of the light. If it's for security or tasks, opt for around 1000 lumens. If the light is to create an atmosphere, around 200 lumens is suitable.

If you're thinking about installing some festoon lights at your cafe, some path lights at your commercial business or some solar-powered lights at home, you've probably wondered if there are any rules surrounding the use of lights outside at night.

Smart outdoor lighting choices for homes and businesses can enhance outdoor spaces, making them more functional, safe and enjoyable. However, choosing the right type of lighting system is critical to control light distribution and light output and avoid causing a nuisance to neighbouring properties.

When considering outdoor lighting options, there are a range of regulations to help guide your choices. Let's explore what they are and how they can help you design a lighting system that conserves energy, saves money and protects local wildlife and the neighbourhood's aesthetic.

Why Are Regulations for Garden Lighting Necessary?

Poor outdoor lighting increases the risk of accidents, and if fixtures fail to meet safety standards, they can become an electrical or fire hazard. The wrong type of lighting or incorrect beam angle also contributes to light pollution and is an inefficient use of energy.

In Australia, planning permission isn't normally required for residential garden lights. However, having lighting installed by a qualified electrician ensures it's compliant and meets relevant safety standards. Businesses and commercial projects may be subject to local rules that regulate the scope of their lighting projects, particularly if there is a chance it will be a nuisance to others.

A well-designed lighting system and detailed lighting schedule have many benefits, including:

• Using less energy and contributing to lower power bills
• Improved security
• Avoiding glare nuisance or light spillage to neighbours and motorists
• Preserving the night sky in urban areas
• Less disruption for nocturnal animals

What Are the Key Australian Standards to Consider?

Whether at home or your place of business, all outdoor lighting must comply with electrical wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000). This legislation covers luminaire requirements, cable installation, earthing, weather protection, lighting levels, switchboards and sockets.

Other safety standards that impact outdoor lighting decisions, particularly in commercial and industrial buildings, are designed to control its obtrusive effects (AS/NZS 4282). It sets out standards such as using light fittings with shielding to reduce glare and direct light downwards, therefore improving performance. It also encourages energy-efficient practices by promoting the use of solar lights and LED bulbs to reduce operating costs and setting limits on light distribution and levels to minimise pollution and wastage.

Energy Efficiency Requirements for Outdoor Light Fixtures

Australian lighting standards now prioritise energy efficiency such as promoting the use of motion sensors and timers to reduce waste. Sustainable lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs that meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), are preferred over halogen, which is being phased out.

How to Navigate Local Regulations for Outdoor Lights

For businesses, local government regulations control the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting using the development approvals process. In addition, some local councils have restrictions on the frequency and hours of operation or outdoor lighting.

Check with local authorities before installation to ensure compliance with regulations. For example, you may require permits or need to follow particular rules regarding heritage or environmentally sensitive areas.

Homeowners should check their local council’s guidelines on outdoor lighting. If your project is within the local council's guidelines, you won't require a development application.

Who Can Install Garden Lighting in Australia?

In Australia, only a licenced electrician can install outdoor lighting. The only exception is the installation of low-voltage landscape lighting, which you can install yourself.

Having a qualified electrician install lighting or electrical systems ensures your home and business comply with important safety standards. A professional lighting designer will consider these regulations when developing a lighting layout.

Having a qualified electrician conduct the installation process ensures that lighting fixtures deliver reliable performance and adhere to minimum standards concerning things like waterproof wire connectors. For example, the IP (ingress protection) rating of outdoor light fittings must be at least IP44. However, IP55 or IP56 is preferred to protect electrical enclosures from dust, liquids and weather conditions that could pose a safety hazard.

We Help You Plan a Garden Lighting Scheme You Can Install Yourself!

Fusion Lighting specialises in low-voltage lights for your outdoor space that simply plug into a regular outdoor power point. Low-voltage garden lighting is safer and easy to install, as there's no need for an electrician.

Best of all, we're here to help you design the outdoor space of your dreams with our easy-to-use garden lights. Improve safety, highlight architectural features or outdoor elements, or create ambient light levels to help set a relaxing mood in your outdoor area.

Visit our website today to see our full range of commercial-grade, low-voltage outdoor lighting solutions or to have us design an energy-saving LED lighting system for your home or business.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I complain about annoying outdoor lights?

It's possible that lighting regulations (particularly AS 4282) haven't been correctly followed if you find yourself dealing with a garden light nuisance. Try speaking with your neighbour or the business in question, they may be unaware that their outdoor lights are causing a bother. If that doesn't work, notify your local council and they will be able to help you resolve the matter.

What is the AS1680 standard in Australia?

AS1680 covers standards for interior lighting.

What is the Australian standard for street lighting?

AS 1158 sets out the standards for the lighting of roads and public spaces, including street lights.

From pubs to wedding venues to back decks right across Australia, fun and functional festoon lights are everywhere these days. As the warm glow of their energy-saving LEDs can create a cozy atmosphere in a multitude of settings, it seems festoon lights will be 'hanging around' as a must-have garden feature for many years to come.

Therefore, we thought it was about time for this—our ultimate guide to festoon lights. Learn more about their benefits, how to hang them, what to look for when buying them, and some creative ideas of where to use them around your home.

