Lighting up

Enlightening outdoor spaces

By Natasha Parrant

With summer still around, homeowners still have time to make the most of their outdoor area by using lights to brighten up their place at night, so when they’re hosting a BBQ or dinner and drinks, guests will be impressed.

Outdoor lights make a huge difference to the homeowner’s outdoor aesthetic. They can boost emotions and make people want to stay around because it’s eye-catching. That little bit of effort can go a long way. Homeowners should try to include either fairy lights, Christmas lights, LED lights, lamps, a string of light bulbs, solar lights, and/or anything that glows can also work too.

Homeowners shouldn’t overdo it either, otherwise, guests may mistake their house for a Christmas light show. They should also think about their outdoor colours, if they already have outdoor furniture like beige seating or furnishing, they could add copper lights to go with it.

If homeowners have white outdoor furniture, blankets, or cushions, they could easily have yellow or even funky colourful lights, which would complement one another well. Here is some professional advice on outdoor lighting from Mr Ralph, which offers affordable and aesthetic lighting from design to manufacturing, and working with makers overseas, the team creates a range of stunning and high-quality designs.

Mr Ralph offers pendants, handmade shades, indoor and outdoor wall lights, lamps, and festoon strings.

Mr Ralph founder, Rachel Williamson, gives advice to customers who are wanting to buy outdoor lights.

“You first need to decide what you want your light to achieve. Does it need to be functional - such as safety lights - or more ambient, like lighting a pathway or drawing the eye by illuminating a wall. Deciding this will guide you to your options.”

In terms of what outdoor lighting could look like when homeowners entertain their guests, Rachel suggests the festoons pack is the most popular.

“We find the festoons pack the biggest punch in decorative lighting and give that rustic ‘festival-style’ vibe. You can use them to frame an entertaining area or let them drape over a tabletop for a softer effect.”

Homeowners can also use decorative wall lights to create an illuminating feature on an exterior wall, as it would lead guests to the area and can also serve to brighten pathways, she says.

“For a relaxed social gathering, it is essential to remember that light that surrounds you is more relaxing than light above you. Yellow light is also more relaxing than white light.”

Rachel shares more advice on what homeowners need to consider when purchasing outdoor lights.

“All outdoor lights must have a rating of IP44, which is rated for outdoor and bathroom use. An electrician must install all outdoor lighting that needs to be hard-wired.”

Mr Ralph’s decorative lighting is designed in England by Garden Trading and is designed to hold off European outdoor conditions, she says.

Feel free to check out more lighting options and advice here: mrralph.co.nz.

Mr Ralph is located in Gordonton on the North Island but free shipping is available nationwide.