Collection: Outdoor Lighting

Designing Outdoor Lighting

Good outdoor lighting layers three purposes, safety (walking paths and stairs), security (perimeter and entryways) and beauty (landscape accents). A complete outdoor lighting plan addresses all three.

Solar vs Wired vs Low-Voltage

• Solar lights: zero wiring, zero energy cost, placed anywhere with sun exposure. Light output drops in winter or after cloudy days
• Line voltage (120V): bright and reliable but requires buried conduit and GFCI protection, best for porches and wall-mounted fixtures
• Low-voltage (12V): the preferred choice for landscape lighting, uses a transformer plugged into an outdoor outlet, easy DIY installation

IP Ratings Explained

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating tells you how waterproof a fixture is. IP44 handles splashes from any direction. IP65 handles direct water jets and dust. IP67 can be submerged briefly. For any fixture exposed to rain, IP65 is the minimum. Pond and step lights need IP67.

Where to Place Each Type

Line voltage wall lights flank front doors and garage doors. Solar path lights line walkways and driveways, spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. Spotlights accent trees, statues and architecture from below. String lights and fairy lights (browse our string and fairy lights range) create ambient mood in dining areas and patios. For garden edging, see outdoor and garden essentials.

Color Temperature Outdoors

Outdoor lighting usually looks best at 2700K to 3000K (warm white). Cooler temperatures like 4000K can feel like a parking lot when used for landscape. Keep all outdoor fixtures on the same color temperature for a cohesive look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do solar outdoor lights work in winter?

Yes, but with reduced runtime. Less sunlight means less charge, so expect 2 to 4 hours of light per night in winter versus 6 to 10 in summer. Place panels where they catch direct midday sun.

What IP rating do I need for outdoor lights?

IP65 is the minimum for any fixture exposed to weather. IP67 or higher is needed for in-ground lights, pond lights and step lights that could be submerged.

How many lumens for a patio?

An average 200 sq ft patio wants 1,500 to 3,000 lumens of total ambient light, split between wall fixtures, string lights and accent pieces. Dimmable options let you drop to 500 lumens for intimate evenings.

Can solar lights charge under LED security lights?

No, solar panels need sunlight or bright ambient daylight to charge. They do not charge meaningfully under LEDs or standard artificial light.