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With well positioned wall lights, outdoor spaces can undergo quite a transformation. Contemporary outdoor wall lights can elevate not only the aesthetic of a space, but also brighten it and make it safer to navigate as well.
In this article, we’ll explore some top tips to consider as you plan your wall garden lights.
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Decide on The Purpose and Function of Your Outdoor Wall Lighting
Exterior wall lights can serve a number of purposes in your outdoor living space. Figuring out what areas of your garden need illumination can help you determine what lights to purchase, and precisely where to place them.
Begin by surveying the outdoor space, making a note of what areas need the light.
EntrywaysÂ
Doorways, gates and other points of access require lighting mostly for practical, functional purposes. Installing fixtures such as front door lights on either side of the entryways will not only allow for you to better see when using the space, but it can turn the areas into focal points as well.
Pathways and StepsÂ
Placing wall lights along paths near walls, driveways and around staircases will provide necessary illumination for proper visibility. These areas are particularly important, because they are high-traffic spaces and pose a higher risk for falls or other accidents if not well lit.
Patio and Entertainment AreasÂ
Using wall lights on the walls surrounding your porch, veranda or other entertainment area can provide soft, indirect light. This is perfect for entertaining a guest at night, providing warm, ambient light that is gentle on the eyes.
Accent Lighting
Your garden may have sculptures or other features that you want to draw attention to. External wall lights are a great way to do that. Using accent lighting, you can highlight any element of your garden that you’d like to turn into a focal point.
Security Lighting
For security efforts to be effective, the area needs to be thoroughly lit. By pairing outdoor wall sconces with spotlights and other fixtures, you can create effective outdoor security lighting with ease.
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Get The Positioning of Your Exterior Wall Lights Right
Once you understand where and what you want to illuminate, you can then work on properly positioning them. Above all, go for a consistent height when possible. This will keep the aesthetic nice and clean while providing a balanced look.
EntrywaysÂ
On either side of your entryways, position the lights about six to 12 inches from the door frame. Make sure the center of the fixture is only about 66 to 72 inches from the ground as well.
PathwaysÂ
Install LED outdoor wall lights at regular intervals along the wall lining the path. It is recommended that you place lights between six and eight feet apart, depending on how long the pathway is.
For staircases, you can place the wall lights exterior fixtures on the walls flanking the steps themselves. Install them around 12 to 18 inches above the ground, providing proper illumination without glares or shadows.
Patios and Verandas
On a patio, install the light around 60 to 72 inches from the floor. This will provide ample ambient lighting while not being right at eye-level, avoiding glare and discomfort.
Security Lighting
External wall lighting placed on the walls of any dark corners that need to be illuminated. This will help deter intruders, especially if you have them set on a motion sensor.
Focal Points
Mount up and down light outdoor fixtures at such a height that it easily shows off architectural details. This will typically be around 60 to 72 inches from the ground.
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How Bright Do Your External Wall Lights Need To Be?
When determining how bright your lights for outside wall areas should be, you will first need to understand lumens. Lumens are to LED lights what watts are to traditional halogen bulbs; they measure how bright a light bulb shines.
The main difference between the two is that watts are an indicator of power and heat that a light consumes–not the illumination. Since LED bulbs don’t require heat to output light, lumen counts refer solely to illumination.
When it comes to lighting your outdoor space, you are going to want brighter lights for most areas. This will mean lights that have a higher lumen count. Different areas of your outdoor space will require varying outdoor wall lantern lumen counts.
- Entryways need 500 to 1000 lumens per fixture
- Pathway lights need 100 to 200 lumens per fixture
- Patio wall lights benefit from having 300 to 500 lumens per fixture
- Security lights will require between 700 and 1300 lumens of light
- Accent lighting should have between 200 and 400 lumens per fixture
- Driveway lights need between 1000 and 2000 lumens per fixture
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Think About Energy Efficiency of Your Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor wall mount lighting will be run for most hours of the night. Because of their heavier use, you should make sure you are using energy efficient LED outdoor wall downlights.
LED lights consume significantly less energy than their traditional counterparts. Less energy consumption means less electricity used, resulting in lower energy bills. This is especially important for lights that will be on as often as your outside up and down lights
The energy efficient nature of LED lights also help lengthen their lifespans. LEDs are already rated to last for tens of thousands of hours. With them, you won’t have to replace them for several years—decades, in some cases.
Of course, energy efficient bulbs are also better for the environment. Using LEDs in your decorative outdoor lighting can help lower your carbon footprint, helping contribute to a greener world.
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Make Sure You Buy The Correct Weather Resistant Outside Lighting
Due to the constant exposure of the light fixtures to the elements, waterproof wall lights are a must. Keep a look-out for IP rated outdoor wall lights that are capable of withstanding exposure to sun, rain and wind.
