You’ve spent hours preparing the perfect BBQ spread, your guests are arriving, and you flip on that harsh security light that turns your beautiful patio into what looks like an interrogation room. Not exactly the vibe you were going for…
Many people think one bright outdoor light will solve all their problems, but what we actually need is layers. Think of it like getting dressed! Professional designers swear by something called the three-layer approach, a way to make lights work together to create something beautiful.
The idea of layered lighting
Let’s take a look at how the three-layer approach can (and should) work:
- Layer one: Ambient lighting
This is your foundation, the gentle, overall glow that makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome. It’s like that soft living room lamp that makes you want to curl up with a book. In your outdoor space, ambient lighting creates the mood and helps define the boundaries of your entertaining area.
- Layer two: Task lighting
Here’s where function meets form. Task lighting is all about making sure you can actually see what you’re doing, whether that’s grilling some vegetables, setting the table, or navigating steps safely. It’s focused and practical, but it doesn’t have to be boring.
- Layer three: Accent lighting
This is where the fun really starts. Accent lighting is your chance to show off, highlighting that gorgeous tree you planted last spring, creating drama with shadows, or drawing attention to a beautiful water feature.
Setting the mood with warm light
Colour temperature is the best way to avoid everyone looking like they’re under hospital fluorescents. For intimate outdoor entertaining, you want warm light of around 2700K to 3000K. This is the colour temperature that reminds us of candlelight and cosy fireplaces.
It makes skin tones look healthy, food look appetising, and conversations flow more naturally. Your guests will notice the difference, even if they can’t quite put their finger on why everything feels so much more inviting.
Transforming your outdoor space into an entertaining paradise
Our LED Garden Spike Lights give you light exactly where you want it. Need to light up your BBQ area? Position one of these at the perfect angle for cooking visibility. Want to up-light that statement tree? The spike light is your best option.
If you’re going for that rustic, lived-in look, the solid copper option will develop a beautiful patina over time. For a more contemporary vibe, especially if you’re near the coast, the marine-grade stainless steel keeps that crisp, modern look without worrying about corrosion.
Pro tip: Consider getting the narrow-beam LED as it will let you light features from further away, adding incredible depth to your space.
When safety meets style
Our path lights are fantastic for illuminating walkways and steps, but they’re so much more versatile than that. You can direct light exactly where it’s needed. If you’ve got an uneven stone path or need to highlight each step on your deck stairs, the customisable pole height means you can create a cohesive look that works with your specific landscape.
As these aren’t dimmable, you’ll need to get the placement right from the start. But that’s actually a good thing, as it forces you to think strategically about your lighting design rather than just winging it.
LED Strip Lights are your secret weapon
If spike lights are the workhorses, strip lights are the magicians of outdoor lighting. They create a gorgeous, subtle glow that seems to come from nowhere. This is perfect for that “invisible illumination” effect that makes spaces feel magical.
If you’ve got built-in seating around your fire pit, you can create a soft, warm light emanating from underneath the benches. You can also line the edge of your deck with strip lights, creating a gentle boundary that defines your entertaining space without being harsh or obvious.
The power options range from subtle (4.8W for gentle accents) all the way up to ultra-bright (19.2W for serious illumination needs). The key is matching the power to your purpose, as you don’t want to over-light and destroy that intimate atmosphere you’re working so hard to create.
Always pay attention to the IP rating. For most outdoor applications, you want IP65 or higher. If you’re planning to install these in a fully exposed area that gets direct rain, make sure you’re getting the right protection level. IP33 is fine for covered patios, but don’t risk it in exposed locations.
Creating your BBQ paradise
Let’s walk through creating the perfect outdoor entertaining space using these three product types:
- Start with your ambient layer using LED strip lights installed under your seating or along deck edges. This creates that warm, welcoming foundation that makes the space feel defined and cosy.
- Next, add your task lighting. Position a LED garden spike light to illuminate your BBQ area and aim it so you can see what you’re grilling without creating harsh shadows. Use pivot path lights to ensure safe navigation around your entertaining area, especially near steps or level changes.
- Finally, add the magic with accent lighting. Use another garden spike light to up-light a beautiful tree or highlight a water feature. This creates focal points and adds visual depth that transforms your space from simply functional to absolutely stunning.
Planning your project with Bondilights outdoor lights
Don’t try to do everything at once! Start with safety lighting like pathways and task areas. This immediately improves your space’s functionality and gives you a foundation to build on. Then, as budget allows, add the ambient and accent layers that really make the space sing.
The Bondilights team is here to help. Our unique plug-and-play system that drives our LED lights makes everything much simpler, and our range offers everything mentioned above, so you can create the perfect BBQ space to enjoy year-round.