Outdoor lighting ideas

Summer evenings are best spent outside and the lighting industry has worked hard to respond to that lifestyle.

Two key lighting players explain how the sector has evolved and what the key trends are in residential outdoor lighting.

• Outdoor lighting has come a long way in recent years thanks to social media, technology and home reno shows.
• Smart lighting allows to minimise use and light pollution whilst maximising ease.
• It’s important that tradies understand what materials to use in challenging outdoor environments, like near the ocean.
• There’s lots of potential to specialise in outdoor lighting.

Back in the day, outdoor residential lighting was primarily used to deter thieves.

Or prevent Aunt Aggie from tripping over that slightly raised paving slab when she tottered out after one too many sherries.

But today, outdoor lighting is a big, big deal.

Inspired by reality TV and home reno shows – and a global pandemic prompting more of us to spend time sitting outdoors than going out to socialise, we’ve discovered a new world of lighting – literally on our doorstep.

And a whole new area for electricians to play in.

“Social media, home renovation television and websites like our own are showing us all the many ways we can decorate the outdoor areas of our homes with lighting, in ways that many of us have never considered before,” says Annie Davis, National Sales Manager at CLA.

And, as the sector’s grown, products and technology have naturally followed.

Claus Reiner, National Product Manager, Haneco, says, “LED technology has allowed manufacturers to miniaturise products without compromising on performance.

“Standalone smarts are used wherever possible, to ensure lights are on when needed, but turned off when not required, which helps both saving energy as well as reducing light pollution.”

Of course, with good technology comes good design. And, with residential customers focusing on how they can improve both the inside and outside of their homes, the aesthetics become paramount.

Davis says, “Designs of outdoor light fittings have dramatically improved to offer antique, retro, and modern looks in a variety of materials and colours.

“It is now the norm that most residential spaces will have an element of decorative outdoor light used, which is why sales over the past few years have continued to grow.”

“Simple and minimalistic designs continue to be the preference. Matte black and white colour, to either set a contrast or to be more immersed and unobtrusive in the application,” says Claus Reiner, National Product Manager, Haneco.

Looking ahead, outdoor lighting is a sector that’s likely to keep growing.

According to Davis, well-lit alfresco areas with wall lights and pendants are increasingly popular, as are bollards and step lights lighting pathways and deck areas, while Reiner says, as with lighting generally, connectivity, and the integration of lighting into home automation and accessibility via apps will continue to grow.

For contractors working in outdoor spaces, both Davis and Reiner emphasise the need to make sure the product is suitable for the application.

Reiner says, “Different materials ensure products are also suitable for more challenging applications, for example, near the ocean.”

As an area to specialise in, you get the impression that the great outdoors holds a lot of potential.