Outdoor lighting for your home

Outdoor lighting starts with the planning of the electrical installation. While no permits are required, consider your neighbours to avoid disturbances. Light should never blind anyone, and while there are no legal limits on brightness or the number of fixtures, moderation is key. 

No one likes fumbling for keys in the dark. A well-lit entrance feels welcoming and secure. If there’s an overhang or roof projection, integrate downlights that cast targeted light from above. These create ample illumination, with beams that shine straight down or onto walls, depending on the angle. Wall lights on either side of the door are another excellent option, providing bright and even lighting when mounted at about three-quarters of the door height. 

For added convenience, consider lights with motion sensors. These prevent tripping hazards and save energy by turning on only when needed. Many modern outdoor lights already include built-in motion and dusk sensors, but retrofitting is possible – just leave it to a professional. You can even opt for entrance lights with integrated cameras, perfect for smart home systems. 

A lit house number is essential for guests, delivery drivers, or emergency responders after dark. LEDs make it easy to highlight house numbers with targeted or diffused light. Designs range from classic to modern, and in some areas, illuminated house numbers are legally required to stay on throughout the night. Ensure the numbers are mounted at a visible height and are clearly legible from afar. 

LED lights can highlight your home’s facade beautifully. Popular options include up-and-down wall lights that create elegant light-and-shadow effects. Ground spotlights, positioned at regular intervals, provide harmonious illumination. For a sleek look, recessed ground lights are ideal – their low profile blends seamlessly into pathways and driveways while being durable enough to handle foot traffic and vehicles. 

You don’t need to light the entire facade. Focus on strategic areas to emphasize architectural features like dormers, ledges, or decorative mouldings with the soft beams of LED spotlights. 

For staircases, dedicated step lighting ensures safety by highlighting each step. A light placed at the top provides clear visibility, while soft shadows enhance the depth perception of steps. For paths, aim for evenly distributed lighting without harsh contrasts. Wall-mounted fixtures, recessed lights, or slim LED strips are effective for marking steps or pathways without creating obstacles. 

Motion sensors ensure lights activate only when needed, adding convenience and efficiency. 

Whether it’s garden lighting, terrace lighting, or outdoor lighting for your home, outdoor fixtures are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations and must function reliably despite moisture and dust. The best protection against weather conditions comes from high-quality fixtures specifically designed for outdoor use, with a high IP rating. The IP code, short for Ingress Protection, consists of the letters “IP” followed by two digits. As a rule, the higher the number, the more robust the fixture. Here are some examples for use around the home:  

• IP23: For areas protected from direct rain, such as covered entrances. 

• IP44: For exposed walls and low-level fixtures. 

• IP65: For direct water spray, like under overhangs. 

• IP67: For heavy rain or fully exposed areas. 

Just like the light fixture itself, the colour temperature should match the style of the house and emphasize its architecture. Lamps with a higher colour temperature produce a cool, white light. As the colour temperature decreases, the light becomes warmer, taking on an orange tone. This is measured in Kelvin (K): the lower the Kelvin value, the warmer the light appears. 

There are three main light colours: warm white (<3300K), neutral white (3300–5300K), and daylight white (>5300K). Some models are dimmable or offer RGBW functionality, allowing for colourful lighting options. Cooler tones are typically preferred for modern homes, while warmer tones are more popular for country-style houses. 

If the light at your front door is to remain switched on for an extended period, the light source must be energy-efficient to minimize electricity consumption. LED lights are the ideal choice in this case: they boast a long lifespan, generate almost no heat, and use very little energy. 

Integrated LED technology enables slim designs or lantern-style fixtures, where the lighting components are virtually hidden within the fixture’s cover. LEDs are dimmable and available in a wide range of colour tones. When compared directly, the light from an LED is almost indistinguishable from that of a traditional incandescent bulb. Additionally, LED technology is essential for smart lighting control systems. 

There are several ways to operate your outdoor lighting: 

• At the press of a button: If toggle switches are used, there should ideally be one inside and another outside for convenience. 

• Automatically via motion sensors: Lights turn on as soon as someone approaches. This deters intruders and provides a sense of security. Motion sensor lights are particularly recommended for poorly visible areas like basement entrances. To function properly, these lights must be correctly installed, with sensors appropriately aligned. 

Modern motion sensors are clever enough to distinguish between humans and small animals, so a passing cat won’t trigger the light unnecessarily. Some fixtures come with integrated motion sensors, while others can be paired externally. These sensors are available as surface-mounted, flush-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or standalone devices.

For those who love technology and convenience, smart lights are an excellent choice for your outdoor lighting system. These can be seamlessly integrated into your Smart Home system, allowing you to control outdoor lights via app, remote control, or voice commands. No need to search for a switch when entering your property in the dark. Integrating smart surveillance cameras with built-in lights adds an extra layer of functionality to your home’s lighting system. 

Advantages of smart home outdoor lighting 

• Convenient light control via remote, app, or voice assistant 

• Intelligent features like custom schedules and smart motion and dusk sensors for added security 

• Full control over your outdoor lighting at all times 

• Established systems offer a wide range of interconnected lights with RGB colour-changing options, adjustable colour temperatures, and programmable light scenes 

• Easy integration with common smart home systems 

• Low energy consumption 

Lighting for paths and entrances enhances safety and makes it easier for guests to find your house number. At the same time, it deters uninvited visitors and reduces the risk of burglary. Subtle recessed lighting in the ground, walls, and ceilings creates especially beautiful effects. 

For new builds, plan your outdoor lighting early, allowing for necessary recesses in masonry and flooring, and ensuring an electrician can lay the required connections. For existing buildings, wall- and ceiling-mounted fixtures can be installed if cable outlets are available.