Lighting communal areas of our homes is very often an afterthought, with simple, functional lights left in place. We don’t spend much time in hallways and stairwells – and that is even more the case when considering apartments and flats. But they all need to be clearly lit up for the safety, and security of everyone living there, and visitors. In addition, there are running costs to consider, and of course, how the light fitting looks. In this post, we’re taking a look at how you can light up communal areas, whether they’re inside your home, or in a shared space, and we’ve pulled together a list of our favourites from our range that will almost certainly inspire you to take another look at your lighting.

 

Ways to make savings on lighting in communal areas

 

Electricity bills are high right now, and whether you’re in a shared complex, or just concerned with your own home, you don’t want to pay more than they have to for electricity. Luckily, there are a number of things we can recommend to help keep your lighting costs down.

 

LED bulbs are by far the most efficient type of bulb on the market, and they’re the main type of bulb you’ll find today. They use very little power to provide quite a lot of brightness, and they last a really, really long time. Not only does this offer immediate savings on your electricity bills, but it also saves you from having to replace them any time soon. In addition to those savings, LEDs are better for the planet than conventional bulbs – because they don’t contain toxic chemicals, and they’re easier to manufacture, and to recycle at the end of their lives. Many types of lighting now have LEDs integrated into their design, and with most LEDs expected to last six years or more (depending on the amount of time they are switched on each day) LEDs are great options to keep your communal areas lit up.

 

Lighting with sensors is also a great way of making sure that you’re not using more electricity than you have to. For indoor and outdoor lighting that switches on only when it is needed, look at lighting with motion detector, or passive infrared (PIR) sensors. This means the light will detect when someone is within a certain distance of the light (the distance is different depending on the light) and will automatically switch on. For outdoor lighting, dusk to dawn sensors help to ensure lights aren’t running unnecessarily through the day.

 

If you’re looking to reduce running costs to zero wherever possible, then solar powered lighting is the big saver for lighting up outdoor communal areas. Since solar powered lighting runs on power from the sun, once you’ve bought the light, there’s absolutely no extra to pay on your electricity bills. As long as the solar panel is in a spot that gets sufficient daylight, it will charge the battery in the unit, and the light (usually containing LEDs, so need less power) will stay on all night, or be triggered when required. If you’re lighting areas where it needs to be switched on when a resident or visitor is in the area, then look for a solar powered light that has a PIR, or motion detector, to keep the light from disturbing the local wildlife unnecessarily.

 

Communal indoor areas

 

When you’re lighting communal areas for multiple properties that are indoors, you might want to ensure the lights that will stay on in an emergency situation, and the power goes out. You might also want to consider whether lights should switch on only when someone is in the space, so that you’re not wasting power unnecessarily. Keep stairwells and hallways well-lit with recommendations from our range – we’ve chosen some of our favourites here, but there are hundreds of other styles for you to choose from.

 

Best ceiling light for communal hallways

 

The right ceiling light for communal hallways depends on the property – if there are lovely high ceilings in your home, then you can choose whatever type of lighting looks right, even up to, and including, an ornate chandelier. However, in most shared hallways for flats and apartments, a flush ceiling light is going to be the best option. Ceiling panels such as the Edit 24W Metal Square LED Surface Panel are a good choice, since they sit close to the ceiling, and are least likely to be exposed to accidental damage, but ceiling panels are also minimalist and functional. You don’t have to choose a boring style, even if you want simple and functional! We love the Edit Ring LED Flush Ceiling Light in white – it offers the brightness and simplicity of ceiling panels, while being a bit more interesting.

 

 

Best wall light for busy hallways and stairwells

 

Keeping hallways clear of clutter makes sense from a safety point of view, but when a hallway is particularly busy, the chances of lights being damaged is increased. You’ve almost certainly considered recessed ceiling lights in your home, but what about wall lights? We love this Warm White LED Recessed Wall Light by Edit for the glow that it gives – and we think it is absolutely perfect in stairwells and corridors. If round, or white light fittings aren’t quite right for the style of the property, then check out our range; we’ve got square recessed wall lights, ones with black finishes, and of course, different toned LEDs for the perfect brightness.

 

 

Best for highlighting artwork

 

If you’ve got artwork in corridors in your home, then you’re going to want to show it off perfectly so that it catches the eye, and that means picture lighting. These tiny additions to walls really do make a huge difference, and they’re a very affordable addition – and they’re so easy to install as well. Most picture lights use LEDs, which require very little power to run – and so there are even battery powered options too. You’ll find picture lights in our range in black, brass, bronze, chrome, and white, to name but a few, so you can match the colour scheme, and décor in the space perfectly. The Edit Hockney LED Picture Light in bronze is a sleek addition that connects to the mains, and emits a gorgeous warm white glow, while the Slimline Small Battery Operated LED Picture Light in matte gold is a battery operated style, requiring just 3 x AA batteries to light up your artwork perfectly.

Of course, picture lights don’t have to just be there to highlight your artwork or photos. With the tiny amounts of power that they require, they make perfect night lights too, ideal for middle of the night trips to the bathroom, a child’s bedroom, or if you’re getting up early for work and don’t want to put the main light on.

 

 

Best emergency ceiling light

 

The Clear Round 24W Hublot LED Surface Panel is a great choice for shared areas that need emergency lighting. Not only is it neutral enough to blend in with any style of décor in hallways, but it has a safety rating of IP65, which means it is waterproof, so you can use the same style in areas such as covered walkways and where doors might be propped open. It has daylight brightness LEDs, connects to mains voltage, and has a life expectancy of over 30,000 hours, so you can fit it and forget it for years.

 

 

Best for home gyms and indoor workout spaces

 

If you’re renovating your home, a block of flats or an apartment complex, adding a gym or workout space is an absolutely amazing perk. In addition to getting the right equipment in there, and a code lock, or card entry, you need great lighting. Since this type of space isn’t likely to get continual use throughout the day and night, LED batten lights with PIR sensors are a sensible, functional choice. The PIR sensor means the light will only switch on when someone’s in there getting their sweat on. The Storm 50W Cool White LED strip light is has bright white light that will definitely wake you up for your morning workout, and it is also weatherproof, so perfect for other areas around the outside of the property too.

 

Communal outdoor areas

 

Paths, entrances, car parks, and shared garden areas need reliable lighting. You want residents and visitors to avoid slips, trips, and falls, and although the property developer usually installs outdoor lighting for communal areas, you may be looking to enhance the look of your home, or to improve the security of the space.

 

Outdoor lighting needs to be safe for use, whatever the weather, which means all the outdoor lighting that you choose should have a minimum of IP44, and higher if you’re in an area that is particularly exposed to the elements. Depending on the area that the property is in, you may need your lighting to be vandal proof, as well as weather proof. These types of outdoor lights have a higher IP rating, and are made from tougher materials, so they are less easy to break.

 

When you’re lighting communal outdoor areas, you’re going to want the lights to come on at dusk, and to go off at dawn – and of course, you don’t want to have to rely on someone remembering to flick the switch, so look for lighting with sensors. If you’re lighting areas that only need to be lit up when someone is in nearby, then look at lighting with PIR, or motion sensors inbuilt.

 

Our recommendations for outdoor lighting in communal areas

 

We’ve scoured our range for some of the best outdoor lighting for communal areas – and there’s some absolute beauties. Your garden, driveway, and paths should look great, which is exactly what we’ve found to inspire you.

 

Best for communal car parks

 

There’s no such thing as a one-size fits all lighting solution for communal car parks, since it will very much depend upon the local area – proximity to neighbours, and existing street lighting are just two things to consider. But there’s a huge range of options for lighting up car parks in our range of driveway lighting. Puddle LED Ground Lights are a great choice, as they can be installed periodically across the ground to help guide visitors to the entrance to the building. Post lights are ideal for helping to light up car parking spaces, while lamp posts are a classic option for casting light across a wider area. The Edit Sorrento LED Outdoor Post Light is the perfect mix of traditional and modern.

 

Best for shared pathways

 

Being able to see when you’re navigating shared pathways is essential. That’s especially the case if there are children in the building, or during the winter months when there’s likely to be ice. The Iluzzia Helios Warm White Solar LED Post Light with PIR Sensor is easy to install, since it is solar powered – so there’s no mains wiring required, and no extra to pay on your electricity bills – and switches on when someone is within six metres. It also detects when the sun has gone down, and so you don’t need to remember to switch it on or off either. Perfection!

