If you buy something through the links on this page, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. For a little more customisation some lights also include the ability to tweak their illumination time using timers or, for complete control, there are smart lights like those that sit within the Philips Hue ecosystem that you can fully customise from an app.We use affiliate links. Lights with motion detectors are quite common, along with those that can automatically illuminate when they detect the sun has set. Are there any functionality features worth looking out for?ĭepending on where you plan on positioning your outdoor lights and how you intend to use them it may be worth checking out the functionality that different lights offer. Philips advises against using its regular bulbs outside. Philips Hue has a range of outdoor lights that you can control using your smartphone, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant when hooked up to a Hue bridge, allowing you to set timers, countdowns and colour combos. You can use regular halogen or LED bulbs in units with a weatherproof casing LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and long-lasting. The LED isn’t 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). Certain outdoor lights are designed to incorporate an LED within the unit. It depends on the kind of fixture you buy. Or, if you’d rather not go down the electric route, consider a battery or solar-powered option instead. If in any doubt, seek guidance from a qualified electrician. If you’re fitting a single security light, installation can be fairly straightforward, but if you’re adding a number of lights, it’s advisable to run a new supply from a fuse board. You’ll need to make sure that the circuit is protected by an RCD (a residual current device, designed to break currents when necessary to prevent electric shocks) and that it can cope with the additional load you’re putting on it. If you don’t have an external electrical socket you can run outdoor lighting from an internal power source. ![]() They can run from a mains supply but opt for a battery or solar-powered set if you want to avoid wiring. Use hooks or staples to attach to surfaces. ![]() Can be draped over balcony railings and fences, wrapped around columns and trees and used to define borders and edges. String lights: Versatile and very easy to install. Lanterns: An atmospheric and portable option that adds a warm glow to wherever you choose to plonk it. If you’re looking for a brighter effect, consider a mains-powered spike light. ![]() Most commonly solar-powered so you can just push them in the ground without having to deal with any wiring. Spike lamps: An easy way to light up pathways, borders and edges. ![]() Some lights allow you to programme how long the light stays on for and at what distance the sensor detects movement. Most are fitted with a PIR (passive infrared sensor) that’s activated when motion is detected and is a great energy-saving feature. Security lights: Designed to deter intruders and help you move around safely in the dark. Are you looking to illuminate a specific area for drinking and dining? Do you want to highlight a water feature or a particularly handsome tree? Do you need to light up steps, paths, and ponds to avoid alfresco accidents? Do you just want to hang some colourful string lights to beautify your balcony? What about motion-detection lights for improved home security? We’ve outlined the main types of lights available below, followed by a selection of the best outdoor lights to buy for spaces of all sizes. To figure out which outdoor lights to spend your money on, consider how you currently use (or intend to use) your space. And, just as you might choose to add a statement light to your lounge or use spotlights to highlight particular design features in your home, there are outdoor lighting options to create all sorts of decorative effects. As well as creating instant ambience, outdoor lights can help you make the most of your garden all year round, allowing you to linger longer when the sun goes down. Whether you have a sizeable garden, a modest balcony or a petite patio, the best outdoor lights can really transform your exterior space.
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