Outdoor lighting makes paths safer and lets you enjoy the garden after dark. For a wall, path or patio, check the IP rating and colour temperature.
Choosing a light for each area
- Front of the house and entrance: an outdoor wall or ceiling light, IP44 under a canopy or porch, IP65 on a wall exposed to rain. Our outdoor wall lights suit most exterior walls.
- Paths and steps: garden bollards or garden lamp posts mark out the way; point the light downwards.
- Patio: wall lights, an outdoor pendant or a ceiling light under cover light the table in warm white for dining outdoors.
- Flower beds, trees and feature walls: adjustable floodlights or ground-recessed spotlights, IP67 as a minimum.
To find out more, read our guides on how to light your garden and choosing lights for your patio.
Materials, styles and light sources
Metal leads the way, in black, grey, bronze or silver, often combined with a glass or acrylic diffuser; stone or concrete bollards and wall lights blend into low garden walls, and a few models feature wood. Modern lines sit alongside classic lanterns, rustic and country styles, and industrial or vintage and retro designs.
Most models take an LED bulb; others have a built-in light source and are grouped under LED outdoor lighting. Choose warm white from 2,700 to 3,000 K, which is more pleasant and less dazzling than cool white. Some models have a built-in motion sensor, handy near a door or garage.
Wiring and safety
A fixed outdoor light must be supplied by a cable designed for burial, laid in protective ducting at the depth required by the wiring regulations (BS 7671). The circuit must be protected by a 30 mA RCD and the connection made by a qualified electrician; in England and Wales, this work falls under Part P of the Building Regulations.
Frequently asked questions about outdoor lighting
Which IP rating do I need for an outdoor light?
Allow IP44 under cover (canopy, porch), IP65 for a light exposed to rain, IP67 for a model set on or recessed into the ground, and IP68 where immersion is possible, at the edge of a pond for example. The first digit indicates protection against dust, the second against water.
What is the difference between IP and IK ratings?
The IP rating measures protection against dust and water; the IK rating measures resistance to impact, from hail to being walked on. A spotlight recessed into a path must combine IP67 with a high IK rating, such as IK08. A wall light out of reach only needs an IP rating suited to its exposure.
How do I avoid dazzling the neighbours?
Point the light downwards and towards what you want to light, never towards neighbouring windows or the street. Choose warm white from 2,700 to 3,000 K and models with a diffuser or shield. A motion sensor also limits how long lights stay on near entrances.
How do I light a garden path?
Mark it out with IP67 bollards or ground-recessed spotlights, evenly spaced on both sides or staggered, and direct the light at the ground so that you can see where you are walking. Plan the power supply before planting: a cable suitable for burial, laid in ducting at the required depth by a qualified electrician.
