Able to combine practicality with looks, outdoor lighting is becoming an essential purchase for anyone who loves to spend time in their garden or outside space. They can give you more time in the garden after dark, which especially helps when the weather is warm enough to enjoy some after barbecue drinks.
There is such a huge range available, from ones which sit on your dining table, to ones which fit on the wall and even string fairy lights which really boost the overall look of your outdoor space. Then you have other considerations such as how bright you want them to be, the power type and how weather-proof they have to be.
This makes the choice incredibly hard, but thankfully, there are thousands of variations available to buy. To save you having to search for hours, we have rounded up some of the best outdoor lights in this guide, as well as including some information about what everything means.
The Best Outdoor Lights – Our Top Picks
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Best Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights
Battery-powered solar lights are the most popular choice amongst UK customers, but batteries in general aren’t massively reliable. The GIGALUMI solar ground lights do not disappoint. The bright solar disks with 12 LEDs has a bigger and brighter illumination range, gives more light for your garden or yard. Each full charge from a sunny day will give you 8 hours of decent lighting. We found these extremely easy to install as they are made from stainless steel and plastic, so not only is the power great, but the build and structure are too. The stake is strong yet streamlined, so positioning is very flexible and you can even move them to another place if you wish. The IP44 weather rating means they will be protected from any water or dust which could damage them. For the price, you are getting great value for your pound. These can easily be with you for life, which is more than can be said of the ones which you can get for £1 and only last a few months. GIGALUMI knows what they are doing, and they have created the perfect lights for waste-conscious, eco-friendly individuals who like their quality. Brilliantly atmospheric and perfect for a romantic setting. The solar flame torch lights produce a stunningly realistic flame effect that almost seems real fire flickering in the wind. The possibilities for decoration in your lawn, garden or patio are endless and will no doubt impress your guests, not to mention add major curb appeal. The quality of the build is next to none. It has lives up to its weatherproof rating, as it has not only protected against dust but has withstood hail, snow, heat, and rain. Charging it up fully will give you 10 hours of full light. The added accessories allow you to choose 30.7 in or 42.9 in heights. What we really liked was that there is no wiring and electrical need, just place the solar flame lights into your lawn, garden, pathways or even application for outdoor events, and they are good to go after a sunny day’s charge. Although these are a bit pricy compared to other solar light options, you get what you pay for and you will not be disappointed. A pricier pick, but the flame effect, quality, and value you get are worth it. String lights are by far the most aesthetically pleasing form, especially if you are in it for the atmosphere more then the lighting. The wired aspect is obviously a warning sign if you’re going for the wire-free look, so the fact these are solar is very handy indeed. Fear not if you’re worried about the lack of sun which your garden gets. They also come complete with a detachable control box which can be charged via a USB connection if solar power isn’t possible, so you’re always covered. There is 2m of cable between this and the start of the lights, so it doesn’t intrude. A Winter power saving mode also makes them suitable for use all year round, so if you want them strung up over the grass in summer but under a canopy in winter, it isn’t going to be impossible to do. It lowers the brightness a bit but saves energy, for when you don’t have access to solar light. You also get eight different lighting options, so you can set the exact warmth and glow which the evening requires. The distance between each light is 10cm too, so it is all nicely spread without being too roomy. They are also available in a 10m 100 bulb option. Lovely lights which you have to pay that bit extra for, but in return, you get your moneys-worth Deck lighting is a relatively new concept. The idea is that you can install it in a garden, along a walkway, or recessed in a terrace to make the most of the space you have without things getting unsightly. They are 33mm high, so will be unobtrusive when set into an area. Each light gives off a nice blue hue, which is bright without being too overbearing. They have a high IP rating, so while you still need to ensure that they are tight enough to not let water and dirt in, they are generally very hardy. It isn’t a bad price to say you get two in a pack, and the lifespan of the LED lights should give you 7 hours use per day over ten years. Great if you want to illuminate a path or walkway, and as there are no wires, they’re easy to fit tooGIGALUMI Solar Ground Lights
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Aityvert Solar Torch Light
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The Solar Centre Lumify 300 LED Line Lights
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Blooma Glend Brushed LED Deck Light, Set of 2
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Best Mains-Powered Outdoor Lights
Pendants are brilliant for porches and those more covered areas, and this weathered-style design will really boost the look of the place. Made from galvanised steel, it is strong and sturdy even in the drastic British weather. A sealed glass dome prevents the bulb from being exposed to the extremes, and you can unscrew it to access the bulb when it needs replacing. A long suspension chain gives you a drop of around 160cm, so if you want it to sit low over a table it is a perfect option. You can also shorten this right back if you wish at the time of installation. Attractive, and not a bad price at all. Perfect if this is the look you want. Wall lights are great, as they don’t take up any room but have the power to illuminate a large area. This Philips light is crafted from quality aluminium and tempered glass, so is strong and stable in all weathers. It has the classic wall lantern design too, so perfect if you want to go for the classic practical look. The light it gives off is nice and copes with illuminating the immediate area, so it would also be suitable to use as a front door light if you like to illuminate the entrance area to your property after dark. It incorporates LED, so while these aren’t replaceable, they should last for up to 15,000 hours and use around 85% less energy than standard bulbs. A great price for a light which is a) so easy to fit and b) will last for a fair few years (and you get a five-year warranty) A light option which gives you modernity and style as well as practicality, these are perfect for anyone who thinks that the traditional outdoor light design is a bit of an eyesore. The bulb isn’t included, so you can replace it when needed, but this also means that the lumens, brightness and longevity depend on the ones you choose, so you may want to spend a bit more to get good results. It has specifically been salt-spray tested too, so if you live on the coast and find yourself getting through outdoor lighting and furniture at a rapid rate, make sure this is your next option. The light doesn’t give off an amazing amount, so it is more for a subtle glow than a light which will allow you to see with 20/20 vision, but the style is what you choose these wall lights for. Perhaps a case of style over substance, but will still make an impact if you just want to give your outdoor lighting a boostNordlux Luxembourg Pendant
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Philips Robin LED Wall Lantern
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Astro Chios 150 Wall Light
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Outdoor Lighting Buying Guide
Aim
The first thing you have to think about before you start looking is which area you want to light up. If it is going to be a path, you want something quite bright which will help to navigate people safely as opposed to lights which just look nice. You’ll also want to avoid wiring becoming a trip hazard. Likewise, for summer barbecues, decorative lights which give a warm glow rather than blinding everybody with their brightness could be the best.
