Outdoor lighting ideas
Outdoor lighting has become increasingly popular and diverse in both residential and commercial settings, due to a rise in the demand for a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Biophilia, which is our affinity with the natural world, has also played a part in designers and architects looking for new and engaging outdoor lighting ideas.
Detail Lighting design and supply outdoor lighting systems that accommodate a range of uses and styles, working with designers, architects, developers and contractors adding value to a wide array of lighting projects.
Types of outdoor lighting
The range of outdoor lighting available for residential and commercial property owners has extended over recent years due to shifts in trends, material selection and improved functionality.
Outdoor lighting selections are based on various reasons: functional, decorative, task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting.
Examples of types of outdoor lighting are spotlights, flood lights, uplights, downlights, bollards, string lights and step lights.
Outdoor lighting ideas for patio areas
Floor lamps and step lamps illuminate paths around a patio which is particularly useful if your client’s patio is multilevel.
If you want to add functionality to your client’s patio area and make it into a dining area, a pendant light will give the space a dining room feel, while a floor lamp with a weighted base will create a cosy atmosphere.
Festoon lights, fairy lights and lanterns will all add to the ambience of the outdoor social experience.
Modern outdoor wall lighting ideas
Particularly where hanging lights aren’t an option, modern outdoor wall lighting can transform an outdoor space while also providing practical safety features.
Modern outdoor wall lighting can use the electricity supply of a building and be controlled with a switch or digitally through an app.
Directional spotlights can be fixed to an outside wall to illuminate features or areas. Motion sensors can be fitted as a security measure or for very occasional use.
Contemporary lanterns or lighting effects such as the Chambers square wall mounted LED fixture or the Henry LED fixture add a modern twist to outside spaces, and are a popular lighting feature among designers and architects.
A more subtle wall night light such as the Viale light fixture is low glare and ideal for illuminating pathways.
Outdoor deck lighting ideas
For lighting your project’s outdoor deck area, stair lights are functional and provide a warm glow on chilly evenings.
In-floor uplighting is ideal near seating and dark corners for full visibility while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. At the other end of the scale, overhead recessed deck lighting will give you plenty of coverage for dining or playing games.
String deck lighting and festoon lighting provide a fun atmosphere while spotlights under deck railings can subtly offer enough lighting to illuminate the entire outdoor space.
Lighting garden paths
An outdoor area can become more attractive and practical with a well-planned pathway. In addition to offering a straight path for walking, it can act as a focal point to lead guests through your garden so good lighting is essential.
LED Strip Lights are flexible, waterproof strips of lights that can be placed along the edge of a path or even embedded into the path itself. They come in a variety of colours and can be controlled with a remote. Spotlights can be used to highlight specific features along the path, such as a statue or a tree. They can be mounted on the ground or on a stake and come in a variety of styles.
Ground lights are an excellent way to illuminate walkways while also adding flair to your outdoor landscape. Ground lights can be installed in a variety of methods, including embedding them in the path, mounting them on the surface, or placing them along the path’s border. Ground lights should be placed according to the shape of your garden, the style of your route, and the level of illumination required.
The Sagitta Micro is a high-quality LED spotlight. This small but powerful outdoor light is ideal for lighting gardens pathways. The Sagitta Micro is built of corrosion-resistant marine-grade stainless steel, making it strong and long-lasting. Additionally, it has an IP67 classification, which means that it can tolerate being submerged in water up to 1 metre deep. Due to this, it is the best option for outdoor lighting, even in rainy or damp environments.
FAQs
Can I use an internal lamp in an outside space?
No. You should use a lamp that has been specified for use outside which will have an IP (ingress protection) rating of at least IP44.
Can Detail Lighting design my outdoor lighting?
Detail Lighting offers a full inhouse lighting design service. We can produce schemes that maximise your budget.
Can I use more than one type of outdoor lighting?
Yes, a mix of lighting ideas creates atmospheric layered lighting that can be achieved through electric, solar-powered and battery-operated lights.
Can we help?
For a no-obligation chat about your architectural lighting designs, please contact us using our online form, by email at sales@detaillighting.co.uk, or by calling 01908 613256.
If you require lighting schemes for your project
get in touch with our team