Which materials are best for outdoor lights?
Metals and glass are typically the best materials for outdoor lights. These ensure resistance to corrosion, moisture, and other weather conditions. Rainfall is the biggest offender, but changes in temperature and natural light can also damage lighting not designed for the outdoors.
With that in mind, our garden lights are made from brass, bronze, and artisanal glass. And they’re all marked up with the relevant IP rating, ensuring the perfect light for your space.
And it’s not all about practicalities, either. We choose our materials with the utmost consideration of style and visual appeal. This attention to detail allows the meticulous craftsmanship of our designers to shine. So, expect everything from industrial designs to ornate and classic shapes made with hand-finished brass and blown glass.
What outdoor lights are available in this collection?
From pendants and outdoor chandeliers for overhead illumination to wall sconces, lanterns, and patio lights for a warm glow around seating areas, our outdoor collection is designed to bring beauty and function to your space. Learn more below.
Outdoor wall and patio lights
These lights are ideal when placed at the side of the doors, lighting up paths, or creating background lighting for patio walls. From traditional bulkhead designs to elegant swan neck lights, there are many styles to choose from.
Outdoor pendants
For porches, verandas, or pergolas, outdoor pendants take the elegance of indoor lighting and bring it outside. Expect stunning hand-blown glass pendants with metal frames in our signature finishes. Where possible, dimming switches are great for these outdoor lights as they grant you more control of the ambience of the space.
What are the most common IP ratings of outdoor lights?
The safety and durability of outdoor products are essential. Our outdoor lighting fixtures have specific IP ratings, which indicate the degree of protection they offer against solid objects and water.
IP20: This rating offers protection against solid objects larger than 12.5mm but does not provide any protection against water. Fixtures with this rating are best suited to fully protected outdoor spaces, like a covered porch ceiling that is not exposed to the elements. We recommend you speak to a qualified electrician before purchasing outdoor lights with this rating.
IP44: This is a typical rating for outdoor use. It means that the product is protected against tools with a diameter of 1mm and larger and against small sprays of water from any angle. IP44-rated fixtures aren’t protected against heavy rainfall, so they’re best for installation under eaves or other partially protected locations.
IP65: This rating offers a higher level of protection. This means the fixture is hermetically sealed and can withstand low-pressure water jets from any angle. IP65-rated lights are best for areas likely to get a lot of rain or be hosed down.
You can filter by IP rating above or explore the product descriptions for each light to ensure your preferred fixture has the required protection. If you are concerned, get in touch or speak with a qualified electrician.
When choosing outdoor lighting, what should I look for?
When it comes to selecting the correct bulb for your outdoor lighting, it is vital to consider the following aspects:
Kelvin (Colour Temperature):
For outdoor areas, we usually suggest a warm white colour temperature (approximately 2700K - 3000K). This gives a warm and inviting feel that suits outdoor areas like patios and gardens, rather than cold and clinical lighting.
Lumens (Brightness):
Ideally, you’ll want to layer different brightness levels around your garden. Layered lighting is key to ensure you get the bright lighting you need to navigate your garden, alongside more relaxed lighting for outdoor dining and hosting.
Lower lumens are better for ambient lighting on patios or decks, helping to create a relaxed mood. Higher lumens are necessary for pathways, entrances, or security lighting to ensure visibility and safety.
Bulb Type:
We strongly advocate for LED bulbs due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan (reducing the need for frequent changes in potentially hard-to-reach fixtures), and durability.
If the light's design offers less protection for the bulb, look for LEDS rated explicitly for outdoor or damp conditions. Many of our outdoor light fixtures are beautifully complemented by vintage-style Edison LED bulbs, which maintain aesthetic integrity while offering modern efficiency.
Dimmability:
Where possible and compatible with the fixture and wiring, use dimmable bulbs with an appropriate dimmer switch to tailor the atmosphere for different occasions – from bright illumination for safe passage to a soft glow for evening relaxation. Remember to ensure that the bulb's wattage does not exceed the fixture's maximum rating and choose bulbs compatible with the specified fitting.`
Can I make a cohesive lighting scheme for indoors and outdoors?
Absolutely! This is one of the hallmarks of thoughtful design: creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Our collections are curated to facilitate this with:
Shared materials and finishes:
Many of our signature finishes, such as hand-finished brass and pewter, are available across both our indoor and outdoor lighting ranges. This allows you to echo the same stylistic finish inside and out.
Consistent design language:
Our distinct elegant, industrial, and vintage-inspired aesthetics carry through both collections. Look for outdoor wall lights or pendants that complement indoor fixtures like ceiling lights or pendants from the same design family (e.g. matching Brooklyn or Bulkhead styles).
Extending Atmosphere:
By using similar styles and light temperatures, you can visually connect your interior spaces with your patio, garden, or entryway. This will make the outdoor areas feel like true, vibrant extensions of your home.
We encourage you to explore both our indoor and outdoor collections to discover complementary pieces that help you craft a harmonious and sophisticated lighting narrative throughout your property.
Is installation complex for these waterproof outdoor lights?
While our outdoor lights are expertly crafted for durability and designed to withstand the elements, installation involves working with electricity in an outdoor environment. This requires specific safety precautions and knowledge.
So, to ensure proper weather sealing and safe electrical connections outdoors, we strongly recommend that a qualified, certified electrician install all outdoor lighting fixtures.
This will ensure the light’s IP rating stays intact, as incorrect installation can compromise the seals. It’ll also ensure that current regulations and safety standards for outdoor wiring are followed.
