Turn your garden and outdoor space into a beautiful, secure nighttime oasis with the amazing power of outdoor lights. The correct lights can wholly transform your garden from a boring space to the perfect evening spot. Moreover, it doesn't have to cost you a lot either. No matter if you are only looking for something atmospheric or something to add a splash of colour, these lights are perfect for all.
Having that in mind, how exactly do you choose an outdoor light? Well, it all depends on the conditions of your outdoors, what kind of power you have or want, and what you need it for. If you have access to an outdoor plug socket, you can go for mains-powered lights. These are generally bright and built to last, but can be on the pricier end of the scale and sometimes a bit difficult and bothersome to install. Therefore, we have laid out an all-in-one guide for you all about outdoor lights.
Outdoor light explained
Outdoor lights are lights that are used to illuminate gardens or outdoor areas, which makes the area safer as well. As these lights help illuminate dark areas and walkways, hence help to secure the area better. These lights came in so many types and styles, like wall lights, post lights, string lights and much more. All of them are designed to ensure that your outdoor area is safe and prettier.
In the end, these lights have upsides and downsides. They give lighting to your outdoor area to ensure it is safe, gives a good ambience and can even scare peaceful wildlife or predators from coming near your house. However, there are some challenges with having too many bright lights. It can disturb other nocturnal animals and ruin their natural behaviours. Overhead glare can also cause a lot of light pollution that will ruin the surrounding night atmosphere view.
When choosing your outdoor lights, make sure that you choose correctly. Making sure to take into consideration the surrounding nature. Choosing warm coloured LEDs or solar lights can save on power. As well as pointing the lights downward to avoid causing light pollution. Using timers or motion sensors is also a good idea, so the light only turns on automatically. This can avoid unnecessary light pollution and energy savings as well.
Types of outdoor lights
Which outdoor lights you choose depends on your preferences and needs. Like illuminating pathways with a warm border glow, this makes every stroll feel safe and inviting. On the other hand, while draping string lights in your trees, you can turn an ordinary garden into a magical oasis. Those are perfect for evening dates. It all depends on which type you choose.
The area in need of lighting often determines the best type of lighting for the space. For example, lighting up a path needs more direct lighting that marks the route. Unlike decorative lights that might only highlight parts of the spot or only function as decoration, you need to find the right one. Consider how you use each area of your garden to shape your lighting design effectively.
Hence, having this thoughtful approach will ensure your space is both functional and beautifully lit, which will enhance both safety and ambience. Therefore, we are going to delve more into the exact type of outdoor light you might find to help you choose the correct outdoor lights, and maybe you will find some inspiration as well.
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Outdoor wall lights
Outdoor wall lights are types of outdoor lights to enhance the vibe outside your home, as well as light up your gardens. These wall lights come in a huge range of styles and designs, you will find something that will match your style. A lot of them are fitted with an infrared sensor, so it will only turn on when it sees motion. Hence, it makes sure that it uses power only when it needs to.
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Post lights
Post lights also go by bollards, which are great for lighting driveways and house entrances. However, due to this, this type of light commonly needs to be connected to a primary power source and fitted into place. This type of light usually stands around 0.44 m to 1.22 m in height. To make sure you have a cohesive look, find something that will match your other lights.
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Security lights
Security lights are made specifically to give a sense of security for you and anyone in the area. These types of outdoor lights are perfect for you to move safely around in the dark. Most of them also have a passive infrared sensor that's only activated when objects or people come into its field of view. This ensures that you save on power. When choosing the right lights, you have to pay attention to the detection angle. This tells you how wide the area it covers. As well, many of them have settings that will configure how long they stay active.
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Stake lights
Stake lights can light up your flower beds and paths without being distracting. These types of outdoor lights are solar-powered, so you don't need to worry about connecting them to the main power source. These are quickly and easily fitted by simply pushing them into the ground with no wiring needed. With a lot of them having RGB LED makes they can change the lights. These types of lights are perfect to highlight your garden centrepiece.
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Decking lights
Decking outdoor lights would work nicely with both ground and raised decks. If you are considering adding or even already have a deck. You might want these lights to be installed as well. Thus, not only does it give some decoration to your deck, but it also gives some safety features. Make sure that you know where the deck starts in the dark.
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Garden string lights
Similar to Christmas fairy lights, string lighting is ideal for spreading some party spirit. Available with a solar-powered one and even battery powered one. With a choice of RGB or regular bulbs, you will have the exact one you need. Garden string lights are made to be wrapped around fences, trees or handrails for fun lighting.
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Festoon lights
Festoon lighting is the perfect way to add a touch of wonder to your outdoor space with these outdoor lights. These are string lights that create a warm glow, which is perfect for dinners and a lot more. They are quite a versatile type of light and easy to install, accordingly making them a good choice for anyone looking to enhance their space.
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Garden lanterns
For a more atmospheric and decorative light. These outdoor lights are perfect for it. Garden lanterns offer a wide range of colours, styles and materials to ensure that you find something corresponding to your aesthetic. This portable option can be stood or hung, creating lighting effects at varied heights for maximum impact. Having both a battery and solar option, this is perfect for you wanting to add some flair to your gardens.
Are outdoor lights waterproof?
Most outdoor lights are water-resistant or waterproof. However, you need to check their IP (Ingress Protection) rating. Try to look for an IP 65 rating or above. Although to explain further, IP ratings are how well your lights can fend off water and dust. Hence, you need to look out for these letters. To give you more understanding, we are going to explain in detail what IP ratings are.
The first digit of an IP rating refers to intrusion protection. This means it is protected from its moving parts, as well as how protected the equipment is from foreign bodies. Meanwhile, the second digit of an IP rating tells you the protection against moisture. Here is the detail:
The first digit of an IP rating:
- 0: No special protection.
- 1: Protection from a large part of the body, such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate access); from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter.
- 2: Protection against fingers or other objects no greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter.
- 3: Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc. With a diameter of 2.5 mm or more.
- 4: Protection against solid bodies larger than 1mm (e.g. small tools).
- 5: Protected against dust that may harm equipment.
- 6: Dust-tight.
The second digit of an IP rating:
- 0: No protection.
- 1: Protection against condensation.
- 2: Protection against water droplets deflected up to 15 degrees from vertical.
- 3: Protection against spray up to 60 degrees from vertical.
- 4: Protection against water spray from all directions.
- 5: Protection against low-pressure water jets (all directions).
- 6: Protection against strong water jets and waves.
- 7: Protection against temporary immersion.
- 8: Protection against prolonged effects of immersion under pressure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right outdoor lights depends on your style, function and environment. Choose the most waterproof options or those that have a rating of IP65+, as well as energy-efficient solar/LEDS. Make sure that you balance safety and ambience to ensure minimal light pollution by pointing the lights down. Whether highlighting paths, deterring intruders, or creating magic, the right lights transform your space responsibly, enhancing beauty without harming nature.
The College of Contract Management can be the perfect place for you to learn more about home components. We also offer so many insights and courses about relevant topics, including construction. If you’re keen to build a real career in this trade, joining the CCM can give you a solid start. The certificate you earn holds weight where it matters. It’s a step towards better skills, more trust, and proper opportunities. Ready to get going? Reach out to the CCM now!
