Outdoor lighting can transform any garden or backyard into a beautiful nighttime oasis. However, finding affordable yet good quality garden lights can be tricky. As per Fusion Lighting, with so many options online, it’s important to know what to look for so you don’t end up with lights that stop working after a few uses or don’t provide enough illumination. This guide will walk you through tips to effectively buy garden lights online cheaply.
Determine Your Lighting Needs
Before beginning your search, decide what you need the garden lights for. Do you want to create ambient lighting for the overall space? Highlight specific plants or landscaping features? Light a pathway? Consider the size of the area you want to light as well. This will help determine how many lights you need and what brightness. Think about what tone you want to set as well – bright white lighting sets a different mood than soft warm white bulbs. Having an idea of your lighting goals and requirements will make finding the right lights much easier.
Compare Brands and Read Reviews
When looking at garden lights online, you’ll find a wide range of brands at different price points. While you may be tempted by a super cheap set, the quality is likely lacking. Look into customer reviews to determine durability and brightness. Search for recommendations from gardeners specifically. Reputable lighting brands like Philips, Maxsa, Brightech, and Moonrays offer budget-friendly options under $25 while still delivering on performance. You can often find multi-packs of pathway markers or spotlights for less than $20 per set from these brands when shopping sales.
Evaluate Materials
Consider what outdoor elements your garden lights will need to withstand. Cheap plastic housing may fall apart after one season while higher quality materials like copper or aluminum will endure years outdoors. Also check if the electrical components are sealed to prevent moisture damage which can cause safety hazards or malfunctions. Waterproof LED bulbs are ideal for reliability. Finally, look at cords and connectors. Rubber covers and sturdy built-in timers indicate durable lighting you can install once and enjoy.
Pay Attention to Lumens
Lumens indicate brightness, which is important for visibility and creating ambiance. Low lumens around 100-400 work for subtle accent lighting and marking pathways in small spaces. For illuminating seating areas, gardens, or sheds opt for 500-1000+ lumens. Again, factor in the size of your space so the lights provide ample glow without being overpowering. Most light bulb packaging and online descriptions will include lumens to guide your choice.
Seek Sales and Bundles
One of the best ways to save money on garden lighting is by taking advantage of sales and multi-pack offers. Sign up for email lists from your favorite brands to receive notifications about promotions and seasonal savings. Stock up during holiday sales like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day when outdoor lighting products often see major discounts. Take advantage of package deals for extra savings, like a set of 10 pathway lights for 50% off. You may spend more upfront but the per unit price will be cheaper.
Check Shipping Costs
When doing price comparisons between retailers, carefully factor in shipping fees which can quickly negate any deal. Stores like Amazon and Walmart will clearly list qualifying items for free shipping or provide thresholds for minimum spends. For smaller lighting brands or specialty retailers, compare rates across 2-3 day, expedited, and standard delivery. Choosing a slower shipping option can sometimes knock a few dollars off the total.
Use Coupons and Cash Back
Before completing any online purchase, search for coupons which many lighting brands offer specifically through influencers and bloggers. Browser add-ons like Honey can also instantly apply any eligible coupon codes at checkout. Similarly look into cash back through apps like Rakuten which offer percentages of purchases back to users. These rebates and discounts add up when making large lighting investments.
Conclusion
Installing garden lighting doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By carefully evaluating your needs, reading reviews, understanding specifications like lumens and materials, and taking some time to find the best deals, you can transform your outdoor space with beautiful, long-lasting lighting without overspending. Use these tips to guide your search and make your garden glow on a budget.
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