Shine on: The complete guide to planning your outdoor lighting

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A uniquely beautiful home requires outdoor lighting that is safe, secure and stunning. When the sun sets and those lights are turned on, you want to be able to look at your garden and be mesmerised.

So how does one go about planning outdoor lights? This guide lists everything you need.

1 Plan meticulously. Don't just install lights and hope for the best. Determine the look you want and then carefully select which lights go where. The plan needs to be executed in the following stages: firstly the gardens; then the landscape features; and finally the lighting.

2 Plan as a whole. All parts of your outdoor need to be lit including decks, patios, gazebos, paths, steps, entrances, water features, pools, gardens and large trees.

3 Safety first. The most vital ingredient of outdoor lighting is to illuminate for safety and security, which includes tripping over steps and features.

4 Easy-peasy. Ensure that light switches are in convenient locations. Do not be tempted to install too many switches for controlling individual lights, as that will become both confusing and irritating. Timers can also be handy.

5 Be a good neighbour. Your garden lights must be installed in a way that does not bother your neighbours. This is a legislative requirement which can be costly if not followed.

6 Harness the sun. Wiring is expensive, so consider solar lights. New generation solar light, particularly commercial grade ones, are bright, collect solar energy even through cloudy days and are built to last many years without maintenance. They can be installed DIY and do not require wiring. For lights that do require wiring, make absolutely sure you know where utility cables run in the ground and avoid these.

7 Create magic. Feature lights are all important. These illuminate significant aspects in your outdoors, and by so doing, make grand statements. The features can include large trees, bushes, pools, walls, fountains and even spots on paths.

8 Corrosion proof. If your house is within 15km of the sea, then strongly consider using marine grade lights which are made from materials such as 316 stainless steel, carbon steel and special types of aluminiums that are resistant against corrosion. These will ensure that your lights last much longer compared to ordinary ones.

9 Do the numbers. Your budget should allow for installation and wiring. Electricians generally charge between $80 to $120 per hour. Get a range of quotes and if possible, get an electrician that has been used by someone you know.

10 The view from indoors. You will be sitting inside your home much more than outside, so make sure your outdoor lighting is stunning when viewed from the indoors - for example when you are entertaining at your dining room table. Also avoid bright lights shining indoors.

11 Look for quality. Lights these days, even cheap ones, are extremely well engineered and long lasting - but at the same time as everything in life, you get what you pay for. Don't always go for the cheapest light.

12 Polished pizazz. Brass and copper look beautiful outdoors and their patina will provide a magnificent look.

13 Feature walls. Walls with spotlights and up-down lights are a simple way to create a stunning impact.

14 Keep them sparkling. Finally, remember that all your outdoor lights need to be wiped with a rag every couple of months. This will ensure that they continue looking great, providing superb illumination and last longer.

For the largest range of outdoor light in Australia, with thousands of products, see Lighting Style.

This is branded content for Lighting Style.