This will likely reduce the amount available to you, but at the end of the day, you want the best for the job.
Power
- Solar
Essentially, these are powered from the sun. This means they are cost-free to run and eco-friendly. No wonder they are so popular in the UK.
Technically, they are actually battery powered, as the energy they accumulate all day is stored here. They are perfect for placing anywhere, whether you have a seating area away from the house or want to illuminate a path. No connection cables are needed.
Solar lights can be difficult if you want the lights to be on over winter or in cloudy conditions, as the UK is notorious for its dark, damp months. You should be fine to use them in summer, though. Some will have switches which will turn them off if you want to store them ready for next summer again, without wasting battery. You may also be able to get a set with a battery which can also be charged via USB.
- Mains
A wired option, which is generally more reliable than solar powered, especially when the nights get darker. They can plug into an outside socket, or be fitted to the wall and wire-free if you get a specialist to install them.
You will be more restricted in terms of placement because of this. They’ll also cost to run.
Types
- Stake
Perfect for sticking into the grass or ground, which keeps them firmly in place. This is ideal if you want to illuminate a rockery or path without cords and want something substantial.
- Lantern
If you want a lamp for the middle of the table, or for decorative purposes, then lanterns are great. They can give off the feel of real candles to create a good level of ambience, and can often be picked up and carried around if you want something transportable
- Wall
Ideal if you want something permanent and to light up a relatively large area. They don’t take up any space either, so are great if you want to maximise the room and just make the most of what is already there
- Festoon
A fancy word for string lights. It covers the wide various styles, such as fairy lights, bunting or line lights. They are designed to hang lower and add a lot of ambience
- Pendant
Often found in porch areas, they can dangle from a higher level to illuminate the immediate area. You may also be able to use one under a gazebo, or in an outhouse
- Decking/Brick
A relatively modern answer to lighting. These are designed to fit into your outdoor decking or into any steps leading up to your house
Kelvin
This is essentially the level of colour of the light. The lower this number, the warmer the hue. 2,700K is an indoor soft white and this can go up to 5,600K, which is bright white shade. It depends on the atmosphere you want to create, but generally the higher this number, the more illumination it will give out.
Lumens
As opposed to telling you how bright a bulb is like the Kelvin rating does, the lumens (lm) are a raw measure of light output (essentially the brightness). They have replaced watts as the main measurement of this with the introduction of LED bulbs, as watts measure input but lumens measure output.
The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Indoor lights are usually around 300-500 lumens, and some outdoor flood lights emit in excess of 20,000lm.
If you want to replace a watt-rated bulb with lumens:
- 100W incandescent bulb > 1600 lumens
- 75W > 1100 lumens
- 60W > 800 lumens
- 40W > 450 lumens
Weather Rating
Electrical, battery and solar-powered outdoor lights all have an IP (Ingress Protection) Rating, which lets you know how compatible they are with certain weather conditions.
The first digit of an IP rating refers to intrusion protection, so whether dust or larger objects (such as insects) can penetrate the sealing.
The second is all about the protection from moisture, such as rain or fog.
Intrusion:
- 0: No special protection
- 1: Protection from a large part of the body, such as a hand and from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter. Deliberate access still possible
- 2: Protection against fingers or other objects over L80mm and D12mm
- 3: Protection from entry by tools, wires etc. with D2.5mm or more
- 4: Protection against solid bodies larger than 1mm (e.g. small tools)
- 5: Protected against dust which could be harmful
- 6: Totally dust-tight
Moisture:
- 0: No protection
- 1: Protection against condensation
- 2: Protection against water droplets deflected up to 15 degrees from vertical
- 3: Protection against spray up to 60 degrees from vertical
- 4: Protection against water spray from all directions
- 5: Protection against low-pressure water jets (all directions)
- 6: Protection against string water jets and waves
- 7: Protection against temporary immersion
- 8: Protection against prolonged effects of immersion under pressure
The majority you see will be around IP44 or IP54. If one number is replaced by an X, it has not been rated for that particular issue.
Bulbs
Consider the type of bulb and size, and whether this is accessible for you to buy. Some forms include LED, halogen and incandescent.
Some bulbs, particularly in LED lights, are usually not replaceable so bear in mind the lifespan of the current fitted bulb. You will also want to look at the wattage, as this determines how bright the light will be. The higher the W, the brighter the bulb. Great if you have a particularly dark corner to illuminate.
Other Things To Look For
- Portability – Do you want to be able to move it around the garden, or take it with you if you go camping/on holiday/inside?
- Charging Options – If you want to opt for a solar light, some of these also offer a backup to use them as wired devices or charge the battery manually, which helps in low-light areas and could come in handy
FAQ’s
Where Is The Best Place To Buy Outdoor Lighting?
We love the collection which John Lewis has. You will find something in every category, whether you want the lights for style or for practicality.
Other good places to look are hardware stores such as B&Q, or even on Amazon. Beware of the ones which retail a bit too low – they probably won’t last very long.
