Garden fairy lights, a name which immediately brings to our mind images of colourful sparkling Xmas trees and decorations, are nowadays used for adorning any outdoor space or summer garden for small or big occasions or even as a permanent feature. Garden fairy lights come in different shapes and sizes, some with special features as in solar fairy lights and LED fairy lights. In fact, people have become so creative that they are using the different options of outdoor fairy lights to give their garden that perfect ambience. Being able to see your garden trees, shrubs and flowers illuminated by tiny sparkling lights can be a real visual treat.
What are Garden Fairy Lights?
Garden fairy lights, or the standard outdoor fairly lights, are small sparkling bulbs attached to an electric cable and come in different patterns like a string of single coloured bulbs, a mix of colours like white and blue or red and green on a single cable, or a combination of different multi coloured bulbs attached to a single cable. A crude version of these bulbs was first developed by Edward Johnson in 1822 to replace the highly unsafe candles which were used in those times to light up trees and decorations by placing them on the branches next to the decorations. The risk of burning down trees, houses and people was very high, and this prompted Albert Sadecca to develop a better version of the first one called safety bulbs. This could be used for indoor and outdoor lighting purposes without any risk. However, the electricity consumption of these bulbs was very high and so it was initially only the privilege of the elite class. Soon, advances in technology led to the development of completely safe and economical bulbs, which we now know as garden fairy lights.
These lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting and safe to use both indoors and outdoors. The latest development in outdoor fairy lights is the use of LED fairy lights, which are renowned for their durability; and solar fairy lights, specially designed for cost effectiveness and reduced environmental impact.
Types of Garden Fairy Lights
1. LED Fairy Lights – LED Fairy lights are semi-conducting bulbs that have caused a massive change in the area of outdoor lighting. LED lights come in a wide range of different colors, wavelengths and patterns. These lights are stunningly bright, almost five times brighter than ordinary bulbs, and yet require a very low voltage to power them. They do not heat up as easily as ordinary bulbs and are safer to use. The fact that they are virtually unbreakable is an added bonus. LED Fairy lights use 80% less energy than ordinary incandescent bulbs, and hence are much more energy efficient and save you money.
The next time you decide to hold a party, give your home and backyard a total makeover with LED fairy lights. In fact, the latest models of lights come with built-in digital controllers allowing you to switch through several distinct lighting patterns, adding a touch of visually pleasing variety to your garden. You can adorn your trees and shrubs with one lighting pattern, your walkways with another and your garden pond with yet another. The modern versions of these lights are powered by batteries which are increasingly being preferred over the older mains electricity powered ones. With the battery operated LED bulbs you can decorate the whole place without worrying about the length of your extension cord and your guests needn’t worry about tripping over. Battery operated LED fairy lights are absolutely safe and hassle-free. This instantly decorative, yet cost effective item is sure to win the appreciation of your guests and your party will be one to be remembered for a long time.
2. Solar Fairy lights – For all those who wish to create an instant and impressive decorating effect without burning a hole in their pockets, the perfect choice would be solar fairy lights. Solar fairy lights use LED bulbs which are powered by solar cells. The solar cells are rechargeable and are placed within a solar control box which should be placed strategically during day time in an area where it receives the best possible light from the sun. Ideally, if you charge the solar fairy lights for 8 hours, it can illuminate your backyard or any outdoor area during the night for 8-12 hours. The latest versions of solar fairy lights, just like LED fairy lights, come with different flash patterns and also with the potential to beat harsh weather conditions and perform well in cloudy or rainy days and during winter. Solar fairy lights provide a lovely ambience, with lights which twinkle up the walkways, driveways, pathways or patios of your property. These lights are suited to all open areas where mains sockets and provisions for connection are hard to find. The installation process is very simple and you don’t have to pay through the nose for the electricity bill. Since they are solar powered, they use nothing but the energy from the sun.
Solar fairy lights, in comparison to other lights, are slightly dim or subdued in nature. They actually serve to enhance or accentuate the look and feel of a particular area rather than providing huge amounts of light. They come in different colors and promise to add that magical or fantasy touch to your garden. In fact, if you were able to exploit bright LED lights with a solar panel which are now available, it would be the ultimate outdoor lighting choice. Besides, in these current times of with global warming environmental issues uppermost in people’s minds, we can all do our bit to save the world. As a first step, abandon all the electricity powered stuff and celebrate your next Christmas or any other special occasion with solar fairy lights which are eco-friendly, cost-effective yet brilliantly glittering in nature.
Most modern trends in outdoor lighting show a sharp inclination toward creative and innovative methods of lighting, abandoning traditional lamps and lighting fixtures. Originality and energy efficiency rules the day and garden fairy lights, especially the solar powered ones can be considered the best choice in this group. Decorating your backyard and surroundings with these lights is a unique way of illuminating your surroundings, creating an inviting atmosphere and setting a specific mood. Couples can relax against the backdrop of a romantic ambience, children will be thrilled to play and have fun in the colorfully lit garden and friends and relatives can comfortably chat and enjoy the evening in a pleasant and sparkling atmosphere. Garden fairy lights are truly a ‘twinkling must-have’ for any occasion!