Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lighting can be powered in three main ways: by the mains, solar energy, or batteries.

1. Mains powered outdoor lights
These are wired into your home’s electricity supply and should be installed by a qualified electrician. They provide a strong, reliable source of light, so they’re ideal for areas you use often, such as patios, driveways and entrances. There are also low-voltage (12V or 24V) plug-in options that can simply be connected to an outdoor socket, which is handy for rented homes where you can’t make permanent changes.

2. Solar powered outdoor lighting
Solar lights use a small panel to charge during the day and automatically switch on at dusk. Modern solar outdoor lighting uses LEDs and rechargeable batteries, so it’s brighter and more efficient than older styles. They’re a great choice for gardens, paths and areas where running mains power would be difficult, and where you don’t need lighting every single night of the year.

3. Battery operated outdoor lights
Battery powered outdoor lighting is flexible and portable. There’s no need for wiring, so you can move the lights around the garden, use them for special occasions, or take them with you for camping and outdoor events. Just remember you’ll need to recharge or replace the batteries regularly, so they’re best for occasional rather than everyday use.

For most outdoor lights, an IP44 rating is suitable for sheltered areas such as covered porches, while IP65 outdoor lights are a better choice for more exposed locations. If a light will face direct rain, splashes or heavy outdoor use, choosing a higher IP-rated fitting can offer better long-term protection.

We offer a wide range of outdoor lighting to suit different homes and gardens, including:

• Outdoor wall lights – Ideal for front doors, patios and balconies, and available in modern and traditional designs.

• Solar garden lights – Perfect for paths, borders and beds, using free solar energy so there’s no need for wiring.

• Outdoor LED lights – Energy-efficient outdoor lighting for long-lasting, bright illumination all around your home.

• Outdoor up and down lights – Stylish wall lights that wash light up and down the wall to highlight entrances and architectural features.

• Outdoor lantern lights – Classic lantern-style fittings that add character and charm to porches, patios and garden seating areas.

Whatever style of outdoor lighting you’re looking for, you’ll find options to enhance your home’s kerb appeal and make your outdoor space more inviting and secure.

Yes, many modern solar outdoor lights are bright enough for UK gardens, especially for pathways, borders, patios and feature areas. The best results usually come from fittings placed in good daylight, with efficient LED output and sufficient battery capacity. For stronger or more consistent brightness, mains-powered lights may be better for high-use spaces.

Yes – modern solar lights are usually bright enough for everyday outdoor lighting. Thanks to efficient LED technology and improved solar panels and batteries, many solar fittings now give a clear, reliable light for paths, patios and garden features.

For the best results, look for:

• A higher lumen output – more lumens = a brighter light

• Good sun exposure – solar lights work best in spots that get plenty of daylight

• Optional PIR / motion sensors – these can boost brightness when movement is detected and help save battery

Porch lights and outdoor wall lights are usually the best options for front doors and entrance areas. Lantern-style designs suit traditional homes, while outdoor up and down lights and minimalist wall lights work well for modern exteriors. Motion sensor outdoor lights are also a practical option where extra visibility and convenience are important.

Outdoor wall lights are mounted on exterior walls and are commonly used around entrances, patios and garages. Outdoor up and down lights are a type of wall light that cast light both upwards and downwards for a more architectural effect. Bollard lights are lower freestanding fittings that are usually placed along driveways, garden paths and walkways for guidance and safety.

For patios, many homeowners choose outdoor wall lights, lantern lights or soft ambient garden lights to create a comfortable atmosphere. For pathways, bollard lights, spike lights and low-level garden lights are often better because they improve visibility and guide movement. When choosing, consider brightness, beam direction, power source and whether the fitting needs a higher IP ratingFor patios, many homeowners choose outdoor wall lights, lantern lights or soft ambient garden lights to create a comfortable atmosphere. For pathways, bollard lights, spike lights and low-level garden lights are often better because they improve visibility and guide movement. When choosing, consider brightness, beam direction, power source and whether the fitting needs a higher IP rating.