 

 

Best solar lighting for communal areas

 

When you need complete control over how your outdoor communal areas, but you don’t want to pay extra on your electricity bills, this Solar LED Floodlight with PIR Sensor and Remote Control is a great choice. With a slimline design, and easy to install bracket, it gives you control over how bright the light is, as well as the ability to only switch on when someone is within a six metre range. This is a functional choice, and great for enhancing the security of the property, and the only thing you’ll need to sort out is who has the remote, and where to keep it.

 

Best for entrances and doorways

 

Getting into the property shouldn’t be difficult for residents. This Welcome Solar LED Flush Wall Light with PIR Sensor is an absolutely brilliant choice, since it comes in an affordable pack of two, helping to clearly light the area around it. Since it is solar powered, there are no running costs, and the PIR sensor means that the light will only be on when someone is within three metres – perfect for being able to find your keys clearly and entering the building safely.

 

 

Best for covered areas

 

Areas such as bike sheds and collective bin storage need to be lit up – nobody wants to step on something that will accidentally injure them, or mean they have to clean their shoes! as they’re taking their bin bags out. In these areas, bulkhead lights work well, and look stylish too. The Edit Coastal Port Outdoor Flush Wall Light in matte nickel finish suits almost every type of property, and is easily fitted. Again, if the area is only in use occasionally, look for lighting with movement sensors.

 

 

Best for properties near the coast

 

Lighting for coastal properties and those up to ten miles or more inland needs careful thought and consideration. The corrosive nature of the extra salt in the air means that if you buy a regular light, the metal is likely to corrode quickly, and stop working. That’s why we’ve curated a special collection of outdoor lighting that is suitable for properties near the sea. The lights in this range are made from materials such as galvanised steel, brass, and specific types of plastic, to withstand the harshness of the salt. We love the Edit Coastal Sail Outdoor Up & Down Wall Light in brass, the Edit Coastal Newquay Half Lantern Outdoor Wall Light with Dusk to Dawn Sensor, and the Edit Coastal Tenby Round Recessed Ground Light in matte nickel, but you’ll find outdoor lighting perfect for all coastal properties in our range.

 

 

Our final thoughts

 

Whether you’re building a communal property, redeveloping one, or enhancing the lighting options for an existing block of flats, apartments, or your own home, then make sure you get it right. There’s a lot at stake, keeping you, and your visitors safe when you’re moving around the property. In addition to that, you’re going to want to keep electricity costs as low as possible, and with a combination of LEDs and solar powered lighting, you can do exactly that. Take your pick from our extensive range of lighting, to get the perfect look for the property, with the best value for money.

 

Remember, when you receive your new light from us, if you’re not completely satisfied with it, or maybe you couldn’t decide between two styles, then don’t worry. You’re covered by our Change Your Mind Guarantee, which makes it easy to return your orders for refund or exchange, and as long as you let us know within 30 days of receiving your order, we’ll help you make it happen. And finally, don’t forget, when you’ve installed your new lighting, tag us in your Instagram posts – we love to see them! – we’re @online_lighting.

Choosing lighting for a rented home is just one of the challenges of renting. You want to make it your own, but usually, you’re not allowed to make major changes, so personalising your space can be tough. That’s why in this post, we’ve pulled together some of the best types of lighting for homes that are rented.

 

Lamps

The easiest way to add lighting to a rented home is to use lamps, since they simply plug in. They can be used in most rooms throughout the home, and are an accessory that makes your home look better, since you can choose a lamp to match with your furniture, or choose a fun light for a bit more personality.

 

Table lamps are perfect where you need a bit extra light, such as next to sofas, on bedside tables, and on the desk in your home office. Coordinate with your soft furnishings such as cushions and curtains, or make a style statement. The Edit Cawa Table Lamp in white subtly nods towards the nautical trend, while the Edit Theo Table Lamp in silver, and the Hipias Table Lamp in white and gold are both striking home accessories.

 

 

 

If you need to add ambient light to a larger space, then a floor lamp should be on your list. Standard lamps take up little floor space, and depending on the shade you choose, can cast light over a large space, or simply provide a warm glow. Where space is really tight, some styles can save you needing additional furniture, such as the Linear Floor Lamp with Table in black. We also love the Iluzzia Moonlight Floor Lamp in white and gold, and the Rubra Floor Lamp for brightening up dark corners.

 

 

Shades

Another simple, inexpensive lighting swap you can make in rented accommodation is to switch out a light shade. Since most light shades simply unscrew on the light fitting, it is really easy to change the light shade to one that suits you. Our range of light shades has colours and textures to suit all homes, and some of our favourites? The Kuiva Ceiling Pendant Shade for a fun spop of colour, the Dar Oki Easy Fit Ceiling Pendant Shade in grey and chrome for a luxurious look, and the Deja Easy Fit Pendant Shade in natural, for a more rustic effect.

 

 

Plug in wall lights

In particularly small rooms, using lamps isn’t always an option for temporary lighting – and making permanent changes are out. In places where you might otherwise use a lamp, consider using a plug in wall light. These give you the lighting that you need, without the extra electrical installation work that a wall lamp requires. Not only that, some models can help with keeping your space clutter-free too, since they have USB charging ports built in. The Iluzzia Monah Wall Light with Plug in white and wood (also available in black and wood, pictured) has a metal shade that casts a lovely pattern perfect for bedrooms,  home offices, and reading nooks. The Edit Kylie Wall Light with Plug can be adjusted, so is a great option for tiny desk spaces and next to beds, while the Kubik Shelf and LED Wall Light with Plug & USB Charging Port is perfect for saving on trailing cables and extra sockets.

 

 

Battery operated picture lights

Just because you don’t own your home, doesn’t mean that it – and your artwork – shouldn’t look great. Our battery operated picture lights are easy to fit, and because they use LEDs, you won’t be changing (or recharging, if you’re using rechargeable ones) the batteries all that often. Choose picture lights with the size, and the finish that is going to suit your home the best – whether that is black, silver, gold, brass, or another finish entirely. A few of our bestsellers include the Slimline Large LED Battery Operated Picture Light in matt black, the Slimline Medium Battery Operated LED Picture Light With Remote Control in antique brass, and the Slimline Large Battery Operated LED Picture Light in satin nickel.

 

 

Garden lighting

Great lighting means you can easily improve the outside of your rented home to look better and feel safer. There are a wide range of garden lights that you can consider for security, and to enhance your outdoor living spaces.

If you have an outdoor power socket, Easyfit garden lights are exactly what they sound like – easy to fit! Simply place your lights, connect them to the transformer and plug in, and you’re done. You don’t even need to hide the cables if you don’t want, since they’re low voltage there’s little risk of shock occurring. There’s a wide range of styles to choose from too, including festoons, garden spotlights (some with different coloured lights), and post lights, and power saving accessories such as dusk to dawn sensors.

 

 

If you don’t want extra costs on your electricity bills, solar garden lights are the way forward. LEDs and improvements to batteries mean that solar powered lights are an excellent choice today, with plenty of brightness. Looking to enhance security? Our Solar LED Floodlight with PIR Sensor and Remote Control is a perfect example of how to do that. Light up paths with the Iluzzia Inti Warm White Solar LED Post Light with PIR Sensor, add brightness to summer houses and pergolas with the Edit 5m 3V Outdoor Solar LED Strip in warm white, or get a glow on patios and next to doors with the gorgeous Edit Arley Solar Outdoor LED Floor Lamp in natural.

 

 

Our final thoughts

Lighting up a rented home doesn’t have to be boring, or expensive. We’ve picked only a small selection for you in this post – and you’ll find so many more styles, at all different price points, in our range. Start browsing now to find the perfect look for your space, however temporary it may be – and if you don’t love your new light, our Change Your Mind Guarantee means you can return or exchange within 30 days of delivery. Don’t forget, when you’ve made your home your own with your lighting, tag us in your Instagram posts – we’re @online_lighting.

 

Instagram is the home of rich visuals and has been for over a decade now. It is the place for sharing photos of family, friends, trips away and exciting content on a variety of topics, including home décor. Hashtags such as #interiordesign has been used over 124,000,000 times, with #homedecor also racking up over 97,000,000 uses.

With this in mind, there is heaps of inspiration for the latest trends in home décor, so how can you make your home an Instagram dream? We’ve collated our favourite Instagram snaps featuring our very own trendy lights…

 

Perfect pendants

 

Pendants are a great way to add a touch of character or make a centrepiece for your room. The top rated Lucide Arthur 5 Light Bar Ceiling Pendant Light is perfect for kitchens and dining areas to provide intimate lighting whilst still being a stand out part of your home, and looks great on camera.

