What Type of Lights Can I Have Outdoors?

Outdoor lighting does more than simply brighten your garden path—it enhances security, adds kerb appeal, and allows you to enjoy your outdoor space long after the sun sets. Whether you’re a Leeds homeowner looking to transform your garden into a welcoming evening retreat or a landlord seeking to improve exterior safety, outdoor lighting is a smart, stylish upgrade that can add both function and value to your property.

In this guide, we’ll explore the full scope of exterior lighting options available, the benefits they offer, and how Duravault, your trusted local electrician in Leeds, can help design and install the perfect system for your needs.

The Benefits of Outdoor Lighting

Thoughtfully installed outdoor lighting serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. Whether you're illuminating a driveway, patio, garden path, or decking area, exterior lighting can significantly improve your property's appearance and functionality.

1. Improved Security

Outdoor lighting plays a key role in home and tenant security. Motion-sensor floodlights and dusk-to-dawn wall lights deter unwanted visitors and make it easier to navigate outside areas safely at night. For landlords, this is especially valuable in maintaining tenant satisfaction and meeting health and safety standards.

2. Enhanced Kerb Appeal

Just like interior lighting, outdoor lighting creates ambience and mood. Uplighting trees, backlighting water features, or placing warm wall sconces near your entrance can transform your home’s appearance and leave a lasting impression.

3. Greater Usability

Garden lights allow you to use patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens after dark—perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing in the garden during long summer evenings.

4. Boosts Property Value

Outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to increase your property's perceived value. It demonstrates a well-maintained, secure, and modern home—especially important for rental listings or homes on the market.

5. Customisable and Energy Efficient

With the availability of LED lighting and smart lighting systems, homeowners now have more energy-efficient, programmable lighting options than ever before. You can even integrate lighting with motion sensors, smart apps, or timer switches for ease of use and energy savings.

At Duravault, we’ve helped hundreds of Leeds residents design functional and beautiful outdoor lighting systems that suit their lifestyle, layout, and budget.

What Types of Lights Can I Have Outdoors?

The variety of outdoor lighting options on the market today means there’s something for every purpose and property type. Below, we’ll cover some of the most popular types of outdoor lighting and what they’re used for.

1. Wall Lights

Wall-mounted lights are common around entryways, garages, patios, and garden fences. They provide general lighting and are available in a wide range of styles—from traditional lanterns to sleek modern fixtures. Wall lights can include:

• Up/down lights for decorative illumination
• Bulkhead lights for a more industrial, weatherproof finish
• Lantern-style lights for a classic look

2. Floodlights

Floodlights are powerful, wide-beam lights designed to illuminate large areas. Often fitted with motion sensors (PIR), they are ideal for driveways, alleyways, and rear gardens to deter trespassers and improve visibility. Floodlights can be:

• Manual (on/off switches)
• Motion-activated (with adjustable sensitivity)
• Combined with CCTV or smart home systems

3. Pathway and Bollard Lights

Path and bollard lights offer both safety and charm along walkways, garden borders, or driveways. They’re usually low-level and often solar or low-voltage LED for efficiency. They provide:

• Visual boundaries at night
• Safe walking areas
• An elegant aesthetic for gardens and paths

4. Deck and Recessed Ground Lighting

These lights are installed into decking boards or paving stones and provide subtle, low-level illumination. Ideal for entertaining spaces, these can mark out edges or seating areas. Options include:

• Round LED deck lights
• Colour-changing lights
• Flush-fitting stainless steel options

5. Spike Lights and Uplighters

These lights are used to highlight features like trees, statues, or architectural elements. Often adjustable and placed in soil or turf, they can be repositioned to suit seasonal layouts.

6. String and Festoon Lighting

Popular for patios and pergolas, festoon lights add a warm, decorative glow for parties or quiet nights outdoors. Available in plug-in or solar options, they’re easy to install and stylish.

