After imagining the atmosphere of your garden, you need to get down to specifics to select the models that will last.
Match the style to the building
Observe the lines of your house before buying. A modern facade calls for cubic or clean-cut shapes. Avoid overly marked visual anachronisms. The light fixture should extend the existing architecture without completely denaturing it.
The choice of materials defines the final atmosphere. Brushed stainless steel brings a cool contemporary touch. Brass or aged copper immediately warm an old stone.
Harmonise the volumes with the size of your entrance. A wall light that is too small will disappear on a large wall. Seek the perfect balance between discretion and decorative presence.
Evaluate the necessary waterproofing
The IP rating is your best technical ally. It determines resistance to water and dust. Never neglect this data before final installation.
Under a porch, IP44 is generally sufficient. For a ground recessed spotlight exposed to driving rain, aim for IP67. The electrical safety of your installation depends directly on it. A wrong choice causes frequent short circuits.
Examine the quality of the gaskets on the cover. Flexible rubber guarantees a durable hermetic seal. This protects the bulb from stagnant humidity and corrosion.
Choose LED technology
LED consumes up to ten times less than halogen. It is a strong argument for your electricity bills. The lifespan of the diodes also reduces maintenance.
Prefer warm white for your outdoor relaxation areas. This creates a welcoming and restful atmosphere in the evening.
Check that the driver supports motion sensors. Some low-end models flicker upon automatic activation. Good equipment ensures a smooth and fast light transition.
LEDs produce little heat, which preserves fragile supports. It is an additional safety guarantee for your wall installations.
Arrange the spaces according to their function
Once the equipment is chosen, it remains to define how each area of the garden should be lit to stay practical.
Secure the circulation paths
Mark your paths with low bollards. This avoids dazzling passers-by while marking the ground. Night-time safety starts with clear and precise visual guidance.
Direct the light flow directly towards your feet. Glancing light reveals obstacles invisible in complete darkness. It is particularly useful on uneven or gravelled terrain. Avoid overly powerful projectors directed at the face.
Space your light points regularly and consistently. Eliminate shadow zones between two lampposts to reassure visitors. Continuous lighting greatly facilitates walking at night.
Create an atmosphere on the terrace
Install pendant lights under your pergola for a cocooning effect. Indirect lighting softens features and encourages conversation. It is the basis of a successful evening among friends.
Play with dimmers to modulate the energy. Bright light suits meals, a dim glow suits relaxation. Adapt the atmosphere according to the time of evening. It is a simple luxury that changes your whole feeling.
Define the dining area with dedicated light sources. Place strategic wall lights to frame the table. This structures the space without needing physical partitions.
Highlight flowerbeds and copses
Place adjustable projectors at the base of your most beautiful trees. Upward light enhances foliage and twisted bark. The garden gains unsuspected depth once night falls.
Have fun with cast shadows on your exterior walls. Project the silhouette of a plant to create a natural moving decor. It is a simple technique to give relief to a flat facade. The visual effect is often spectacular.
Integrate recessed spotlights into your flowerbeds. The discretion of the light fixture leaves all the room for the vegetation. You only see the light, never the lamp itself.
Select durable and elegant finishes
Beyond pure aesthetics, the longevity of your installations depends mainly on the quality of the raw materials.
Prefer stainless metals
Treated aluminium remains the king for fighting rust. It withstands humid climates without ever degrading. It is a profitable investment to keep light fixtures impeccable.
Check for the presence of high-quality epoxy paint. This coating effectively protects against destructive ultraviolet rays. Colours do not tarnish despite intense sun exposure. Your light fixture keeps its first-day shine.
Choose robust alloys to resist mechanical shocks. Thick metal does not deform at the slightest gust of wind. Structural solidity guarantees perfect performance over the long term.
Choose quality diffusers
Tempered glass offers incomparable crystalline transparency. Its thermal resistance allows it to withstand brutal temperature variations. It is the choice of elegance and durability.
Polycarbonate is an excellent alternative for high-traffic areas. It is virtually unbreakable against impacts from balls or gravel. It is the ideal material if you have playful children. Its lightness also makes installation easier.
Opt for smooth surfaces that are easy to clean with a gesture. Dust and pollen adhere less to well-finished surfaces. Quick maintenance is enough to maintain optimal brightness.
Benefit from the expertise of our online shop
To put these tips into practice, all you need is to find the partner capable of delivering these gems to your home.
Receive your order with peace of mind
lightingconcept.co.uk shows the delivery time of each model on its product page. Almost all our outdoor models ship from our warehouse in China and arrive in about 8 working days on average, with free delivery in the UK on orders over £65. We process each order with total responsiveness.
Pay securely by card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay or bank transfer. You have 14 days after receipt to change your mind, with return costs paid by you. It is a service designed for your daily comfort.
Our packaging is reinforced to protect the most fragile pieces. Glass and delicate structures arrive intact at your home. We take care of every logistical detail.
Access a variety of styles
Explore a huge catalogue bringing together wall lights, chandeliers and pendant lights. Each style has its own identity to adapt to your desires. We select only models with a strong design.
Find versatile pieces that enhance both your living room and your terrace. Our light fixtures blur the lines between interior and outdoors. It is an opportunity to create an elegant visual continuity. Your decoration thus gains overall coherence.
Consult our detailed technical sheets to verify every dimension. You avoid proportion errors before validating your basket. All useful information is just a click away.
Our outdoor lighting in detail
Wall lights make up about two thirds of this selection, followed by pendant lights (about a fifth) and chandeliers. Metal and aluminium are the main materials, then plastic and glass. Black dominates by far, with some gold, white, grey or silver. Examples include the matt black outdoor LED wall light, the square LED wall light in white or black aluminium, the retro LED outdoor plastic pendant light and the black outdoor chandelier in vintage lantern shape, an outdoor hanging lantern for a porch.
Styles are mainly modern and minimalist, with vintage and industrial touches. About four in ten models have integrated LED. Very few models state an IP rating (the square aluminium wall light is rated IP54), so check each product page before choosing a spot. Almost all ship from our warehouse in China. Which outdoor light for which place? Wall lights suit a facade, a front door or a balcony, while pendant lights and chandeliers belong under a porch, a pergola or a gazebo.
See also: outdoor chandeliers, outdoor pendant lights and outdoor wall lights.
Frequently asked questions about outdoor lighting
What lights are best for outside the house?
A wall light on each side of the front door or along the facade lights the entrance, while a pendant light or a lantern suits a porch, a pergola or a gazebo. LED uses less energy than an incandescent bulb, and the IP rating of each model tells you how exposed a spot it can take.
What is the rule of thumb for outdoor lighting?
A common rule is to choose a wall light about a quarter to a third of the height of your front door and to fix it slightly above eye level, so that it does not dazzle. Warm white, around 2700 to 3000 K, creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Where can I buy outdoor lighting online?
On lightingconcept.co.uk, an online shop: delivery is free in the UK on orders over £65, and the delivery time of each model is shown on its product page. For a hardwired outdoor connection, call on a qualified electrician.