Outdoor lighting trends for a South African garden

 

As summer rolls around in South Africa, the warmer weather and longer days invite us to spend more time outdoors. Whether you're hosting a braai, enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, or simply admiring your garden, outdoor lights play a crucial role in setting the right atmosphere. The right lighting not only adds aesthetic appeal but also enhances safety and functionality. In this article, we'll explore five of the most popular outdoor lighting trends for the South African summer, perfect for creating a welcoming ambiance in your outdoor spaces.

1. Festoon lighting

Where to use them: Festoon lights, also known as string lights, can be draped across patios, pergolas, or balconies to create a warm, inviting glow. You can also hang them between trees or over outdoor dining areas for a relaxed, festive atmosphere. They’re particularly useful for setting the mood during social gatherings, making any evening feel like a celebration.

Why they’re useful: Festoon lighting is versatile and can transform even the simplest of outdoor spaces into something magical. The soft, warm light is perfect for creating an intimate and cosy environment, while still providing enough brightness to enjoy outdoor activities. Additionally, they add a decorative element to your space even when not in use, thanks to their stylish bulbs.

Ease of installation: These lights are incredibly easy to install. Most come with hooks or clips, allowing you to hang them along fences, rooftops, or trees. If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, opt for solar-powered festoon lights. These don’t require any wiring or outdoor plugs, making them ideal for temporary setups or areas where electrical access is limited.

Why they’re trendy: Festoon lights have become a must-have for outdoor entertaining. Their nostalgic, vintage-inspired design makes them a stylish addition to any outdoor setting, and their ability to create a laid-back, whimsical atmosphere is a big part of their appeal. Plus, with the rise of outdoor entertaining in the warmer months, they’re a practical yet aesthetic choice for South African summers.

2. Solar garden lights

Where to use them: Solar garden lights are perfect for illuminating pathways, flower beds, and garden borders. You can also place them around ponds, pools, or garden features like statues or rockeries to highlight key elements in your yard. These lights are excellent for creating subtle illumination that enhances your garden’s features without overpowering the natural beauty of your outdoor space.

Why they’re useful: Solar garden lights are both practical and eco-friendly. They charge using sunlight during the day and automatically switch on at night, which means you won’t need to worry about turning them on or off. They provide a gentle glow, which is ideal for guiding visitors along walkways or creating a soft ambiance in your garden. Because they’re powered by solar energy, they won’t add to your electricity bill, making them a cost-effective solution for lighting large areas.

Ease of installation: Installation is as simple as pushing them into the ground. Most models are designed to be weather-resistant and require no wiring, making them easy to place anywhere you have access to sunlight. Whether you’re a DIY novice or an expert, installing solar garden lights is quick and straightforward.

Why they’re trendy: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for homeowners, and solar garden lights are a great way to reduce energy consumption while still enjoying a well-lit outdoor space. In addition to their eco-friendly credentials, solar lights come in a range of modern designs, from sleek, minimalist styles to more decorative, ornate options, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every garden.

3. Solar wall lights

Where to use them: Solar wall lights are ideal for mounting on exterior walls, along fences, or near doorways. They work well for areas where you want both ambient lighting and enhanced security, such as entrances, garages, or darker corners of your property. If you have a patio or deck, these lights can also be mounted to provide general lighting for outdoor seating areas.

Why they’re useful: Solar wall lighting serves a dual purpose: it provides soft, ambient lighting while also helping to improve safety around your home. Many models come equipped with motion sensors, which means they can brighten when someone approaches, adding an extra layer of security. Since they are solar-powered, they don’t require wiring or access to electricity, which is a huge bonus for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance lighting solution.

Ease of installation: Installing solar wall lights is typically a simple task that requires only a few basic tools. Most solar wall lights come with mounting brackets or screws, and because they don’t need to be connected to the electrical grid, installation can be completed in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just starting out, solar wall lights are designed to be user-friendly.

Why they’re trendy: The combination of security, functionality, and aesthetic appeal has made solar wall lights a popular choice. As more homeowners look to increase their home’s energy efficiency, solar-powered lighting solutions are becoming the norm. The sleek, modern designs of these lights also contribute to their trendiness, making them a stylish and practical addition to any outdoor space.

4. Garden spot lights

Where to use them: Garden spot lights are perfect for accentuating specific areas in your garden. Whether you want to highlight a beautiful tree, a water feature, or a piece of outdoor art, these lights provide focused illumination that draws attention to the details that matter. They can also be used to light up driveways or pathways in a more concentrated and dramatic way than traditional garden lights.

Why they’re useful: Garden spotlights allow you to highlight the unique features of your outdoor space, adding depth and dimension after dark. By focusing light on specific areas, you can create a sense of drama and contrast that enhances the overall ambiance of your garden. Additionally, they can serve practical purposes by improving visibility in key areas.

Ease of installation: Garden spotlights can be installed either in the ground or mounted to a surface, depending on the model. Most are either solar-powered or plug-in models, which makes installation relatively simple. If you choose a solar-powered option, there’s no need for wiring, so you can place them wherever they’re needed without hassle.

Why they’re trendy: Garden spot lights with spikes are trending because they allow homeowners to showcase their landscaping and garden design in a stylish way. With more people investing time and effort into their outdoor spaces, garden lighting has become a key component in bringing those designs to life. The sleek, modern designs of spotlights add a touch of elegance while serving a functional purpose.

5. Outdoor column lights (bollards)

Where to use them: Outdoor column lights, or bollard lights, are most often used along pathways, driveways, and garden borders. They can also be placed around patios or outdoor seating areas to create a soft, guiding light that adds structure and sophistication to your outdoor space.

Why they’re useful: Column lights are excellent for both functional and aesthetic purposes. They provide ample lighting for walkways and driveways, making it easier to navigate your outdoor space at night. At the same time, their modern, minimalist design adds a touch of elegance, making them a decorative feature even during the day.

Ease of installation: Installing bollards may require more effort than some other outdoor lighting options, especially if they are hard-wired. However, many solar-powered models are available, which simplify installation significantly. Whether you’re hiring a professional or handling it yourself, these lights are a long-lasting, durable option for outdoor lighting.

Why they’re trendy: Bollard lights have become a design staple for modern outdoor spaces. Their sleek, understated appearance blends seamlessly with contemporary architecture, while their functional benefits make them a practical choice for safety and navigation. As outdoor spaces become an extension of the home, bollard lights are leading the trend in structured, stylish lighting.

Buy outdoor lights online in South Africa

Enhance your outdoor space with the latest lighting trends this summer! At Livecopper, we offer a wide range of outdoor lights to suit your garden, patio, or any outdoor area. From charming festoon lights to energy-efficient solar options, we have the perfect lighting solutions for you. Plus, for orders over R450, we offer delivery to any major centre in South Africa.

Browse our outdoor lighting collection online and get ready to light up your summer evenings with style!