As we head into Summer and turn our attention to our outdoor spaces, choosing and investing in outdoor lighting can feel like quite an overwhelming task. With the vast range of outdoor wall lights on the market, it can sometimes be hard to even know where to start.
To help simplify this process, we’ve summarised the main 5 factors you need to consider with your outdoor wall lighting:
Function
When choosing outdoor wall lights, it is firstly important to consider its intended purpose. Depending on your needs, wall lighting can be both a great way to create a cosy glow in your garden, as well as a brilliant tool for increasing the safety of your property.
For decorative purposes, more softer wall lighting, like downlights, can be the perfect way to bring warmth to your outdoor space. Whereas if your focus is on secure outdoor lighting, bulkhead lights, or PIR sensor lights are probably a more appropriate solution.
Location
Location and positioning of your outdoor wall lighting is also another important consideration that closely links with function.
For example, if your main aim is to make your home safer and deter intruders with outdoor lights, floodlighting in an entrance or near a path can be great.
If you’re looking to use lighting to transform your garden into an ambient entertainment space, more decorative lanterns might be the way forward.
As well as this, having a clear location in mind for your outdoor wall lighting is also incredibly important before making a purchase as you need to be sure that the wall lights you choose will be the correct size and style for the space.
Power
Before investing in outdoor lighting, it is also essential to consider the power source. Often wall lighting is available in various forms, so it is important to understand the benefits of each power source to decide which option is the best for you.
Electrical wall lighting can be a slightly more costly option, and requires proper installation as this is a permanent fixture. However, this solution allows you to have the wall lights on for as long as required, and ensures that they will be consistently bright.
Solar-powered lighting is a mains-free option that is also more eco-friendly and cost-effective. Though, as this form of wall light relies on sunlight to charge the batteries, there is a limit to illumination time, which varies depending on the time of year.
Battery-powered lighting is again mains-free so easier to install than electrical lighting, and will shine for as long as the battery lasts. However, it can be costly to replace the batteries, so this may not be the right solution if you are looking to use your outdoor wall lighting regularly.
Bulbs
Another point of consideration with outdoor wall lighting is the bulbs that the lights use. As with power sources, each bulb type has its own pros and cons that might make one better suited to your needs than another.
Take halogen and LED bulbs for example:
Halogen bulbs reach full brightness instantly, and are cheaper than LED bulbs as a one-off purchase. However, LED bulbs are more energy-efficient, and have a longer lifespan than halogen bulbs so won’t need to be replaced as often.
Durability
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we need to consider durability. Here in the UK, we are no stranger to windy and rainy conditions, so weather-proof wall lights need to be a top priority.
To make sure your outdoor wall lighting will withstand the elements, take time to look at the IP rating, which will give an indication of the level of water and dirt-resistance. Ideally, you should look for an IP rating of IP44 or higher.
There is no doubt that planning and choosing the right outdoor wall lighting can take some time. But, if you focus on these 5 main factors, it will really help to quickly narrow down your options and find the best wall lights for your home.
Beyond that, try to enjoy the process too. Not only are wall lights an effective form of secure outdoor lighting, they are also a great way to transform your garden. Whether you prefer ornate lanterns, or sleek spotlights, wall lights can showcase your style and get your outdoor space ready for al fresco dining or late night garden parties.
Start exploring your options and check out our full outdoor wall light range.
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