How to Choose Outdoor Wall Light for the UK Climate

The UK’s unpredictable weather can be cause for a harsh test for outdoor lighting fixtures. Choosing the right wall lights is important to ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal. In this article, we will look at what you need to consider when choosing your lighting solutions for your home. 

UK Climate

One of the main problems with the UK climate is the variability. From mild, rainy winters, to warm, humid summers, outdoor lighting fixtures have to be built to withstand the variety of weathers all year round. 

IP Rating

An ingress protection rating is a two-digit number related to a mechanical or electrical enclosure, highlighting the products resistance to unwanted types of intrusion. The rating is usually target towards resistance to water and dust ingress. For outdoor lighting the expected ratings would be either IP44 or IP65. 

IP44: 

4 – Protection from solid object larger than 1mm, like most wires, slender screws, large insects, ETC 

4 – protection from splashing water against the enclosure from any direct shall have no harmful effect, using either: an oscillating fixture or a spray nozzle with no shield.

IP65: 

6 – Dust-tight, no ingress of dust, complete protection against contact (dust-tight). A vacuum must be applied.

5 – Water jets, water projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects. 

Material Durability

When designing your outdoor space, although you want to create an aesthetic that pleases you, you also need the material to be durable enough to survive in the UK climate.

Weather-resistant materials: Materials like, stainless steel, brass, or aluminium offer corrosion and rust protection making your fixtures last long and will keep their quality throughout the seasons. 

Durable finishes: The finish is also important for keeping your lighting features protected. Powder-coated and marine-grade paint help to protect the lighting fixtures finish from harsh weather conditions. 

Glass Type 

When picking your glass type, make sure that it is built to last.

Toughened or frosted glass: These types of glass are more resistant to impact and can also help reduce glare, so your lighting isn’t as hard on you and guests in comparison to other glass types. 

Light Source

When picking your light source, there are a variety of options you should consider.

LED Light: An LED light is energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in a wide range of colour temperature and beam angles. LED technology is one of the leading lighting solutions and with its energy-efficiency and long-lasting leaves it as a perfect solution for your outdoor lighting. 

Colour Temperature: Colour temperature helps to set the tone of your outdoor space. Warmer tones are used for atmosphere, whereas cooler tones are used for security purposes.

• Warm white: Creates a cosy more inviting atmosphere to your space and is usually used for ambient lighting.
• Cool white: provides a bright and clear light, suitable for security lighting. 
• Daylight white: Offers a balanced light, suitable for both functional and ambient lighting.

Beam Angle: The angle of the beam will determine the spread of light. If you are looking for general illumination, then we recommend a wider beam, to highlight areas of your outdoor space for accent lighting, we recommend a narrower beam. 

Functional and Aesthetic Considerations

When selecting your wall lights, you have to consider the functional and the aesthetic features of your lighting systems.

Security lighting: Security lighting offers motion sensor technology that can detect and deter intruders and will illuminate dark areas of your outside space. 

Ambient lighting: The softer, warmer white light helps to create a welcoming atmosphere and set the tone for you and your guests. 

Accent lighting: with uplighters and the correct use of beam angles, you are able to highlight architectural features.

Style and design: When design your outdoor space, you should consider a style that compliments your home’s architecture, whether its modern, traditional, rustic, or any of architectural designs. 

Installation and Maintenance

Professional installation: We always recommend you seek professional help when installing electrical products. This will help to guarantee safety and longevity to your devices and the safety of your property. 

Regular maintenance: To get the best out of your fixtures, we recommend regular maintenance such as cleaning and replacing the bulbs when needed.

When considering these factors, you can select outdoor wall lights that not only enhance your homes appeal, but also to withstand the challenges of the UK climate. To learn how to create the perfect ambience with your wall lights, check out our article here.