 

If you love the industrial aesthetic, then the Lucide Lester 6 Arm Ceiling Pendant Light is perfect for making office spaces the perfect Instagram-worthy WFH space.

 

Lovely Lamps

 

Lamps have the benefit of versatility in your home, finding a rightful place in bedrooms, hallways and living rooms. But if you want something that will fit your Instagram aesthetic, then the gorgeous Edit Malta Glass Touch Table Lamp is perfect. The white faux silk shade and brass finish is bang on trend, and the 3-step dimming helps you to create flawless ambient lighting.

 

If you are a fan of the cool toned, beachy vibe, then the Dar Ely Table Lamp fits the bill. Perfect for your living room or buy a pair for your bedside tables.

 

Garden glow

 

Outdoor spacing on Instagram really varies, so choosing something based on what would best suit your space and fits the visual you’re going for could be surprisingly easy to do. Outdoor spaces such as your garden can be a place for socialising and leisure, so making the space fun and different but also add a touch of light can be done much like this Instagrammer has done with festoons. They are versatile in their length and look, and suit decking (much like the image), along fences and even in trees. Some insta-worthy festoons we recommend include the Konstsmide 9.75M Amber LED Oval Festoon Lights and the Garden 24V 5.5M Heavy Duty LED Golf Ball Festoon Lights.

 

If you are more inspired by the classic, traditional home accounts on Instagram then lanterns are perfect for you. They can be mounted by front or back doors, providing the perfect, safe and secure lighting for your home, all while looking picture perfect. Some of our favourite lanterns include Edit Carlo Outdoor Hanging Lantern Wall Light with a gorgeous antique gold finish, or for something sleek and black the Searchlight Alex Outdoor Lantern Wall Light is ideal.

 

Whatever has inspired you on Instagram, create your dream home from a choice of trends that you will love and last on your own home account. For further inspiration, you can shop by room on our website. Or, if you already have the perfect snap of your Online Lighting product, tag us in your post on Instagram, @online_lighting.

 

 

Each year in December, Pantone announce their colour of the year for the year ahead. It is thoughtfully chosen, based on factors that they believe society needs, or could benefit from during the year ahead. The colour of the year is a trend forecaster, and so once it is picked, within days you’ll start to see that colour absolutely everywhere, from clothing to interior design, and more. With that in mind, in this post we’re taking a deep dive into the Pantone colour of the year for 2023, how to use it in your home, what lighting works with it, and more.

 

What colour have Pantone chosen for 2023?

Let’s get straight into it! Pantone have selected the shade Viva Magenta 18-1750 for 2023. The announcement was made at Art Basel, Miami, on December 1^st, 2022, and you can see the full discussion .

 

Why did Pantone choose Viva Magenta?

Pantone chose Viva Magenta because, as a shade close to red, it represents a “new signal of strength”. It is described as “brave and fearless… a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative”. As a shade between red and pink, with purple undertones, Viva Magenta is a powerful, empowering shade that is cheerful, encouraging people to experiment with how they want to express themselves.

The Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman is quoted as saying:

“In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known.

Rooted in the primordial, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.”

 

How do Pantone choose their colour of the year?

As we’ve already mentioned, Pantone makes their choice for colour of the year based on the current goings-on in the world. Their research is conducted by Pantone experts, who draw on influences such as creations by the entertainment industry, the worlds of art, fashion, design, as well as aspirational travel destinations, different lifestyles and so on. There may be influences from technology, world events such as sports competitions, socio-economic trends, and more.

Since there is a huge connection between colour and emotion, the choice of colour of the year tends to capture the collective, overarching mood of the world’s population. Viva Magenta is a joyful colour, full of hope – which, considering the current economic climate, we could all do with a bit of.

A clear example of how this has worked in the past is the choice of colour of the year for 2020. Pantone chose Classic Blue (19-4052) to signify calm, confidence, and connection as we transitioned into the new decade – all of which was deemed to be important as we moved into an entirely new era. Of course, we don’t need to tell you about how those qualities were all things we came to need personally and collectively as the pandemic took hold around the world and lockdowns started to happen.

 

What colours go with Viva Magenta?

Pantone suggest a palette of muted hues to complement Viva Magenta – and considering the boldness of the shade, it is not surprising that their experts have deemed it necessary to balance the brightness of it. In the ‘Magentaverse’, you’ll find:

• Pale Dogwood (13-1404) – a pale rose pink
• Gray Sand (13-1010) – a light shade that evokes the colour of the beach
• Gray Lilac (13-3804) – a warm grey with purple undertones
• Pale Khaki (15-1216) – a light brown with yellowish undertones
• Fields of Rye (15-1115) – a light brown
• Agate Gray (15-6307) – a greenish grey
• Plein Air (13-411) – a light blue with grey undertones

While it is a vibrant hue, it is close to the colour of cochineal, which is a naturally occurring dye. That means it is also possible to choose colours that you’d find in nature to work with it. Deep browns, greens, blues, and yellows can all be used alongside Viva Magenta, as well as metallic shades of silver and gold.

 

How do I use Viva Magenta in the home?

There are a number of ways that you can use Viva Magenta in your home, whether you want to go all out, or you just want to add little hits of colour throughout a space. If you can see yourself bringing this bold shade into your home, let’s look at the ways that you can bring it in.

 

On walls

Wall décor is the logical place to start. For individuals that are brave and are committed to using Viva Magenta on their walls, it is worth thinking particularly carefully before you use it to paint everywhere. Viva Magenta is a darker shade, and so you’ll need to look at the space you’re decorating. Small rooms, and those that lack sufficient light may be overpowered by Viva Magenta – however, it can be a great choice in colder rooms, offering the illusion of warmth. And of course, you don’t have to use a single colour on every wall! You can paint a single wall, or a couple, depending on the space.

That said, accent walls need to be used carefully to avoid looking dated. Some designers are using accent walls to draw attention to architectural features, while others are using colour to create accent corners, rather than painting whole walls in a particular hue. Finding a wallpaper that has Viva Magenta in the design can also be an option, and choosing wallpaper with texture can also be far more interesting than a flat coat of paint.

 

As Viva Magenta is such a strong colour, if you’re using it on the walls, rather than using lots of different colours with it, keep it simple. Use Viva Magenta as the primary colour, and pick one or two shades to accompany it. Particularly in smaller spaces, a colour such as Viva Magenta can overwhelm, and if you use too many other strong colours in the space, it may simply be too much.

 

 

On soft furnishings

If you’re already thinking you don’t want to paint your walls this shade… well, we don’t blame you. Viva Magenta is a really bold choice of colour to use in interior design, and most of us have had to paint over a darker shade in our homes at one point or another – it can be a bit of a mission, to say the least! Luckily, you don’t have to fear the day you have to use multiple coats of paint to cover up a bold colour – you can simply use the colour in other ways.

 

 

Rather than going all out with Viva Magenta, the easiest way to bring the shade into your home is to use what interior designers refer to as ‘pops of colour’. This means choosing soft furnishings such as curtains, cushions, lamp shades, throws, bedding, rugs, and so on in the shade. Using this approach, you have complete control over how much you want to bring in. If you want to add those pops of Viva Magenta on your walls, look for bright artwork, prints, or photographs that feature the hue.

 

As the main colour on furniture

Another option would be to pick furniture in the hue – a bold magenta sofa, or a headboard for a bed certainly make a statement, but they can be expensive. A lower cost, and lower commitment way would be to find temporary covers. Throws and stretchy covers can do this for you, without needing to buy a brand new sofa, or headboard.

 

 

Alternatively, if you fancy an upcycle project, then an old piece of wooden furniture can be sanded down and finished in Viva Magenta – and the same goes for metal pieces such as filing cabinets and shelving.

 

What lighting goes with Viva Magenta?

Choosing the right lighting is always an important decision when you’re decorating your home – and of course, you’ll be looking for a number of different types of lights, including ambient light, task lighting, and accent lights. There are a few finishes that you can look for that will look great with Viva Magenta, so let’s take a look at the types of lighting to choose from.

 

 

Yellow gold and brass tones

As a bold, jewel-like tone, a great choice is to work with gold and brass lighting. The Edit Greenwich ceiling pendant in antique brass works wonderfully with Viva Magenta, and acts as a statement piece without being too busy, or detracting from bold colours.

