How to light a reading or relaxation area in the garden?

When the warm weather arrives, what could be nicer than sitting in the garden to read? So you've created a little outdoor bubble of serenity, with everything you need to enjoy it: suitable furniture, sun protection, decorative objects, etc. But have you thought about the lighting? But what about the lighting? To continue to enjoy this little haven of peace, even on balmy summer evenings, good lighting is essential. Here are our tips for illuminating a reading or relaxation area in the garden. 

Specific needs to be taken into account

Whether it's the terrace, the entrance or the relaxation area, theoutdoor lighting depends on a number of parameters. You don't choose the same type of outdoor lamp, nor the same lighting temperature or intensity to light a porch or terrace, for example.

For your reading corner, focus on these three criteria: 

• Visual comfort: To read effortlessly and relax without eyestrain, lighting needs to be balanced: neither too bright nor too dim. Imagine a soft, sunset-like light that provides sufficient illumination without dazzling.

• Atmosphere: This is a reading and/or relaxation area. The aim is to relax and enjoy, on a pouffe, a hanging armchair or a deckchair. The atmosphere should be conducive to relaxation. Your lighting should be soft and soothing, neither too cold nor too bright.

• Practicality: Well-designed lighting is also functional lighting. It must be well positioned. All key areas must be illuminated, and of course there must be no cables lying around. Your space needs to be as comfortable as it is practical.

Lighting a reading or relaxation corner in the garden: the right lighting fixtures

When it comes to outdoor lighting, each luminaire has its own role to play. The recessed spotlights and bollards are designed to mark out the way, sconces to decorate the walls of your facade or terrace, while spotlights highlight your surroundings... So which outdoor luminaires should you choose to light up a reading or relaxation area in the garden? 

Table lamp for on-the-go lighting 

The solar table lampis the ideal way to create a cosy atmosphere in your reading corner. It diffuses a soft, subdued light, perfect for reading or relaxing. Easy to move around, it adapts to every need wherever you need it, with no need for plugs or extension cords. Want to read on your outdoor sofa or sit in your chilienne? The table lamp follows you. "As well as being practical, it's a real decorative element that adds style and elegance to your outdoor spaces.adds Christophe Coelho, founder of Lumihome. Its elegant, modern design helps to structure the space by creating a very pleasant focal point."

The outdoor floor lamp for overhead lighting

Gain height with the outdoor floor lamp. Available in solar or classic versions, the outdoor floor lamp is strategically placed to illuminate a vast area. Worried about being too powerful for a relaxation or reading area? Then opt for a controllable model, like our Alto solar LED floor lamp. Controlled by remote control, it offers luminous intensity from 400 to 3,000 lumens. You can even manage the light's hue, switching from cool white to warm white. The Alto LED floor lamp is perfect for any occasion! You can also choose an outdoor post for a terrace, for example. Not as high as the floor lamp, it provides a very interesting lighting effect.

Lighting garlands for a bohemian or festive touch

Suspended between trees, around a pergola, or simply above your outdoor sofa, light garlands add a festive and festive touch.. In addition to its charm, it creates a soft, diffused light, perfect for a relaxed evening atmosphere.

Solar lighting for areas with no electricity supply

Do you have connection constraints? Is your relaxation area deep in the garden, where there's no electricity? "Opt forsolar-powered outdoor lighting, advises Christophe Coelho. Practical (and ecological), it offers perfect autonomy for illuminating your evenings without depending on electricity. Available in the form of table lamps and even floor lamps, they effectively light up your reading evenings, while making the most of environmentally-friendly energy."

Lighting a reading or relaxation area in the garden: our practical advice for a successful installation

It's easy to create a cozy, well-lit corner in your garden... if you know how! Here are our tips for creating a space that's both practical and charming.

1 - Choosing the right location: the key to success

Where in your garden is the best place to relax? That's the first question you need to ask yourself. Choose an area out of sight. Choose a spot near a wall, tree or landscape feature that can serve as a support or backdrop. Don't forget the proximity of electrical outlets... unless you opt for solar lighting.

2 - Direct the light the right way! 

"If the lighting is misdirected, you'll be dazzled or plunged into shadow, adds Christophe Coelho. Light orientation is essential. Make sure that the luminous flux arrives directly where you need it, without being aggressive. Direct your lights so that they shine directly on your reading or relaxation area, without risking straining your eyes."

3 - Opt for the right height 

For optimum lighting, observe these heights:

• Do you have table lamps? They're perfect at table height, right at eye level.

• As for lampposts, neither too low nor too high (around 1.5 to 1.8 m). Light should be evenly distributed, with no annoying shadows.

4 - Avoid light pollution

Excessive (or poorly positioned) lighting can disrupt the tranquillity of the area, that of wildlife and even that of your neighbors! So avoid lights that are too bright or aimed at neighboring areas. There's no question of creating light pollution or disturbing the soothing atmosphere.

5 - Mixing sources for the perfect ambience! 

For a corner that makes you want to sit down at any time of day, play with different types of lighting. By combining several light sources, you can vary the mood:

- Mix functional lighting (e.g. table lamps) with decorative lighting (e.g. garlands or solar-powered solar LED lanterns) to enrich the atmosphere.

- Use dimmable bulbs to adjust brightness according to use.

- Choose warm-toned bulbs (between 2,700 K and 3,000 K) for a cozy, relaxing light, perfect for relaxation.

6 - Create a place that enhances your garden

As always, just because you want to create a practical space doesn't mean you have to forget about aesthetics. Your reading or relaxation area should be as beautiful as it is comfortable. To achieve this, add cozy but weather-resistant furniture (footstools, cushions, deckchairs for relaxing, etc.). Complement this with brightly colored plants that add freshness, aesthetic appeal and privacy. Include sun protection for the day, such as a shade sail, not forgetting carefully designed lighting fixtures like our Picasso lantern.

Whether indoors or out, the reading or relaxation corner still has a bright future ahead of it. Despite our ever-growing addiction to screens, it remains a timeless place, sheltered from the hustle and bustle, where we like to relax and get away from it all, during the day... and in the evening. You now have all the tips you need to make this place a true haven of peace, even after dark. Now it's up to you!