Where are the best places for outdoor lighting?

Although it is often made clear which general area certain lighting fixtures should be installed in, exact placement can make more of a difference than you think.

Entrance Lights

It is important to keep entrance points clearly illuminated for both comfort and safety, and the correct placement of fixtures in these areas can further enhance these factors.

It is suggested that the main entrance point, usually a front door, should feature two lighting fixtures, situated at about three quarters of the height of the door. The specific height of these fixtures is important for two reasons, firstly they need to be placed high enough to illuminate not just the front door, but also at least a few steps approaching the door. Secondly, if the fixtures are placed too low, this leads to being exposed to a strong light directly at eye level, which is not a comfortable experience for anyone.

For doors that are not considered main entry points, such as side and back doors, the same height recommendations still apply, but one fixture will be enough in these areas.

Ground Lights/Various Garden Lights

Many of us utilise different types of Garden Lights to create a warm and welcoming outdoor space, and arranging this type of lighting correctly will ensure that every fixture is as effective as possible.

If your outdoor space has a lighting arrangement that features fixtures at multiple levels, such as a combination of Ground Lights and Wall Lights for example, fixtures such as Bollard or Post Lights should be kept to between 0.3 and 0.6 meters (1-2 feet) in height, as not to create larger shadows that would reduce the efficacy of the fixtures that are placed higher up.

If you’re looking to illuminate a path, an even spread of lighting with approximately 0.9 and 1.8 meters (3-6 feet) between each fixture creates not only an aesthetically pleasing setup, but provides the correct level of visibility.

Security Lights

When it comes to Security Lights, the required placement is slightly higher, due to the fact that they have to be high enough to be out of reach of potential intruders looking to sabotage the fixtures.

Security Lights should be placed between 2.4 and 2.7 meters (8-9 feet) above ground level, to ensure that the fixtures cannot be easily reached and tampered with.

Security Lights are available in many forms, from subtle Spotlights to more robust Floodlights, and in the case of Floodlights, certain considerations must be made.

If you opt for Floodlights, it is important to place them in areas that will not disturb anyone outside of your private property. The best course of action here is to check with your neighbours, or even your local council before installation.

If you’re looking to install a new exterior lighting setup, or upgrading an existing one, now you know how to arrange your fixtures for maximum efficacy, you can browse our range to pick the perfect outdoor lighting products for you.