 

 

To ground the brightness of Viva Magenta, then look at those other colours that Pantone have in the Magentaverse palette. The Edit Carlton Ceiling Pendant in antique gold and mink suits the Pantone palette perfectly. The antique gold is a gorgeous rich tone, and the mink shade is grounding against Viva Magenta.

 

 

We wrote about it on the blog before, because it is such a fantastic choice of lamp! The Edit Malta glass touch table lamp in brass finish works brilliantly with Viva Magenta. Featuring aged brass details and a white faux silk shade, as well as three-step dimming, the Malta lamp works perfectly in bedrooms and living rooms.

 

 

If you’re looking for decorative lighting in a room that features Viva Magenta, consider the Edit Bank glass flush wall light in amber. With warm antique gold tones and amber glass, this wall light is gorgeous and creates interesting shadows – both functional, and beautiful.

 

 

Silver tones

As with gold, silver and chrome can be used alongside Viva Magenta, since silver tones are simple enough not to compete with the powerful red-pink hue. Similar to gold toned lighting, you can select sleek, elegant styles, or look for light fittings that sparkle for an even more decorative effect.

For ceiling lights, the Etienne flush ceiling light in chrome offers a gorgeous simple yet sumptuous effect.

 

 

Ornate chandelier styles work beautifully too – the Edit Bank glass chandelier in amber is a great example for a luxurious space. If simpler styles suit your taste better, look for bar pendants and LED ceiling lights in chrome or silver or even gold finishes.

 

 

You’ll find plenty of wall lights and lamps in silver, chrome and nickel that suit Viva Magenta too. Our favourites include the Edit Wimbledon Glass Wall Light in polished nickel, and for a bit of fun, the Edit Theo table lamp in silver.

 

 

Earthy, natural tones

Balancing out the brightness of Viva Magenta might feel tricky, but with neutral, natural materials, it is less so – which is why the team at Pantone selected the muted hues to round out the ‘Magentaverse’ palette. With materials such as wood, rattan, and even stone hues, earthy tones are a great balance to the brightness of Viva Magenta.

The Iluzzia Huela rattan ceiling pendant light is a lovely neutral option, while the Yagis wood five light bar ceiling pendant in natural and white (also available in natural and black) brings the feeling of the outdoors in.

 

 

The Edit Spectacle flush wall light in rattan is a striking piece that casts interesting shadows on the wall, while the Lucide Jantine table lamp in rattan is a great piece that complements it for additional brightness.

 

 

Black and white

When you’re not sure what to use to pair with a colour, you can’t go wrong with either black or white. Both black and white provide contrast with Viva Magenta, and so if the room is visually busy, then choosing lighting in black and white tones is a good choice.

It is easy to find ceiling lighting in black or white – the difficult bit is narrowing it down to which ones are going on your shortlist! We absolutely adore the Paris 10 arm ceiling pendant light in black. It is simple yet striking, and is a feature light that isn’t fussy. If you prefer a white light fixture to contrast with Viva Magenta, then the Edit Ballnew Ceiling Pendant in white is a gorgeous option.

 

 

If you’re searching for wall lighting, the Iluzzia Monah wall light with plug is an easy install, and features white and wood tones that gently complement Viva Magenta. To add more brightness to a space, check out the Edit Slim LED wall light in black.

 

 

In terms of lamps, we love the Edit Tripod floor lamp in black, and the Lucide Goosy soft tripod floor lamp in white is a great way to bring natural texture into a space featuring strong colours such as Viva Magenta.

 

What other colours have Pantone chosen for colour of the year?

Pantone have been choosing colour of the year since the year 2000, and the colours have varied wildly – and some years, they have chosen two colours that complement each other. The past ten years have seen vibrant shades, (even when they chose grey as their colour in 2021, they paired it with the sunny yellow of Illuminating!) and you can see the complete list back to the year 2000 here.

2012 – Tangerine Tango (17-1463)

2013 – Emerald (17-5641)

2014 – Radiant Orchid (18-3224)

2015 – Marsala (18-1438)

2016 – Rose Quartz (13-1520) and Serenity (15-3919)

2017 – Greenery (15-0343)

2018 – Ultra Violet (18-3838)

2019 – Living Coral (16-1546)

2020 – Classic Blue (19-4052)

2021 – Ultimate Gray (17-5104) and Illuminating (13-0647)

2022 – Very Peri (17-3938)

 

What are the numbers after Pantone colours?

Being specialists in colour, it makes sense that each slightly different shade would need a unique identifier. The numbers and sometimes letters after a Pantone shade are a bit like a numberplate on a car – simply a way of ensuring you’ve selected the right one. You can read all about Pantone numbers here.

 

Is Pantone the only company that chooses a colour of the year?

Absolutely not! There are a number of other companies that select a colour of the year, to influence the trends, both in terms of interior design and fashion, as well as other design. Three of the major influences picking colour of the year:

• UK paint powerhouse Dulux have selected Wild Wonder for 2023, a lightly glowing hue that is reminiscent of natural straw in the summer. This makes it a great neutral shade, without being boring.
• US paint specialists Benjamin Moore have chosen Raspberry Blush 2008-30, a bold coral tinged with pink as their colour of the year for 2023.
• Graphics experts Shutterstock chose Digital Lavender as their colour of the year for 2023.

 

Our final thoughts

When you’re working with a bold colour like Viva Magenta, you have to get the right lighting. But differences in screen brightness, and the fact that things simply look different when you get them home means that ordering lighting online can be intimidating – you don’t want to get the wrong thing. That’s why we created the Change Your Mind guarantee, so that when you order from us, you can change your mind up to 30 days after your delivery date.

Whether you’re adding large amounts of Viva Magenta to your home, or you’re just adding pops of it throughout your home, don’t forget to tag us in your Instagram posts @online_lighting, so we can share with our followers too.

 

 

 

At the start of a new year, many of us start to think about what we’re planning to do in our homes during the year ahead. We start to see our homes more clearly as we’ve cleaned up after Christmas and New Year parties, and after we’ve put the holiday decorations away. We think about which areas of our homes look tired and worn, and what work needs to be done to bring it up to date. Even if we’re thinking about decorating in a classic, traditional style that will last for years, many of us are thinking about the trends and how we can incorporate them into our homes.

 

 

In this post, we’re taking a look at the trends that are expected to be the big hitters in 2023 – and of course, how lighting fits with those trends.

 

Sustainability

Saving the planet has been on the agenda for many of us for a long time now – and the trend of focusing on sustainability continues into 2023. We’re all minimising our use of single use plastics and disposable items, and reusing items as much as possible, but that isn’t where it ends, especially when it comes to home décor. The interior design trend this year is towards buying fewer better quality items, with more care and thought.

With the continued emphasis on making changes to save the planet, there’s little surprise that some of these micro-trends within the sustainability trend have started to come up.

 

Solid wooden furniture

As we aim to use fewer natural resources, and to use renewable materials wherever possible, it makes sense that natural woods are used for furniture. Fast growing woods such as pine, birch, and willow are all great options, since the forests can be managed sustainably. With the right wood finish, they’re stronger and more durable, and are better for the environment than manufactured woods like MDF and chipboard. Not only that, but they’re also easier to recycle at the end of their lives too.

 

 

To hit this trend, homes that want to lower their impact on the environment should be looking for solid wooden furniture. For quite some time, darker wood finishes have been out of favour with interior designers, who have said they are dated – and have chosen white, grey, and blonde wood finishes instead. But recently, the interior design world has realised that the classic nature of darker woods means that it continues look great in homes for years to come.

That logic can be applied to lighting too – there are some gorgeous lighting options that will complement darker wooden furniture. The Edit Wawak Pendant, the Lucide Idaho Wall Light, and the Edit Qaanso Floor Lamp are all fabulous choices if you’re getting in on the trend, and there are more pieces hitting our stock soon.

 

 

You can, of course, buy brand new furniture in darker wood finishes – especially if you’re buying from companies that make items to order. But there is still a lot of dark wooden furniture to be found in places like second hand shops, flea markets and charity shops, making it a great way to get on board with our next trend: upcycling.

 

Upcycling

Upcycling used to be left to hippy types and people on serious budgets, but in the past few years it has become way more mainstream. People are realising that they can create the perfect piece of furniture by refinishing or adapting an old piece they already have, using them in different ways, and incorporating them into bigger creations.

If you’ve never done any upcycling of furniture before, then search for projects online to inspire you. Search for ‘Ikea hacks’ and you’ll find thousands of ideas – and of course, you don’t have to be using Ikea furniture to use those ideas to undertake your own projects.