What Are Festoon Lights?

Festoon lights are a type of string light featuring large, exposed bulbs spaced evenly along a cable. They give off more light than fairy lights and can feature different-sized and shaped bulbs. Often referred to as party lights, these light sources are popular in commercial spaces like bars and cafes.

That said, they are versatile and look great in all types of outdoor areas, run along ceilings, in place of ceilings, above dining tables, and around pool or entertainment areas.

Festoon Lights are Great for Homes, Businesses and Events

Whether in the backyard of a house or as a part of a lighting system for large events, festoon lights are suitable for a wide range of applications.

Benefits of Using Festoon Lights in Home Lighting Designs

Energy efficient, fun, flexible and extremely functional festoon lights look and work great on decks and patios. Their LED bulbs make them eco-friendly and energy efficient, with lower energy consumption than halogen lights.

Festoon lights are bright enough to avoid eye strain yet soft enough to provide a warm glow with a dimmable feature that helps to create a cozy atmosphere. They can be used as part of a layered lighting design in combination with other lighting options like wall lights or pendants.

Benefits of Festoon LED Lights for Businesses

Festoon lights are an ideal option for businesses looking to light up their outdoor spaces because they create a memorable ambience. They also increase the visibility of your business, helping it to stand out from the crowd, particularly for businesses such as restaurants and cafes.

Unlike solar garden lights, Fusion Lighting's low-voltage electrical connection festoon lights can operate with limited sunlight, all year round. This makes them suitable for areas that receive a lot of shade from adjoining buildings, for example. They also have a lower risk of an electrical shock than mains-powered lighting options should the wiring become exposed for any reason.

Festoon lights are safer than other lighting sources, such as lamps, because they are securely fixed, yet they are very easy to install.

Benefits of Festoons for Outdoor Lighting at Night Events

Festoon lights are the right lighting fixture to illuminate events as they help to create an intimate atmosphere, especially for celebrations like weddings. Unlike accent lighting such as pendant lights, festoon lighting fixtures draw attention to entire areas meaning that when combined with comfortable furniture, they can help to create clearly defined outdoor 'rooms'.

Choosing Between Different Brands of Festoon Lights

When choosing between different types of festoon lights, there are a few things to consider. The first is quality. Cheap solar lights won't last long and when they do fail, it's not simply a matter of replacing the bulbs—the whole thing just goes straight in the bin.

Fusion Lighting's options are made to the highest quality, and we offer a long warranty period because we're so confident in our product.

Another thing to consider is the type of bulb that's used. Halogen and incandescent bulbs produce heat. That attracts insects and results in high power use. However, we use super-tough and long-lasting LEDs that are suitable for all weather conditions and extremely energy efficient.

Installation Tips for Hanging Festoon Lights

The first step when hanging festoon lights is to get yourself a string light suspension kit from Fusion Lighting. This way, your lights can stay up permanently.

Next, assess what you plan to hang them from. If attaching to concrete or brick, use a wall plug to hold the eye screw in place. For timber, drill a pilot hole first. Pick the pattern you wish to hang your lights in and attach the eye screws accordingly.

Then thread the stainless-steel cable we supply through the eye screws and secure it with the Quicklink. Finally, attach the cable and put the bulbs in, and you're done.

Creative Ideas for Festoon Lights and Fairy Lights

When it comes to using string lights, you're only limited by your imagination. As they are easy to install, why not try some of these creative ideas at your business or home.

• Hang them over a dining area for rustic family dinners
• Wrap underneath oversized umbrellas for easy transitions from sun-filled days to cozy nights
• String along staircases for constant brightness and safety at night
• Place fairy lights inside jars and bottles to create lanterns
• Hang in strands from trees to give a rain effect
• Use at outdoor festivals or markets to highlight food stands or booths
• Decorate window displays with festoon lights to draw attention to your business after-hours
• Use on patios, terraces, decks or indoors to create a relaxing space

Where to Find the Best Quality Festoon Lights

Lower your electricity use, stop constantly replacing those useless solar garden lights and make safety a priority with the highest-quality festoon lights on the market from Fusion Lighting.

Our dimmable, shatter-proof, safe low-voltage party lights are long-lasting and easy to install, making it possible to instantly transform your outdoor space into an area that you can actually use after dark. Visit our website to find out more about why ours are the best festoon lights you can buy in Australia or call us on 1300 463 735 and we can help you out with a free custom lighting plan for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Fusion Lighting's festoon lights superior to other brands?

Fusion Lighting's festoon lights are dimmable and shatter-proof and use power-saving LED bulbs and strong, UV-stabilised cables. We put safety first with our low-voltage systems that feature connectable cables and provide you with friendly, reliable advice whenever you need it.

Does festoon lighting require installation support?

If your spans are greater than 5 metres and you want to leave the lights out permanently, then yes, it's a good idea to support them. We supply string light suspension kits that make it easy to hang your lights without any specialist tools and ensure they will stay in place.

What is the best height for festoon lights?

It's best to hang festoon lights at least at the standard ceiling height of 2.4 metres to ensure the safety of your space.

What's the difference between festoon lights and fairy lights?

Festoon lights and fairy lights are both types of string lights, but festoon lights have larger bulbs and emit more light.