Outdoor Lighting Buying Guide
How to choose a outdoor light
Outdoor Lighting Placement Guide
Here are some practical guidelines to consider when installing outdoor lighting around your home.
Front entrance lighting
Wall lights are often installed around 1.6–1.8 meters from the floor so the light spreads evenly across the entrance area without shining directly into the eyes.
If two lights are installed on either side of the door, they should be positioned symmetrically for a balanced appearance.
Patio and outdoor living spaces
Covered patios or verandas often benefit from a combination of lighting types, such as wall lights paired with ceiling lights or pendants.
This layered lighting helps create a warm atmosphere while still providing enough illumination for entertaining or dining outdoors.
Garden and pathway lighting
Pathway lights are usually spaced evenly along walkways to guide movement safely.
Rather than lighting the entire garden brightly, subtle lighting along pathways and around key landscape features can create a more inviting outdoor environment.
Security and perimeter lighting
Security lighting is typically installed higher on exterior walls or garages to provide broader coverage.
Motion-sensor lights are often used in these areas to improve visibility only when needed.
What outdoor lighting is best for a front door?
Outdoor wall lights installed beside or above the front door are a popular choice. They provide practical illumination while creating a welcoming entrance.
What IP rating should outdoor lights have?
Outdoor lights should typically have an IP44 rating or higher, depending on how exposed the fitting is to weather. Areas directly exposed to rain often require IP65 or higher.
Do I need to clean my outdoor lighting?
Yes, cleaning your outdoor lights is important for both performance and longevity. Over time, dust, dirt, insects and moisture can build up on the fittings and lenses, reducing brightness and affecting how well the light spreads. Regular cleaning helps maintain clear, efficient illumination and keeps your outdoor areas looking neat and well-lit. It also helps prevent corrosion or damage caused by debris and weather exposure. A simple periodic wipe-down can keep your outdoor lighting working properly and looking its best.
What colour light is best for outdoor lighting?
Warm white lighting around 2700K–3000K is generally best for outdoor residential lighting because it creates a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
Are outdoor wall lights enough to light a patio?
Outdoor wall lights often work best when combined with other lighting such as ceiling lights, pendants or garden lights to create balanced illumination.
How far apart should outdoor wall lights be?
Spacing depends on the size of the wall and the brightness of the fittings. Many exterior walls look balanced when lights are spaced approximately 2–3 meters apart, although this can vary depending on the design.
Can outdoor lighting improve home security?
Yes. Well-placed outdoor lighting improves visibility around entrances, driveways and walkways, which can help deter unwanted activity while making your home safer to navigate at night.
Is it better to buy an integrated LED wall light or one with a bulb?
Both can work well.
An integrated LED wall light often offers a sleek design, good energy efficiency and built-in modern performance. It is a strong choice when you want a minimalist look or a specific lighting effect.
A replaceable-bulb wall light gives you more flexibility. You can choose the bulb brightness, colour temperature and sometimes even change the look later without replacing the whole fitting.
If flexibility matters most, a bulb-based fitting is often easier. If design and simplicity matter most, integrated LED can be an excellent option..