 

 

When it comes to lighting, people often shy away from attempting upcycling due to the fact that lighting requires electricity – which can be scary (and dangerous!) if it isn’t done well. While we’d aways recommend hiring a qualified electrician for projects that involve mains power, there are some great ways to improve old lighting fixtures, or to create unique lighting without needing an electrician. Simple, inexpensive upcycling projects involving lighting that we love?

 

• Make use of fairy lights – wrap them around furniture, or put them in glass vessels to create quick and easy lighting (or just buy our Bottle Cork Battery Operated LED Micro Silver Wire Fairy Lights – we won’t tell if you pretend you did it yourself!)
• Incorporate LED candles into your projects – they’re perfect for adding to bowls, lanterns, and in fireplaces to build a warming glow, with just a battery or two required.
• Get creative with LED strips – they are perfect for easy DIY upcycling projects, with little to no risk to you or your home. Try the Tagra 24W Warm White LED 12V Tape.

 

 

Sustainable lighting options

When it comes to lighting, there’s a few things you can do to hit on the sustainability trend. Choosing lighting made from sustainable materials is the first thing, of course. We wrote a whole post about lighting made from natural materials a while ago, and we’re continuing to increase our range of lighting made from wood, rattan, and bamboo as well as natural stone. But natural materials aren’t the only ones that are a good option for the environment, or that are easy to make and recycle. Glass and aluminium are infinitely recyclable, as are some other metals – making them a sustainable choice.

 

 

In addition to using sustainable materials, the trend towards using lighting in better ways is going to continue. Energy saving bulbs have been around for some time now, but LED lighting is an even better way forward, for several reasons:

 

• Because they use so little power to provide bright lighting.
• In many cases, LEDs can change colour temperature and brightness, without needing additional dimmer switches.
• They can last a really time before they need replacing – in many cases, more than five years if used continuously 24/7!
• They’re difficult to break – unlike glass bulbs – and can withstand shock, vibration, and cold temperatures.
• They are easier to recycle than traditional filament bulbs, and don’t contain the toxic chemicals that traditional bulbs had.

 

That’s great news for the environment, your wallet, and your electricity bills! If you’re yet to make the switch to LED bulbs, there really has never been a better time.

 

 

Thinking about using lighting better, think about replacing older lighting with smart lighting. Smart lighting can stop you from having to wander around your home turning lights off – or from having to wonder whether they’re off. Smart lighting connects to your Wi-Fi, and can be controlled by an app on your phone, or via voice assistants like Alexa or Google. Saying “Alexa, turn off the light in the kitchen” is much easier than putting your slippers on when you’ve just got comfortable in bed! (a quick note – if you’re planning to connect to a voice assistant, make sure the lighting or bulb has the right connectivity before you buy)

 

 

Finally, when you’re choosing lighting for outside your home and in your garden, look for solar powered outdoor lighting. Solar powered lighting performs brilliantly these days, and is a real alternative to mains powered garden lighting – even for security lights. Not only does solar power mean that you can reduce your power consumption, which is better for the environment and your electricity bills, but it means that you can install that lighting anywhere, as long as it is exposed to enough sunshine during the day. If you’re looking for outdoor lighting that only needs to be on at certain times, look for motion detectors and PIR sensors, those with Wi-Fi connectivity, and dusk until dawn sensors so you get the light when you need it.

 

Brighter, whiter kitchens

If 2023 is going to be the year that you finally change your kitchen, and you want it to be on trend, then look at bright white kitchens. White kitchens never truly went away, since they are such a classic, but off-whites, greys, and marbled tones were favoured, as well as bold coloured kitchens. This year, the trend for kitchens is whiter than white, and for lighting, that means bright spotlights, downlights, and track lights to let that white shine, as well as pendant lights for over kitchen islands and tables.

 

 

When your space is all-white, then you need to decide whether your lighting going to be all-white too, or are you going to use your kitchen lighting to add colour, sparkle, or shine – maybe to match handles on your cabinets? Whatever type of lights you need, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our range of kitchen lighting – simply filter the range to find the perfect style.

 

Warm hues

The Pantone colour of the year has had a massive impact on interior design and fashion since it was launched in 2000. This year, Pantone chose Viva Magenta 18-1750, a shade between red and pink, with slight purple undertones – so get ready for some seriously vibrant colours in your home and beyond.

 

 

 

It wasn’t only Pantone that felt, we were ready for some warm and vibrant hues. Benjamin Moore chose Raspberry Blush 2008-30, Shutterstock chose Digital Lavender, and Dulux Wild Wonder for their colours for 2023. Between the pinks, the straw-like yellows, and the dreamy lavender, you’re going to want to incorporate bold colours into your home this year. If you’re wondering how to add lighting when you’re incorporating warmer décor in your home, then check out our blog post about Viva Magenta, where we covered which types of lighting work with deep pinks and reds.

 

 

Wavy lines and curved edges

A whole slew of designers have incorporated wavy stripes into their designs recently – which means that the rest of us are likely to follow suit in the near future! Collectively, we’ve had a difficult few years, with one thing and another, and as those tough times look set to continue, we’re looking to make our homes as comforting as possible – so hard edges, corners, and geometric shapes are out, with wavy lines and curved edges in. Designers are being inspired by the sea, with lines inspired by the waves and the movement of water on the beach – and the thought of those long days of summer by the seaside are certainly relaxing.

If you’re adding this trend to your home – whether that is with your furniture, on wallpaper, or on soft furnishings, then echo those lovely curves and waves with your lighting. The Searchlight Margot 7 light LED cascade ceiling pendant has each pendant at different heights to show off gorgeous curves, the Lucide Vivana 2 Light Flush Wall Light has arches of warm copper, and the Endon Aria LED Floor Lamp in silver leaf finish gives a perfect glowing trail of light that is ideal for living rooms.

 

 

Bold statement lighting

We were so excited when we started to read about, and see interior designers working with this trend! Rather than keeping lighting small and unobtrusive, this trend is about playing with proportions. Large statement lamps, oversized pendant lights, impressive chandeliers and outsize lamps are going to be absolutely everywhere in the year ahead. Bigger is better, even in small rooms – and you’ll need to think about not only ceiling lights, but also wall lights that could take the place of art, and eye catching lamps. Our favourites?

In Ceiling Lights – The Searchlight Greythorne Chandelier in steel grey and the Edit Bank Glass Chandelier in amber, the Edit Chloe LED Ceiling Pendant Light.

 

 

In Wall Lights – The Lucide Eklyps LED Flush Wall Light in matte gold, the Edit Liceo Wall Light in black and gold and the Lucide Sansa in black and gold.

 

Layered lighting

We’ve talked about this absolutely loads of times on the blog, and for very good reason. Designers and lighting experts have advocated for having a range of different types of lighting in the home for years, so that you can set the mood, or create the right levels of lighting for whatever you are doing at the time. This also works with the sustainability trend, because it means that you can use even smaller amounts of electricity, if you’ve already switched to LED lighting.

 

 

How do you hit this trend? It is incredibly simple. You just need a combination of lighting options in each room – with at least one from each category of ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. You’ll decide this based on which lighting will work best for your home and your needs, but here are a few examples to consider:

 

• In your kitchen, you may incorporate downlights, track lights, spot lights, pendants, under cabinet lights, and LED strips.
• Living rooms benefit from ceiling lights, wall lights, table lamps, and reading lights – and definitely consider smart lighting in your living room, so you can change colour temperatures and brightness of your lighting.
• Bedrooms can be cosy or bright, depending on the time of day with ceiling lights and wall lights, as well as touch lamps for bedside tables, and mirror lights. If you have young children, you might want to consider nightlights too.
• In bathrooms, you’re going to want ceiling or wall lights, mirror lights and shaver lights, as well as spotlights or downlights – and don’t forget, you’ll need to make sure any bathroom lights have a safety rating of at least IP44 (and higher if you have children who love splashing at bath time!) to ensure the lighting is safe for use in damp environments.

 

Of course, we’re not telling you to put extra lighting in your space for the sake of it. You’ll need to choose your layers of lighting carefully, so they don’t look out of place in the room. That might mean you choose a ceiling light, a wall light, and a lamp from the same range, for a matching look, or it might be that you choose different lights that have a certain element in common, such as the colour, or the material.

 

Our final thoughts

When you’re choosing interior décor and the trends that you want to work with in your home, make sure they’re ones you’re going to love for a long time to come. Sustainability is going to rule for a long time to come, and so interior design trends are likely to move much more slowly from now on, with slower shifts from one trend to the other. However you decorate, and whichever lighting you choose, get the most environmentally friendly, because it’ll help your bank balance too.