IP ratings are a way to indicate how well protected a fixture is against debris and moisture alike. The first number measures resistance to debris, while the second indicates resistance to moisture.
First Digit – SolidsÂ
0 – No protection from debris
1 – Protection from debris that are larger than 50 millimeters.
2 – Protection from debris that are larger than 12.5 millimeters.
3 – Protection from debris that are larger than 2.5 millimeters.
4 – Protection from debris that are larger than one millimeter.
5 – Dust Protected
6 – Dust Tight
Second Digit – MoistureÂ
0 – No protection from moisture.
1 – Provides protection against water that drips vertically.
2 – Provides protection against water that drips vertically when at a 15-degree angle.
3 – Provides protection against water that drips vertically when at a 60-degree angle.
4 – Provides protection against splashing in any direction.
5 – Provides protection against light jets of water in any direction.
6 – Provides protection against strong jets of water in any direction.
7 – Protects against temporary immersion up to one metre deep.
8 – Protects against complete immersion deeper than one metre.
For outdoor lights, aim for fixtures with an IP65 rating or higher.
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Use Your Outdoor Lighting For Security And Safety Around Your Home
Outdoor up and down lights and other wall mounted lighting can be used for more than just decorating your outdoor space. They can also be a helpful tool to keep your home safer.
When your outdoor space is well-lit, you have a better chance of deterring intruders. Potential intruders are less likely to try to sneak onto a property that is bright and visible. Similarly, you will have better visibility of the garden to notice any suspicious activity going on.
If you have any security cameras, you will want the area they monitor to be well lit. Using wall lights alongside other outdoor lights such as spotlights can provide bright, even light. This will allow the cameras to clearly pick up on any movement.
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Consider The Colour Temperature You Want Your Lighting to Be
Colour temperature is another important thing to consider when shopping for your outdoor lighting. Colour temperature, or CCT, is a way to measure the warmth or coolness of a light.
These temperatures exist on a spectrum of units measured in Kelvin. They range from 1,000K to 10000K. The higher the number, the cooler the light. The lower the number, the warmer the light.
For outdoor applications, warm white light tends to be best. This is a range between 3000K and 3300K. Front porch lights, patio lights, walkways and staircases benefit from the glow of warm light. Security lights, on the other hand, should be cool and crisp. Aim for 4000K to 6000K lights.
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Consider Maintenance of Your Lighting
Maintaining the outdoor fixtures will help extend their life and ensure that they are working at their best. Fortunately, maintaining your outdoor lights isn’t a difficult process.
Cleaning
On occasion, walk around the property and look for any debris accumulating on the lenses. Take a lightly damp, soft rag and gently wipe away any dirt and dust. Do the same for the fixture itself if you notice buildup.
Inspection
Periodically check that the lights are in good working order. Look for cracks in the housing, burned out bulbs, or faulty wiring. If you notice any of this, remedy it as soon as possible to get the most out of your light.
Conclusion
Outdoor wall lighting is a versatile way to illuminate your garden. From unusual wall lights to simple black outdoor wall lights, you can dress up your garden and provide well-lit balance all in one.
Outdoor Wall Lights IdeasÂ
Modernise your outdoor space with the LWA386 12 Watt Round Black Outdoor LED Wall Light. This elegant wall light has a sleek circular design, including a black base and an opal acrylic diffuser. This diffuser softens the 1,200 lumens of 3000k warm white light that shine from it. It features a 150-millimetre diameter, making it ideal for use in most areas. The durable aluminium fixture is IP65 rated to protect it from the elements.
Perfect for porch and patio lighting, the LWA383 Round 6 Watt Outdoor LED Wall Light provides elegant, decorative and bright lighting. It shines 600 lumens of 3000k warm white light through an opal acrylic diffuser that softens it. Durably designed, it is fashioned out of high quality aluminium and given an IP65 waterproof rating to protect it from the elements. Overall, it measures 150 millimeters in diameter.
Go for some classic charm in your outdoor living space with the LWA370 6 Watt Brass Up and Down Outdoor Wall Light. This wall light is ideal for entryways and garages with its 600 lumens of 3000k warm white light. It features a cylindrical shape fashioned out of durable aluminium and given a sleek brass finish. It boasts a waterproof IP65 rating and measures a total height of 130 millimeters.
Light up the night with the LWA214 9 Watt LED Black Outdoor Wall Light. This wall mounted light features a bright bulb that generates 800 lumens of 3000k warm white light. It shines from behind an opal acrylic diffuser that further softens the illumination, capped off by black aluminium to match the base. This durable light features an IP65 waterproof rating and measures 140 millimeters in height.
