Britons are making the most of the dark, winter evenings by investing in outdoor lighting, according to new research

Lead image: GettyImages / ANRproduction

A survey of 1,000 UK adults, carried out by online lighting store LED Hut, found that British consumers spend an average of £227 per year on lighting areas such as balconies, gardens and yards – a large proportion of the £350 total spend on lighting per year.

When quizzed on their reasons for spending so much on outdoor lighting, more than one in four (28%) respondents said they want to enjoy their outdoor spaces throughout the darker months.

Spending more time outdoors, even in winter, boosts your mood (photo: David Pennington)

Interestingly, the survey, commissioned as part of the Brighter Britain report, highlighted just how much lighting – both natural and artificial – positively impacts Britons’ wellbeing.

More than one in three (34%) believe that artificial lighting is key to spending more time in their homely outdoor spaces during the darker seasons, and nearly half (44%) revealed that doing so helps improve their mood.

According to the data, being able to use our gardens throughout the year, rather than only during the warmer months, also has a lasting impact on our social skills.

More than one in six (18%) said they would spend more quality time with friends and family if they could entertain guests in a comfortable outside space during colder months.

The survey highlighted just how much lighting – both natural and artificial – positively impacts Britons’ wellbeing

‘Given that the UK uses daylight savings to maximise daylight, it is understandable that we are more likely to invest in items for our garden in winter than summer to keep it light and warm,’ said Paul Garner, Ecommerce and Marketing Director at LED Hut.

‘That said, it is still surprising to see exactly how much people are willing to spend.’

‘With the research clearly showing how much of an impact time outdoors has on overall wellbeing, Britons should look to utilise their outdoor space wisely with a range of seasonal lighting and heating.’