As you’re picking new lighting for your home, the Online Lighting Change Your Mind Guarantee offers reassurance to our customers. If you order from us and discover that you don’t love your order as much as you thought you would, you can return your order to us within 30 days of the delivery date. We hope you love your purchase though, and if you’re posting your home’s new look on your Instagram, tag us in your post so we can share the love with our followers too! We’re @online_lighting.

 

 

During the winter, we’re all spending much more time indoors, and in the darker months of the year, lighting is essential – even if we’re just home watching TV before we head out to work again the next day. Getting the right types of lighting in place means that you’ll be able to enjoy your home just that little bit more through this winter and beyond. That’s why in this post, we’re talking about the types of lighting there are to choose from, and how to choose the right lighting for your home.

 

How to choose home lighting

There’s a lot to consider when you’re choosing lighting for your home – it isn’t just a case of whether you like the light fixture or not. Don’t worry though, we’re going to talk you through it. First up is the concept of layering lighting, then we’ll be talking about the different types of lighting you can choose from, and getting the right technology so that you can light your home efficiently.

 

Layering your lighting

This sounds a bit more tricky than it actually is. Layering your lighting simply means having different types of lights for different purposes – and so that you can get the right amount of brightness for whatever you’re using a particular room for at any given moment. The three types of lighting that you need include:

 

Ambient lighting – which completely lights up the space. Typically, this would be from the ceiling light, but could also be provided by wall lights, floor lamps, and table lamps.

 

 

Task lighting  – used for specific purposes, such as reading. Usually provided by lamps that can be angled, but can also include downlights and pendants, or LED strip lights under kitchen cabinets to illuminate countertops.

 

 

Accent lighting – to highlight particular features of the room. This type of lighting can be almost any type, but is often a spot light, uplight or downlight, picture lights, strip lights, or lamps. Even fairy lights can be put into use as accent lighting in the right setting!

 

 

There is often overlap with the different types of lighting. Let’s use kitchen lighting as an example:

 

In a kitchen, you might have a bar pendant for ambient lighting, task lighting might be downlights or spotlights, while accent lighting might be LED strips placed beneath cabinets to create a glow. However, those LED strips might also act as task lighting for the countertops as well as adding to ambient light, and the downlights might also act as ambient light – you get the idea.

 

Don’t worry too much about which type of lighting a fitting belongs to though, the point is that you need more than just one type of lighting in each room in your home. You won’t always use each type, all the time – and with super-efficient LED lighting, your electricity bill won’t be too painful.

 

What types of lighting are there?

There are three main categories of lighting, based on where the light is installed and used – these are ceiling lighting, wall lighting, and lamps. Within these categories there are loads of different styles and options, so you’ll find plenty of choice.

 

Ceiling lighting

Almost always the first to be fitted, ceiling lighting is used for lighting the room completely. Don’t think that you have to stick with a single bulb with a lamp shade on it though, there are more than one option – and within each of these categories, there are so many different designs, shapes, colours and so on.

 

Depending on the size of the room and the style of lighting that you prefer, you might choose from:

 

• Pendant lighting, including rise and fall pendants and chandeliers
• Flush lights and lights for low ceilings
• Downlights
• Spotlights
• Track lights and wire lights
• LED batten lights

 

If you’re wondering what size of ceiling light to choose, then you can use the dimensions of your room in feet (don’t try this in centimetres!). Add the width of your room to the length – and then this number, in inches is the size you should be looking for. For a room that is 6 foot by 10 foot, the approximate best size for a light fitting would be 16 inches (6ft + 10ft = 16ft) – around 40cm.

 

You’ll also need to think about the height of your ceilings when you’re choosing your ceiling lighting. You don’t want to be accidentally walking into your light fixture, after all! Ensure you have at least two metres of clearance between the bottom of the light fitting and the floor, to prevent any bumped heads. Above dining tables and desks, allow for a minimum of 65cm between the table and the bottom of the light fixture.

 

We recently rounded up our favourite pendant lights in this post, but we love these options for a wintery effect:

 

The Edit Atom glass chandelier

The Searchlight Ice Cube 20 light LED cascade ceiling pendant

The Edit Bubble glass ceiling pendant light

 

 

Wall lighting

The popularity of wall lighting fluctuates, but we’re huge fans, and we think wall lighting can be a great addition to homes. There’s a surprising number of options when it comes to wall lighting, so you can get the perfect look for your home. You’ll be able to choose from:

 

• Single arm wall lights
• Double arm wall lights
• Wall uplighters, and up & down lights
• Flush wall lights
• Wall spotlights
• Picture lights
• Reading lights
• Ceramic & plaster wall lights

 

Wall lighting can add extra brightness to darker spots, but can also be used in place of other types of lighting. For example, in small bedrooms, wall lights can be used in place of bedside lamps (much like in hotel bedrooms) to make getting in and out of bed easier, and for bedtime reading.

 

When you’re choosing wall lighting, you’ll also need to consider where the fixture is going – if it is in a hallway, you’ll need to ensure that it isn’t going to cause an obstruction, so you’re more likely to be looking at flush wall lights, for example. You’ll also find wall lighting for particular uses and rooms – such as under cabinet lights, mirror lights, and shaver lights for bathrooms – in our range of wall lighting.

 

Lamps

Lamps are incredibly versatile for use throughout the home, and the great thing about them is that they take absolutely no installation – you put the bulb in, then plug in and switch on! Whether you’re looking for a desk lamp, a reading lamp, or a floor lamp to add to the general lighting levels in a room, we’ve got plenty for you to choose from.

 

• Table Lamps
• Desk Lamps
• Floor Lamps
• Lamp Shades
• Touch Lamps
• Bedside Lamps

 

We’ve seen lamps used in most types of room in the home – perhaps with the exception of the kitchen and the bathroom, where other types of lighting are more appropriate. Here are some of our favourites for a warm glow in the winter:

 

Konstsmide Large Battery Operated LED Bell Jar

Edit Kathathu Floor Lamp

Lucide Ramzi Table Lamp

 

 

Materials and colours

Through the winter months, you’re likely to be looking for ways to add warmth and texture to your home, to help it feel cosier. Choosing lighting with warmer colours such as red, copper, gold, and bronze helps to make the home feel warmer – and when the material is metallic, that will help to bounce the light around your space too. This fabulous Lucide Picto ceiling pendant light in pink and grey is perfect for eclectic spaces or bedrooms for teenagers.

 

When you’ve considered colour, you can also choose from fabrics such as velvet that can help you feel warm – a great example is the Lucide Extravaganza. In a luxurious turquoise blue, the gold details and the velvet texture invites you to touch. For a fuzzy snowball of a pendant, we love the Lucide Goosy Soft Ceiling Pendant Light, made with feathers for a soft glow.

 

 

Colour temperature and brightness

When you’re choosing lighting, you also need to consider the right colour temperature and brightness. Colour temperature is really important, since it can have a huge impact on your health, as well as being able to see clearly enough. Bright white light, and especially those with blue tones, are known to wake the body, and so you definitely don’t want that just before bed!

 

If you’re going to be using a room for different purposes, then you’re almost certainly going to be looking at lighting that you can adjust the brightness and colour temperature of. Since this is so important, look for fixtures that can be fitted with dimmer switches, or that can be fitted with smart lightbulbs, so you can adapt the lighting as you need it.

 

Smart home lighting

Smart lighting for the home is – as it sounds like – lighting that can connect to your Wi-Fi connection, and that can be controlled through an app on your phone. In our current range, you’ll find smart bulbs with both bayonet cap and screw caps, as well as GU10 bulbs, LED strip light kits, and light fixtures with smart technology built in, as well as smart outdoor lighting.

 

 

With smart lights, you can control not only whether the light is on or off (great if you get into bed and aren’t sure if everything is off, and don’t want to get up from the warm to check!) as well as changing the colour and brightness of the light. Many of our range are compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google home controls, so if you’ve already taken those steps towards making your home a smart one, you’ll love how smart home lighting can help you manage your lighting and reduce your energy bills. Browse our full range here.

 

 

What is the cheapest way to light your home?

Energy bills are at an all-time high right now, and everything is expensive. You’re unlikely to want to spend on replacing lights unnecessarily, but in the longer term, using old, incandescent light bulbs can end up costing you a lot more. LED bulbs are the replacement for old bulbs, and they can cost up to 90% less in terms of electricity. That’s a huge saving, and they are better for the environment too – which is always good. Not only that, as you’re replacing your old bulbs, you can bring your home up to date with smart lighting, which as we’ve already mentioned, can help you to ensure your lights are only on when you need them.

