How to choose outdoor lighting - A complete guide to the options available

Outdoor lighting can transform your garden, patio or driveway into an inviting and secure space. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right type of outdoor lighting for your home?

Both functional and aesthetically pleasing, outdoor lighting can enhance the beauty of your property, extend the usable hours of your outdoor space, and improve your home’s security. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of ambience to your garden or illuminate your front porch for better visibility, the right lighting fixtures can make all the difference.

This guide will walk you through the different types of outdoor lighting you can install, what to consider before making a purchase, and how to design a lighting plan that enhances your outdoor space. We aim to help you find the perfect outdoor lighting solution for your needs.

Understanding the basics of outdoor lighting: Types of Outdoor Lighting

Security lights

These outdoor lighting fixtures are designed to boost the security of your home by illuminating any dark areas in the exterior. This visibility helps to reduce the risk of someone trying to break in as there aren’t any dark spaces for them to conceal themselves.

There are multiple options for security lighting for your home:

Floodlights
Motion sensor lights
Dusk to dawn lights

If you’re installing security lights you’ll want to do it near entrances to your home, along pathways and near any ground floor windows. This gives you the ability to see outside in the dark when you’re home.

Motion sensor lights are the best option here in our opinion, as you don’t need to illuminate these spaces at all times, and the lights will function only when they’re triggered with movement. This alerts you to any unexpected movements around your home.

Task lighting

This type of lighting for your outdoor space is there to provide illumination for specific tasks you do in the garden, such as cooking at an outdoor kitchen or reading on the patio.

Task lighting for your outdoor space includes:

Outside wall lights
Deck lights
Step lights
Spotlights

Task lighting is best installed exactly where you’ll need it, you want to ensure that the light is bright enough to prevent you from straining your eyes whilst carrying out tasks in the garden.

Ambient lighting

Create a soft mood and an overall glow to your outdoor space with ambient lighting that is designed to create an inviting atmosphere.

Ambient lighting for your outdoor space includes:

Hanging lights
Post lights
Garden spike lights

Use ambient lighting in areas where the soft and warm glow will enhance a space’s aesthetic.

Accent lighting

Draw attention to specific features of your garden with accent lighting, this might include lighting around a water feature, pond or pool, small sitting areas, trees or even statues.

Accent lighting ideas include:

Spotlights
LED strip lights
Patio floor lights

Install accent lighting in a hidden way, so the fixtures are hidden and the lights are positioned to illuminate the feature they’re highlighting.

Choosing the right bulbs for outdoor lighting

There are several options when it comes to light bulbs for your outdoor lighting, they are:

LEDs

LED bulbs are energy-efficient and long-lasting, they’re ideal for all types of outdoor lighting. Once you have these installed, it’ll be years and years before you need to replace the bulbs. Allowing for beautiful lighting in your outdoor spaces for years to come.

Halogen

Halogen bulbs produce a bight, white light. This makes them a good option for spotlighting particularly dark areas. They won’t last as long as LEDs though, so keep that in mind when purchasing, as replacing spotlight bulbs can prove difficult.

CFLs

CFL bulbs will use less energy than halogen bulbs, but still more than LEDs. CFLs are most suited to ambient lighting in your outdoor space.

Energy considerations

Choosing energy-efficient outdoor lighting isn't just beneficial for reducing your electricity bills - it also plays a significant role in minimising your environmental footprint. To make the most energy-efficient choices, consider the following options:

Solar-Powered Lights

Advantages:

Eco-Friendly: Solar lights use renewable energy from the sun, making them the most environmentally friendly lighting option available.
Cost-Effective: They require no external power source other than direct sunlight, so there are no ongoing energy costs.
Easy Installation: Solar lights are typically wireless, which simplifies installation and eliminates the need for electrical cables.

LED Lights

Advantages:

Energy Efficiency: LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting, which helps to reduce power costs.
Longevity: LED bulbs last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, which means less frequent replacements.
Durability: LEDs are more durable against bumps and shocks, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Smart Lighting Systems

Advantages:

Remote Control: Many smart lighting systems include apps that allow you to control your lights from anywhere, making it easy to turn them on before you get home or adjust them based on weather conditions.
Energy Monitoring: Some systems can provide real-time feedback on how much energy your lights are using, helping you make informed decisions to save power.
Integration: Smart lights can be integrated with other home systems for automated control, such as setting lights to trigger if a security camera detects movement.

Planning your outdoor lighting

Assessing your needs

Determine what your primary need for outdoor lighting is - whether it’s security, functionality or aesthetics. Take into consideration the size of the area that you need to illuminate, as well as how the lighting will impact any outdoor activities you may do.

Designing your layout

Sketch a layout of your outdoor space, this way you can see it visually and draw out areas where you might want to install lights based on their purpose. Consider the path the light will follow and how you’re going to power these fixtures. Do you have electricity available outside? Will you have it installed? Or utilise the benefit of solar lighting in your garden.

Outdoor lighting installation tips

DIY Installation

If you’re doing it yourself, it’s best to stick to solar-powered lighting and other simple setups.

Professional Installation

If you need any kind of electrical output installed outside, then you’re going to need to call in a professional electrician to get this done. The safety risks are not worth taking when trying to do it yourself.

How to choose outdoor lighting fixtures - what to look for

When it comes to shopping for your outdoor lighting fixtures, then there are some key factors to consider:

Durability and waterproofing - Ensure that the fixtures are suitable for all weather conditions. Outside lighting should have an IP rating of at least 44, these fixtures can withstand rain, however, they won’t work after being subjected to prolonged streams of water from a jetwash or hose. An IP rating of 65 is the best option for lights that may regularly get soaked from these sources.

Warranty and support - Check for a good warranty and customer service support if there are any issues with your outdoor lighting fixtures.

Compatibility with other devices - If you have a lighting home system installed, you might want to double-check that the outdoor lights you buy can be integrated into the system you already have.

How to choose outdoor lighting

Choosing the right outdoor lighting may seem like a daunting task, but by understanding the different types of lighting and planning according to your needs, you can easily find the perfect setup.

Remember to consider the bulb type, energy efficiency and fixture durability when you’re shopping for your outdoor lighting fixtures.

If you need any help with deciding on the best outdoor lighting solutions for you, then please do get in touch and our team of professionals are available to provide you with some expert advice.

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