Some stylish and well-placed outdoor wall lights can make your outside space fabulous, whatever it happens to be. Here are some top tips from the lighting experts...
Whether you have a rambling country garden, a walled courtyard or a bijou balcony, some well chosen wall lights can bring style, atmosphere or a cosy glow to your outside space on those long, lazy summer evenings. Wall lights are flexible and versatile, perfect for defining boundaries and linking different zones within a larger garden. You can use them for highlighting features or to add some drama to your front door.
At Pooky we've made it a bit of a mission to create weather-proof IP-rated wall lights that are beautiful objects in their own right. Here are some ideas for using them to maximum effect...
Harlyn IP65 slim up and down light in aged brass
1) Create a foundation of ambient light
For those high use areas, such as a patio, deck or stairway, you need a good source of ambient light. Outdoor wall lights can be fixed to a wall, fence post, trellis or stairwell to provide effective lighting, without any unsightly glare.
How high should you place outdoor wall lights? As a general rule, wall lights should be placed around 5-5.5 feet above floor level, with the top of the light sitting around eye level, while a series of wall lights should be spaced around 8-10 feet apart.
2) Add some atmosphere
You can create a more relaxing vibe by using different styles of wall light and varying the heights and angles. Downlights cast the light downwards and sideways, for a more subtle ambience. Our Blythe up and down wall light has a removable top and bottom - so you can have light just pointing up or down - and you can swivel it around to change the throw of light.
3) Highlight your favourite features
You can use outdoor lighting to draw attention to the best bits of your garden (and away from your less favourite bits!). In general, less is more when it comes to outdoor lighting - it’s best to focus on a few choice features for maximum effect. Uplights cast a lovely soft glow upwards and are great for illuminating features, such as a natural stone wall or archway, a distinctive plant, or a statue - creating a focal point, drawing the eye and adding depth and interest to your space with contrasting light, shapes and textures.
A great down lighter - the Coram IP54 mast light in aged brass
4) Create a cosy corner
Wall lights are just the thing for creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere, in a secluded corner of a larger garden, a courtyard, or a balcony. Our Hayle IP44 exterior wall light in antiqued brass is an Art Deco style beauty that provides a provides a warm, gentle glow.
Hayle IP44 exterior wall light in antiqued brass
5) Make a magical walkway
You can visually extend your garden space and create a magical effect by using a series of path lights along a walkway. Our Mousehole in bronze is a very charming little rounded affair...
6) Extend your indoor lighting scheme into the garden
You can extend your inside space out into the garden and continue your design theme by using similar lighting throughout. Most of our outdoor wall lights can be happily invited inside - including in kitchens and bathrooms. See more tips in our article Indoor to outdoor lighting - a guide for home and garden lovers.
More ideas for a bit of outdoor wow
While you’re in the mood for jazzing up your garden, here are some more tips for easy ways to add depth and interest to your outdoor space:- Be bold with your planting - your lighting scheme should form part of your overall garden design. When planning your planting, try adding in some extra wow factor with strong architectural plants such as bamboo or acer, which will make a dramatic statement when lit up at night as well as during the day.
- Use striking planters - a few striking planters placed on a patio or balcony will make a real design statement. Try framing a doorway or archway by placing one either side for a balanced look, or use strong patterns in odd numbers for added depth and drama
- Extend the space with mirrors - a quality outdoor mirror, or a series of mirrors, can be a great way of reflecting the light and extending the sense of space, as well as making a style statement. Great for a balcony or courtyard.
- Add texture with textiles - a stylish throw and some soft cushions are just the thing for cosying up your favourite chair on the balcony or in a quiet corner of the garden. Choose gentle tones and materials for a relaxing space.
Remember, garden lighting should be installed by a qualified electrician, and you should make sure that any cabling is secure and protected from any outdoor hazards such as roving wildlife, mowers or the garden shears!
Browse Pooky's full range of outdoor wall lights here.
See also:
Indoor to outdoor lighting - a guide for home and garden lovers
Seven ingenious ways rechargeable lamps can transform your home life
