If you have a garden room or office, you may be wondering how to light it - after all, natural light is great during the day, but what about at night?
The fact that we have installed hundreds of garden rooms and offices all around the country means we have a unique insight into how to light them.
We've also seen some amazing lighting solutions over the years, so we thought we would share some of our favourites with you...
House Lighting Is Different from Garden House Lighting
We thought we would start off with an obvious question - what's the difference between house lighting and garden house lighting and why should you care?
This is a great question and one we need to answer, otherwise, this article won't make that much sense…
Lights in your home normally consist of either table lamps or a single pendant with a shade over it - these give a warm, ambient light which is perfect for relaxing at the end of the day.
Garden lights, on the other hand, are designed to be more functional. They need to be bright enough to see what you're doing, but not so bright that they're blinding.
It's also super important that they are able to dim down, as you don't want to be working in a garden office under full floodlights!
Control The Lights Remotely
Before we get to the list, we thought it might be a good idea to point out that all of the lights mentioned can be controlled remotely.
This means you can turn them on/off without having to physically get up to do it yourself - perfect, if you're relaxing in your garden and you don't want to move!
You can also set timers so your lights come on automatically when it begins to get dark. (This is really handy, too, if you're going on holiday and want to deter burglars).
If you're not sure where to get them, please contact a specialist lighting retailer who will be able to advise you on the best products for your needs.
And, without further ado, here are our top picks for garden house lighting:
Internal Lights
1. Use Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are a fantastic way to add some ambient light to your garden room or office. They're also cheap to buy and easy to put up; simply drape them around the edges of the room or along the shelving.
Why are they good for garden rooms?
Fairy lights are easy to use with a dimmer switch + they are low-power consumption lights.
They are also flexible, so you can position them wherever you need them most.
2. Install LED Downlights
LED downlights are a more modern solution and one that is becoming increasingly popular. They are available in different sizes and shapes, so you can find the perfect fit for your space.
What are the benefits of LED downlights?
LED downlights are very efficient and will last for a long time. They also give off a bright, white light which is perfect for working in.
3. Use Table Lamps
Table lamps are a classic way to add some light to your space. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles, meaning you can easily find one that fits in with your decor.
Most garden houses have some sort of seating area and besides that area, you would normally see a small table - perfect for placing a lamp on.
Not only will it give you some extra light, but it will also help to create a cosy atmosphere…
4. Chandeliers
If you're after that classic garden room look, you can't really go wrong with a chandelier. They come in all sorts of different styles, so you should be able to find one that fits your space perfectly.
Chandeliers are great for two reasons: Firstly, they provide plenty of light. Secondly, they look absolutely stunning, providing the “olde worlde” charm that many garden rooms have.
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5. Under Cabinet Lights
There's no better way to showcase your worktop than with some under-cabinet lights. These are usually LED strips that you can position underneath your cabinets.
They provide a bright, white light which is perfect for working in. And, they look great, too!
6. Clip-On Desk Lamps
If you've ever visited IKEA, then you'll know exactly what we mean by clip-on lamps; these are super cheap and come in a range of different styles/colours.
Clip-on lamps are great for garden offices as they are small and easy to position. Plus, they don't take up much space on your desk.
These work particularly well if you're trying to go for that contemporary look.
7. Wall Washers
Wall washers are a great way to add some light to your garden room or office. They are usually recessed lights that you position along the walls.
What are the benefits of wall washers?
Wall washers provide a soft, diffused light that is perfect for working in. Plus, they help to brighten up the whole room.
8. Combine Heat With Light
What a great idea, no?
Not only will you be able to see what you're doing, but you'll stay warm in the process!
How does it work?
Companies such as Heatsail have designed lighting systems that combine heat with light. This is perfect for garden rooms and offices as it means you won't have to have separate heating and lighting systems.
External Lights
9. Install Solar Lights
Solar lights are a great way to add some light to your garden without having to worry about running cables or wires. They are also very efficient and environmentally friendly.
Solar lights look really cool when dotted around your wooden patio or decking - they give off a warm, ambient light which is perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests.
10. Use Motion Sensor Lights
If you want to add some security to your garden office or room, then motion sensor lights are a great option.
They will automatically turn on when they detect movement, so you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn them on or off.
They are also a great way to light up your garden path or driveway.
11. Cornice Downlights
Some garden houses have a panel or cornice that overlaps the roof. This is the perfect place to install some downlights.
Downlights look great when installed here as they provide a subtle, yet effective light + they are very efficient and will last for a long time.
We find that they look really nice when positioned on each corner of the cornice.
FAQs
Does it matter how many lights I have in my garden room?
No, not at all. You can have as many or as few lights as you like. It really depends on your personal preference and the look you're going for.
What type of lightbulb should I use in my garden room?
There are a few different options when it comes to lightbulbs. LED bulbs are the most popular choice as they are very efficient and long-lasting. However, you could also use halogen or CFL bulbs.
What lighting is best for the garden?
The best lighting for the garden really depends on your personal preference and the look you're going for. A combination of lantern and string lights usually looks really nice based on the fact that they emit a warm, ambient light.
What is the best type of lighting for a garden room?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Again, it really depends on your personal preference and the look you're going for. Some people prefer a more natural look, so they might choose solar lights or LED strips. Others might prefer a more contemporary aesthetic, so they might choose cornice downlights or recessed lights.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what type of lighting you want for your garden room.
