Outdoor Lights

There are numerous types of exterior lighting that possess very different features, so it is important to know which products are able to accomplish specific tasks. Below are some of the most common variations when it comes to exterior lighting, as well as some examples of situations in which they are most commonly used:

• Post lights – Low-level lights that are perfect for guiding homeowners and guests alike along walkways, driveways, and garden paths. They are aesthetically versatile and pleasant to look at. The more lights you install, the more impressive the end result tends to be. The lights themselves come in a variety of designs to suit both modern and traditional garden layouts.
• Outdoor Wall lights – These lights come with special fixings for easier mounting on walls. Coming in a number of designs to suit more historic gardens as well as contemporary ones, these lights are highly versatile and will suit not only a number of gardens but most buildings too. They can be used to help guide people along certain paths, or simply to accentuate certain aspects of a building’s architecture.
• Floodlights – These lights are predominantly used for security purposes and tend to be much higher in intensity than other options on this list. They can be quite dangerous to look at even with eye protection, so it is not recommended to place them in areas where they can be easily looked at by accident. They are able to cover large areas, can be motion-activated, and are ideal for deterring intruders.
• Deck lights – These are installed on decks, primarily to create ambience, but they are also ideal for helping to prevent accidents such as trips and slipping on your decking. They are durable and resilient and come in a number of designs to suit many of the popular decking styles on the market.
•  String lights – Similar to indoor fairy lights, string lights are more for decoration than for practical use, but they can illuminate an area in a particularly appealing, festive way. Ideal for use around the garden, around decking, and on patios, where they will serve as great conversation pieces. Designed for outdoor use, string lights tend to be more resilient than household fairly lights, but don’t tend to be as durable as the above options.

The area in which you wish to install outdoor lights will have a direct impact on the type of fixture you choose. 

For example, security lighting is often utilised across the front of a building to light up the driveway or front door area should an intruder seek to enter the property or grounds. This helps to enhance the safety and protection of the home, giving the homeowner complete visibility over the entrance point of their property.

However, most people wouldn’t really install a system of security lights within their back garden as this is more of a space where ambience and atmosphere are key.  

Instead, a more relaxed mood can be created by fitting ambient fixtures such as string, lanterns, or decking lights. This type of lighting is typically softer on the eye and creates a general mask of light across a wider area, rather than a focused stream.  

Take into consideration whether your choice of outdoor light will blend into the surrounding area and set the right tone or if it may look a little out of place. 

When shopping for exterior lights, you’ll want to ask yourself how brightly you want each area to be lit. Brighter lights are great for security purposes. However, you’ll want to consider softer lights for areas where you want to exude ambience and charm, as these will be easier on the eyes and more enjoyable for those in range of them.

If in doubt about factors such as light brightness, consider reading product descriptions and product specifications to get a better idea of the power capabilities of your chosen lighting type.

Choose light colour (warm, cool, or neutral) based on the garden atmosphere to desire to create. As a quick rule of thumb, warmer tones tend to offer a cosier ambience, while cooler tones offer a more modernised feel at the expense of some of that homeliness.