 

Winter lighting accessories

During the winter, you want to feel cosy and warm in your home – and candles are a great way to enhance that feeling. However, when you’ve got children, pets, or adults that need a little extra care, there is just too much potential for mishaps with naked flames. But we’ve got the answer – battery operated LED candles. These offer a similar flicker to lit candles, but without the added worry of having naked flames around. They’re wonderful for feeling cosy, but they are also absolutely perfect for Christmas decoration too.

 

Speaking of Christmas decorations… we’ve curated a collection of the best Christmas lights for you here. Whether you’re looking for candle lights, fairy lights, lanterns, or feature lights, we’ve got a huge range for you to choose from. A few of our current favourites? The Edit 1.2M Star Warm White LED Curtain String Lights, the Edit Irawo LED Battery Operated Star, and the Set of 2 Wave LED Candle Lights. Gorgeous!

 

 

Lighting outside your home in winter

Those cold winter months mean that many of us are leaving our homes to go to work in the dark, and getting home in the dark. With that in mind, you’re going to want to make it easy to see when you’re getting in and out of your home.

 

Options for outdoor lighting in the winter

As with indoor lighting, there are so many options for lighting around the exterior of your home. With the exception of festive Christmas lights, most of us are less likely to be adding decorative lights to our gardens through the winter months. Depending on the exterior of your property, you’re likely to be looking at:

 

• Wall lights
• Lamp posts
• Pedestal lights
• Porch lights
• Deck and ground lights
• Post lamps and bollards
• Security lights (flood lights)

 

There isn’t a right or wrong answer to which lights are right for your property – browse our range of outdoor lights, and you’re sure to find the optimal lighting for around the outside of your home, including those with PIR and motion sensors, and solar powered lighting.

 

PIR & motion sensors

When you don’t need entrances to your home lit all the time, or you’re looking to make a dark area outside your home that bit more secure, then security lighting with passive infrared (PIR) or motion sensors can do the trick. These lights are triggered to switch on when they detect someone in the area, and switch off after a certain amount of time – making them perfect if you just need a bit of light to find the right key on your bunch.

 

 

Solar lighting

When you don’t want to add to your electric bill, but you still need lighting for the outside of your home and in your garden for safety reasons, then solar lighting is the way to go. Solar lighting has come a long way with the introduction of LEDs, and battery technology has developed too, which means that it is a real, viable option for lighting outside the home. Whether you’re searching for a security light, a post light to illuminate your garden path, or a decorative style, you’ll find solar powered lighting options.

 

 

Christmas lights for the garden

When it gets towards December, there’s a good chance that you’ll be looking at lighting your garden for Christmas. Colourful fairy lights in shrubs and bushes are essential to make things feel festive, and in larger trees and along walls and fences, festoons are a great option. If you’re adding them in a spot that is gets plenty of natural daylight, then you can use solar powered options, which means that you won’t add to your electricity bill. However, super-efficient LED fairy lights and festoons use very little power, and so even if you’re using mains powered ones, they won’t cost you a fortune. Make sure you choose fairy lights and festoons specifically for outdoors – look for IP44 safety ratings as a minimum, so that they are waterproof, and if you’re in a more exposed area, look for weatherproof options so your lights continue to shine bright.

 

Our final thoughts

Getting the right amount of lighting in, and outside your home for the winter is simpler once you’ve understood the needs of everyone in your home. Once you’ve chosen the right lighting for you, and you’re styling your home ready for Christmas, tag us on your Instagram posts so that we can share those posts – we love to see them, and so do our followers! We’re @online_lighting.

 

Ahh, autumn. The leaves are turning glorious shades of red and gold, the temperatures are dropping, and the nights are drawing in. As the days get shorter until the winter solstice (this year on 21^st December), it is time to get comfy at home, so you’ll need great lighting options so that you can continue to use your home effectively into the evenings. This rule applies all year round, but particularly during the autumn, you need a range of different lighting options in spaces throughout the home.

 

 

Having different layers of light allows you to fill rooms with light when you’re busy working, or create a warm, relaxing glow when you’re cuddling up for another Netflix marathon. In this post, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite lighting options that perfectly suit cosy autumnal décor to inspire you. We’ve picked our current favourite ceiling lights, as well as a great wall light and a table lamp as options to light up your space and create that cosy effect, and we’ve chosen a couple of great outdoor lights, so you can light up the exterior of your home effectively too. Let’s take a look.

 

 

Is there anything that screams “autumn is here!” more than home décor in orange and black? With Halloween just around the corner, the Edit Lennon ceiling pendant in terracotta finish (also available in yellow) could be the perfect autumnal pendant. With the electrical fitting finished in black, and the shade made from sleek orange aluminium, your ceiling light has just the right amount of Halloween (but also a gorgeous warm neutral for all year round, but elegantly so – although you could always add extra decorations in October! Not only does the pairing of orange and black look great, but the gold inside the shade provides a beautiful warm glow too.

 

If you’re looking for a ceiling light that suits autumn décor but looks great year round, the Edit Luster ceiling light in terracotta needs to be on your list. A new fixture in our range, this eye-catching pendant is made from wood and deep red concrete that is perfect for adding a pop of colour above kitchen tables and desks.

 

The Edit Rain cluster pendant in multi-colour is another of our new favourites. Made from wood and aluminium, finished in soothing shades of grey, blush pink, and brown, this ceiling light is perfect for fans of the Scandinavian décor style. We’d install it in chilled-out dining rooms, home offices, or bedrooms.

 

 

All these pendants are all compatible with dimmer switches, so don’t forget to order your wall switch and dimmable bulb when you’re placing your order, so you’re ready to go when you receive your new fixture. They’re also height adjustable at the point of installation, so whether you’re installing at the centre of the room, or above a dining table or kitchen island, you can get the perfect height.

 

In rooms where you want to add a little toughness, the Lucide Honore wall light in rust brown is a great option – simply pair with an autumnal bouquet or a few Halloween accessories. We’d install this light in any space where a ceiling light isn’t suitable, but since the shade can be tilted by up to 30°, it is a perfect alternative to a table lamp for reading – such as next to a comfortable chair, or at the bedside. Not only that, but it has a simple plug on a two metre cable, so installation is simple and you won’t require an electrician.

 

 

Table lamps are a must for a little extra brightness at this time of year, and the Lucide Ramzi ceramic table lamp in brown finish looks great in bedrooms, home offices, and entryways. The gentle brown hue is a perfect neutral, and the textured base works as well with spring and summer accessories as it does with autumnal décor. Similarly, the Edit Hoxton is a striking hand finished table lamp with a gold patina finish that creates a rustic yet modern look & is a gorgeous autumn/winter piece for any home.

 

 

When you’re lighting your home for autumn, you can’t just think about the inside of your home – you need to make sure you can get indoors quickly and safely. We published a whole post about outdoor security lighting a while ago, so head there for more information. Don’t forget, if your outdoor lighting is in the sun for a while each day, then you can reduce the cost to your energy bill to zero, and minimise the impact on the planet by choosing solar lighting. There are so many solar options to choose from, many in similar designs to those we’ve picked here.

 

Whether you’re installing by your front door or you’re lighting up another entrance to your home, the Lucide Claire outdoor wall light with pir sensor is an excellent choice. We love the simple anthracite box frame that allows you to use a bulb with a decorative filament for a unique look. The PIR movement sensor on the base of the fixture means that your light will only be on for as long as you need it, and the time that the light is on for can be adjusted between 5 seconds and 8 minutes.

 

 

For covered porches, pergolas, and entryways, the Edit Perth porch pendant in coffee brown is a stunning option that channels a more industrial, and rustic look. The coffee brown shade gives the impression of rust, without actually being rusty, (it is made from aluminium) and the clear glass diffuser shows off the decorative filament bulb perfectly. To illuminate your entrance on darker evening, the Edit Biltin is a sleek, modern ground light perfect for improving the safety & style of your path.

 

Final thoughts

 

You don’t have to change your light fixtures with the seasons, but autumnal hues are chic all year round, and many of these picks will work as you’re switching out your soft furnishings for brighter tones in the spring and summer too. If you, like most of us, are concerned about the cost of energy this year, and if you’re thinking of how much your lighting is going to add to your electricity bills, switching old bulbs to new LED bulbs will help to keep lighting costs to a minimum. You can browse our range of LED bulbs here – we’re certain to have all the bulbs, and lighting requirements that you need.

