OUTDOOR LIGHTING FAQs
What type of outdoor lights do I need?
Wall-mounted lamps: Great for all-around illumination and brightening up a specific spot such as an entrance, walkway, seating area, or flower bed. They tend to run off an interior or exterior mains supply.
Security lights: Designed to deter intruders and help you move around safely in the dark. Most are fitted with a motion sensor and is a great energy-saving feature. Some lights allow you to programme how long the light stays on for and at what distance the sensor detects movement.
Outdoor ceiling lights or lanterns: Ideal for porches, under awnings and, if used with a wall bracket, can be hung on walls anywhere around your garden and outbuildings. Atmospheric and portable option that adds a warm glow wherever you fit it.
Spike lamps: An easy way to light up paths, borders and edges. Most commonly solar-powered so you can just push them in the ground without having to deal with any wiring.
String/festoon lights: Versatile and very easy to install. Can be draped over balcony railings and fences, wrapped around columns and trees and used to define borders and edges. Use hooks or staples to attach to surfaces. They can run from a mains supply, but opt for a battery or solar-powered set if you want to avoid wiring.
What lighting is best for my garden?
- Consider how you wish to use your garden. Whether you have a large garden, a modest balcony or a cosy patio, outdoor lights can transform the space so you can use it all year round.
Outdoor lighting can also be used to highlight special features of your garden or home to create all sorts of decorative effects that will enhance its beauty. - Illuminate specific areas for drinking and dining with garden wall lights or a ceiling lantern to provide great general lighting.
- Highlight a water feature or a particularly handsome tree with a well placed uplighter or fence light.
- If you wish to light up steps, paths and ponds to avoid accidents or provide additional security, then outdoor wall lights fitted to a motion sensor would work very well.
- Use solar powered or battery operated string lights to brighten up a smaller garden, patio or balcony.
What kind of power supply do I need for my garden?
If you don't have an external electrical socket you can run outdoor lighting from an internal power source. You'll need to make sure that the circuit is protected by an RCD (a residual current device) to break currents when necessary to prevent electric shocks and that it can cope with the additional load you're putting on it. Always seek guidance from a qualified electrician. If you'd rather not go down the electric route, consider a battery or solar-powered option instead.
Do I need special bulbs for outdoor lights?
It depends on the kind of fixture you buy. Some outdoor lights have incorporated LED boards that are not replaceable but has a lifespan that typically lasts between 20,000 and 25,000 hours (up to 25 years based on three hours' use per day). You can use regular LED bulbs in units as long as they have a suitable IP-rating (protection from water) with a weatherproof casing; LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and long-lasting.