Illuminate Your Outdoor Space With These Outdoor Lighting Ideas
Relax outside, even after sundown.
Illuminate your home not just from inside but also the outside with the right outdoor lighting. A must-have for any drive, garden or outdoor space, outdoor lighting is both practical and influential towards the look and feel of your home's exterior. From string lighting to stake lights, decking and LED lighting options, our guide to outdoor lighting will help you decide which type is best for you.
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Different parts of your garden or outdoor space will benefit from different types of outdoor lighting, so think carefully before opting for just any model. String lighting offers a soothing and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for outdoor dining, whereas spotlight and security lighting projects a much stronger beam of light which isn't great for entertaining guests but works well to stop any potential break ins. Take a deep dive into the various types of outdoor lighting now available at Wayfair.
Types of Outdoor Lighting
- Security Lighting
- String Lighting
- Decking Lights
- Wall Lighting
- Landscape Lighting
- Outdoor Lanterns
- Lampposts and Bollards
- Outdoor Ceiling Lights
Security Lighting
If adding an extra layer of safety and security at home is your top priority then think about adding security outdoor lighting. Security lighting includes models such as floodlights, spotlights, wall pack lights and LED lights, complete with motion sensors light up with a powerful beam at the first sign of movement. More technologically advanced models come with built-in cameras ghat allow you to see exactly what's going on outdoors without having to step outside.
String Lighting
String and fairy lights are well-known for their versatility and ability to create a soft and subtle atmosphere. Opt for warm white or cool bulbs to stimulate the look of a starry night or set tone for an outdoor party with multi-coloured options. Wrap your string lighting around trees, hang them along fences or pin them to exterior walls, using an extension cord to hook up to the nearest outlet, whether on a balcony, large garden or patio. This type of outdoor lighting is also perfect for the Christmas season.
Decking Lights
Outdoor decking lights can really make an impact both aesthetically and in terms of practicality. Add an element of safety by lighting up steps, staircases and dark walkways at night or create a cosy atmosphere that you can enjoy well into the evening by incorporating decking lights in your patio or garden. Choose from either solar-powered or LED outdoor decking lights, as well as rust-resistant models, great for protection against harsh weather conditions.
Outdoor wall lighting comes in a variety of styles, shapes and designs and can be installed on your home's exterior walls with ease. Double up on functionality by adding wall lights with built-in motion sensors to create a security style light and hang them on either side of your front door.
Landscape Lighting
Often found sitting on top of small stakes or posts that are stuck firmly in the ground, landscape lighting is best used to highlight specific landscape elements in your outdoor space, including a deck, lawn or pathway. Landscape lighting can be either solar-powered, LED, hardwired or even battery-operated depending on your needs.
Highly decorative and portable, place outdoor lanterns in the middle of tables, around seating areas, on the balcony or along your garden path and add ambiance to your outdoor space. Outdoor lanterns project warm light from either real or battery-operated candles, making them perfect for evening get-togethers in the garden.
Lampposts and Bollards
Lampposts and bollards offer a more classic look to your garden's aesthetic. Post lighting provides an ambient style of light, making them suitable for driveways, garden paths and in the edge of patios and comes as either a full pillar or as a lantern that mounts on top of an existing pillar.
Now, not everyone has the option to install an outdoor ceiling light, but if your outdoor space comes with a section of stable roofing, then this type of outdoor lighting could be a worthwhile option. It's recommended to install outdoor ceiling lights at least 2m off the ground to ensure that you can easily pass or sit underneath without bumping your head. Outdoor ceiling lights placed above an outdoor dining table or seating area instantly upgrades the look and feel of your garden.
Outdoor Lighting Features
Solar-Powered Lighting
A cost and energy-saving lighting solution, solar lights are the ideal choice if you're looking to light up your outdoor space with something environmentally friendly. Relying solely on sunlight that is then converted into an electrical current, solar lighting comes with no outlet or hardware which makes it easy to install, although you should bare in mind that solar lights work to the best of their ability during sunny weather. If you live in area that receives less than an adequate amount of sun, you may need to reassess your lighting options. Solar lighting often comes with LED light bulbs.
LED Outdoor Lighting
LED lighting is long-lasting, safe and energy efficient, making this type of lighting perfect for outdoor placement. Outdoor LED light bulbs use up to 75% less energy than typical bulbs and since their made of plastic, they're much more durable and resistant to harsher weather. Find LED lighting in wall lights, string lights, outdoor ceiling lights and more outdoor lighting models.
Outdoor Smart Lighting
Outdoor smart lighting allows you to control the brightness and temperature of the light via an app on your mobile or tablet. Make everything that little bit easier by setting a custom ambiance or turning the lights on or off all with the touch of the screen.
Dusk to Dawn
The clever thing about [dusk to dawn outdoor lighting is that these lights detect natural light, turning on after sunset and turning off as soon as the sun rises. Another energy efficient type of lighting that helps save on those bills too.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Voltage do I need?
Outdoor lighting typically comes as low-voltage (12-24 volts) meaning that it doesn't require a conduct like most indoor lighting does, unless it's passing through a wall or structure.
What is an IP Rating?
Choosing outdoor lighting with the correct IP rating will ensure that your lights won't be directly affected by dirt or moisture. Since your lights are located outside, you should consider bulbs that come with a higher IP rating (at least 65) in order to protect them from the elements. Lighting that has some form of protection, for example lighting on a porch, should come with an IP rating of around 44.
Can I Install Outdoor Lighting Myself?
Installing most outdoor lighting is as simple as unpacking and securing it yourself, particularly with solar-powered lights. That said, some fixtures require wiring, so it might be worthwhile hiring a professional to install the lighting for you.
Tip: Shop a wide range of outdoor lighting options and check out our guide for buying indoor lighting as well as more information on buying light bulbs.
