Outdoor lighting is useful for all sorts of situations. It lights up entrances and walkways, deters would-be intruders and adds ambience to an outside space.
This guide tells you everything you need to know about outdoor lighting. It covers how outdoor lights work and the different types. It talks through the features to look for when choosing exterior lighting and explains IP ratings. It also gives installation information and highlights some things to consider before buying.
Outdoor lighting uses power from a mains electricity supply, a battery or solar power to illuminate a bulb. The light can be controlled in several ways:
Like indoor lighting, exterior lighting can be turned on and off from a light switch. Although the light is outside, it can be more convenient to install the switch indoors. Outdoor switches are available for controlling lighting externally.
Connecting an exterior light to a timer allows it to be turned off automatically after a predetermined length of time. This can be useful for lights in areas that only need to be illuminated for a short period, such as a porch.
Functional exterior lighting (e.g., security or walkway lighting) is often fitted with motion sensors designed to work once it gets dark. The light switches on when the sensor is activated and then turns off after a predetermined length of time. This ensures energy is used efficiently as the light is only on when needed. The best outdoor motion sensor lights use PIR (passive infrared) sensors. These sensors are more accurate than other types because they detect body heat, not just movement.
Smart outdoor lighting has an inbuilt device that allows it to be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. The light can then be controlled by an app on a smartphone or tablet or by voice command through a smart speaker. It can be controlled remotely or scheduled to turn off and on automatically, adding additional security when away from home. Read our smart lighting guide for more detail.
Solar outdoor lights use a photocell or photoresistor to control the circuit inside the solar light depending on how dark or light it is. This technology has a dusk-to-dawn sensor, and they will turn on at night, when it detects little or no light, and off during daylight hours as the solar panel charges the battery and photoresistor stops the lights turning on.
Outdoor lighting comes in various types and styles, each suitable for different purposes.
Here, we look at the most common types of exterior lighting, their benefits, and where you might use them.
Wall lights are available in both contemporary and traditional designs and are ideal for lighting pathways, seating areas or patios outside. Great for style and ambience, but also practical for security. Some outdoor wall lights include a passive infrared sensor (PIR) to illuminate only when motion is detected in the area which is a great way to save energy, and others are mains, solar or battery powered.
Floodlights give out a bright, intense flood of light, making them ideal for illuminating large outdoor spaces that need to be well lit. They're also popular for security purposes and are often installed above entrances, in driveways or along walkways. In addition, they have LED lights that are energy-efficient to run, reducing their carbon footprint and saving money on energy bills.Floodlights are available in various styles and have different wattage options to choose from based on how bright the light needs to be and the size of the space being lit.
Security lights are the perfect deterrent for intruders. They illuminate dark paths or entrances, leaving nowhere for the intruder to hide. The best security lights are activated by motion or PIR sensors, which trigger the light to come on when heat is detected. This, combined with low-energy LED bulbs, helps reduce energy consumption as the light is only on when needed.Security lights come in various designs, from functional-looking wall and ceiling lights to decorative wall lights.
Decking lights are small, round lights recessed into decking for a sleek finish with no trip hazards. They're the perfect way to add ambience to an outdoor space and make decking safe in the dark because the lights illuminate the decks' edge and steps. In addition, they have LED lights that are energy-efficient to run, reducing their carbon footprint and saving money on energy bills cking lights are available in several styles and are mains-powered. Some are sold singularly, but most come in packs of 10 or more.
Garden spike lights are low-level lights with a spiked pole mount that's inserted into the ground. They are often designed as spotlights with adjustable beams, making them the best outdoor garden lights for highlighting features, such as flowerbeds, trees or water sculptures. They''re also perfect for lighting up pathways. Most garden spike lights have energy-efficient LED bulbs.Garden spike lights are available in several styles and are mains-powered. Most are sold singularly, but some come in packs of 4 or more.
Garden lamp posts, also known as post lights or bollards, have become popular for gardens. They offer a decorative feature as well as a practical solution to lighting patios and driveways. Outdoor post lights are typically taller than other alternatives, ensuring good light coverage without being too bright. Many, but not all, use energy-efficient LED bulbs.Garden lamp posts come in various traditional and contemporary styles and can be mains, solar or battery powered.
Brick lights are rectangular lights recessed into walls at a low level. They were originally designed to replace a single brick in a wall but are now available in various sizes. Brick lights are perfect for use in walls that run alongside paths or driveways. And they can be used as an attractive addition around a seating area ick lights come in various styles and sizes and are usually mains powered.
The exterior lights above are the most popular types, but a few others are worth mentioning.For example, coastal lighting is made from marine-grade stainless steel, which makes it ideal for homes exposed to the harsh salty winds of coastal areas.Festoon lights are chain or string lights that are suitable for different uses. For example, some are designed to light up walkways on construction sites, while decorative string lights with multi-coloured bulbs can be used to create a party atmosphere in a garden.And ground lights are recessed into the ground to safely illuminate paths, seating areas, and steps. They make one of the best outdoor patio lights because they can even be recessed into paving slabs and concrete.
Once you''ve decided what type of exterior lighting you need, there are a few more options to consider:
Colour of outdoor lighting
All outdoor lighting comes in a casing which can be one of several colours, including black, white, steel, grey, silver, or blue. This choice allows you to choose a colour that suits the style of the house and garden. You can even match the colour to other features, such as window frames, garden furniture, or garden ornaments.
Sensors are electronic devices that are built into some outdoor lights. They detect movement, light, or heat and use that as a trigger to turn the light on and off. There are several types of sensors available:
Exterior lighting can use one of three different power sources:
Colour temperatures explained
All light bulbs produce slightly different colours, referred to as colour temperatures. Those colours are measured on the Kelvin (K) scale, and they are given a correlated colour temperature (CCT) name. The Kelvin scale ranges from warm, soft, yellowy hues (2700K) to cool, bright, crisp whites (approx. 6500K). The higher the Kelvin number, the whiter the light will be.
For exterior lighting, opt for bulbs with a max CCT of 3,000K or lower, described as warm, very warm or extra-warm white light. Also, check the lumen level, which indicates how bright they are. Ideally, opt for a low lumen level (unless it's a floodlight or security light), so the lights aren't too bright.
To avoid the dangers of mixing electricity with water and dust particles, all outdoor lighting must meet certain requirements set out by BS and CE standards. So, they are given an IP (ingress protection) rating.
Exterior lighting must have a higher IP rating than indoor lighting because it''s exposed to the elements. As a minimum, it must be at least IP23. But, to decide what IP rating for outdoor lights is best for your needs, think about where the light will be placed. How exposed to the elements will it be? Will a hose be used near it? Is the home in an area with a lot of dust or sand?
As a guide, select an IP43 rated light to go under a roof, IP44 for a light exposed to light rain, IP65 for a light exposed to heavy rain and IP68 for a light that will be submerged in water.
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