7. Solar Garden Lights

Ideal for low-maintenance setups, solar lights absorb sunlight by day and glow automatically at night. They’re perfect for temporary setups or rental properties with minimal wiring needs.

At Duravault, we help you choose the right lighting combination depending on your lifestyle, garden layout, and design preferences. We only install IP-rated outdoor lights that meet strict safety and weather resistance standards.

Choosing the Correct Outdoor Lights for Your Home in Leeds

The key to successful exterior lighting is a thoughtful design plan. Rather than over-lighting areas or mixing clashing styles, it’s important to assess the space, purpose, and power supply. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Purpose

• Do you need lights for security, safety, entertaining, or aesthetic reasons?
• Are they for daily use or occasional lighting during specific seasons?

2. Power Source

• Do you want mains-powered lighting installed by an electrician?
• Or do you prefer solar-powered or plug-in temporary options?

3. Placement

• Consider entryways, garden zones, driveways, sheds, fences, trees, and patios.
• Avoid light spill into neighbour properties (light pollution).

4. Style and Finish

• Match existing architecture (modern, rustic, industrial).
• Choose consistent colour finishes across fixtures for cohesion.

5. Control Type

• Manual switches, timers, motion sensors, dusk-to-dawn sensors, or smart systems.

6. Durability and Safety

• Choose IP44-rated or higher for most outdoor areas.
• For exposed zones, opt for IP65 or IP67 fixtures.
• Use LED technology for longer life, lower energy bills, and less heat.

At Duravault, we carry out a full consultation before installing any outdoor lighting. We help you select the right products and create a lighting plan that enhances your home’s appearance and performance.

Who Can Install Outdoor Lights?

While some solar-powered or plug-in lighting kits can be installed DIY, any mains-powered outdoor lighting should be installed by a qualified electrician. This ensures your installation:

• Meets 18th Edition wiring regulations
• Is weatherproof and safe for use
• Is installed with proper RCD protection
• Complies with Part P of Building Regulations

Failing to install lighting correctly can lead to:

• Electric shocks
• Short circuits or fire risks
• Damage to your home’s electrical system
• Invalid insurance or home warranty claims

Why Use Duravault?

At Duravault, we are NICEIC-registered electricians in Leeds with extensive experience in outdoor installations. Whether it's a full garden lighting scheme or a simple set of wall lights, we ensure:

• All wiring is safely routed and protected
• Fixtures are correctly IP-rated
• Switches, sensors, and timers are functional and user-friendly
• Your property remains clean and tidy during and after the job

We also install smart lighting systems, including voice/app-controlled lights, integration with Ring or Nest security products, and zoning controls.

Where to Find an Outdoor Lighting Installer

Searching for “outdoor lighting installer near me” in Leeds? Look no further. At Duravault, we serve the entire Leeds area, including:

• Roundhay, Chapel Allerton, and Moortown
• Horsforth, Headingley, and Cookridge
• Cross Gates, Garforth, and Halton
• Middleton, Rothwell, and Woodlesford
• City Centre apartments and suburban homes

We understand the needs of:

• Homeowners looking to upgrade for lifestyle or security
• Landlords improving tenant safety and EPC scores
• Property developers building energy-efficient homes
• Airbnb and holiday let owners adding wow-factor appeal

You can browse our full range of electrical services and see recent projects at:

👉 www.duravault.co.uk

We’re known across Leeds for:

• Reliable scheduling
• Clear, fixed pricing
• Certified workmanship
• Friendly, local service

Ready to Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting?

If you’re planning to install or upgrade your garden lighting, Duravault is here to make it easy, safe, and stylish. We take care of everything from design to installation so you can enjoy your outdoor space—day or night, rain or shine.
📞 Call our Leeds-based team on 0113 436 9988
💬 Or request a quote at www.duravault.co.uk/contact

Outdoor lighting done right. Safe, stylish, and stress-free.
Trust Duravault—Leeds' leading outdoor lighting electricians.