 

 

Christmas lights and decorations are essentials throughout December, and when it comes to Christmas lighting, trends come and go, but the classics – multicoloured lights, red and green, and white – will always be in style. We’re huge fans of traditional colours, but we also love the trending pastel fair lights for a pretty twinkle, and we love an icy blue light too. Whichever style of lighting you love for your home, we’ve got all the festive lighting you need in our range of Christmas lighting.

Modern Christmas lights

Modern homes need modern Christmas lighting – don’t they? Well, that’s a matter of opinion, but if you’re looking for a modern take on Christmas lights, look for fairy lights in unusual colours, shapes, and drapes. We have so many more options to choose from, but we’re sure you’ll love our picks for your home.

The Edit 1.2M Star Warm White LED Curtain String Lights make a wonderful feature – they look gorgeously warming along a mantel piece. The Festive Glow Worm 18.98M Pastel LED Multi-Function String Lights are a fantastic alternative to traditional coloured, or plain white fairy lights, or for a dreamy effect, the Sirius 1M Trille Horsetail LED Silver Micro Wire Fairy Lights are a great option.

 

 

Traditional Christmas lights

If traditional Christmas lights are your preference, there are loads of options available to you. Fairy lights are amongst the most traditional, and you’ll find hundreds of options in our range, but for an even more traditional welcome to your home, dress your front door.

The Sirius Alfi Battery Operated LED Outdoor Christmas Wreath looks gorgeous and can be dressed further for even more tradition – and why not pair it with the Sirius Anton 5FT Snowy LED Outdoor Christmas Tree for a really traditional look? If you fancy something a little extra for a grand entrance, we love the Edit Ultimate Christmas Battery Operated LED Decoration Set, which has two miniature artificial Christmas trees in pots, an artificial wreath and an artificial garland – everything you need to create a fantastically festive entrance for your family.

 

 

Lanterns are a gorgeous way to light up your Christmas decorations, and we’ve got some beauties in our range. The Kontstsmide range has perfectly festive options, including the Father Christmas Battery Operated LED Lantern, and the Battery Operated LED Bell Jars, which come in large and small. If you’re looking for a lantern that can be part of your décor year round, the Edit Bulb Battery Operated LED Lantern is a perfect choice.

 

 

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate candles into your Christmas decoration without the risks of naked flames, then battery powered LED candles should be on your shopping list. Our Sara Slim Battery Operated LED Wax Flicker Candle is a minimalistic option, the Konstsmide Battery Operated LED Wax Dining Candles are perfect for your Christmas table, and the set of two of the Sirius Sara Mini Battery Operated LED Wax Flicker Candles are great for extra twinkles where you want them.

 

 

 

Fun Christmas lighting

Maybe you have children in your life, or maybe you’re just a big kid when it comes to Christmas, then your lighting is where you can really make the most of your Christmas decorations. The Edit Present 20 LED Feature Light with Remote Control is a great way to light up the base of your Christmas tree before Santa visits, and there’s a larger size too, for an even bigger impact. These lights can be used both indoors and out – as can our next pick, the Konstsmide Penguin LED String Lights. These little penguins are festive, and are a brilliant addition to gardens and indoor decorations alike. For another cute addition to your indoor decorations, the Konstsmide Small Battery Operated LED Reindeer should be on your list – and there’s a matching one for outdoors too.

 

Outdoor fairy lights

You need the right type of lighting for decorating the outside of your home at Christmas, and any old fairy lights that you have around simply won’t do, especially in December, when the weather can be stormy, or if we’re lucky – even snowy! You need lights that are made for outdoor use.

If you’re one to decorate the exterior of your house as well as your garden, then you’ll love the Edit 15.4M Ice Blue & White LED Snowing Icicle String Lights. For decorating the garden with traditional multicoloured lights, the Edit 74.92M Multi Colour LED Multi-Function String Lights are perfect for stringing through trees, and if you’re looking for fairy lights that’ll stand out amongst the neighbours, the Edit 28.77M Decor Pastel LED Multi-Function String Lights are perfect.

 

 

If you’re concerned about the cost of running Christmas lights outside your home, or you want to light up an area where mains powered lighting isn’t an option, then solar powered lighting can be the answer. The 365 Multi Coloured Solar LED Multi Function String Lights are a great way to light up trees and gazebos, and there’s an inbuilt dusk to dawn sensor that means your lights will switch on when you want them. For lights you can use in the summer months as well as during December, the 65 Vivo Solar LED Filament Festoon Lights are a great option, while the Suri Colour Changing Solar LED Multi-Function String Lights look wonderful wherever you want to place them. If you prefer white lights to colours, this style is available in cool white too.

 

 

We’re firm believers in the magic of Christmas, and your Christmas lighting should be lighting that you love. Whatever your preference, you’re certain to find what you’re looking for in our range of Christmas lighting, and if for whatever reason you don’t love your purchase, you can return them under our Change Your Mind Guarantee for up to 30 days from the date that we received your order. When you’ve decorated your home for Christmas, tag us in your Instagram posts so we can share how great they look – we’re @online_lighting.

 

Your home should be where you feel safest and most comfortable, and while you can work on your interior décor to make you feel settled indoors, feeling safe outside your home is important too. Being able to see what you’re doing when you’re on the property at night, and to see what is going on outside are important – which is why so many people look to enhance the exterior of their homes not just with garden lighting, but with security lighting too.

 

Why do I need security lighting?

 

 

There are few people who could say that their homes were unaffected by security concerns – that desire to feel secure is a basic human need, after all. A few reasons to install security lighting around the outside of your home include:

 

• To make easier to see, and for you and your family to get indoors safely, without trips, slips, or falls
• So you can see that there aren’t any threats as you enter your home
• As a deterrent to potential intruders (especially when using motion sensors or PIR sensors)
• So you can see anything going on in your garden from inside your home (even if it is just the local wildlife!)
• To illuminate any visitors – whether their intentions are good (such as a delivery person) or not
• So you can light up areas that potential intruders might hide

 

Where should security lights go?

 

 

There isn’t a typical answer that we can give to this question – because the reply will be different for each and every home! But if you’re reading this article, it is pretty likely that you already know the areas that you want to light up. Typical spots that people install security lights include:

 

• By the entrances to the home
• On the driveway
• Along pathways
• By gates or entrances to the garden

Depending on where you want to install your lighting, you’ll need to ensure you have the right tools for the job (such as masonry bits, if you’re drilling into brick), or consider getting a professional to do the installation for you.

 

What type of lighting can be used for security lighting?

 

 

It depends on what you need your security lighting for. If you’re looking to light up the outside of your home to prevent slips and trips, then you can use almost any type of outdoor lighting that suits the needs of the area, and that gives off enough lighting. In this case, it might be that deck and ground lights, or garden lights would be sufficient for your needs. If you’re looking to add just a little extra ambient lighting outside your home, then soffit lights can provide a lovely glow without encroaching on neighbouring properties too much.

Where you need much more lighting though, you’re likely to be looking at security lights such as floodlights, wall lights, and lamp posts, and with additional features – which we’ll look at next.

 

Should security lights be on all the time?

 

 

You might not want, or feel the need for your security lights to be on throughout the night – your electricity bill, and the local wildlife can be negatively impacted. Lights that only switch on when required can be better than them being permanently lit if you’re installing security lights as a deterrent, and many models have functionality that can help you to manage your security lighting.

 

• Motion sensor – these trigger the light to switch on when motion is detected
• Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors – uses infrared from objects that emit heat, triggering the light
• Dusk until dawn sensor – to ensure you don’t waste energy running the light during hours of daylight
• Wi-Fi connectivity – with apps to help you manage your security lights
• Bluetooth – so you can configure your light when you’re nearby

Whichever of these is right for your needs, you’ll find outdoor lights for security with these features in our range.

 

What if there isn’t access to power?

 

 

Setting up lighting outside homes is often delayed because there is no access to power – but you don’t have to rely on mains power. Solar powered lighting has become a real, viable way to light up your garden and the outside of your home. That’s due to LED lighting requiring so much less power than older styles of lighting, and the batteries in quality solar lights are much improved, so even on dull days, your security lighting will perform as it should.

 

What else do I need to know about security lights?

 

 

When you’re adding security lights to your home, you also need to be aware of how you’re positioning your security lighting. Security lighting is intentionally bright – especially floodlights – and so you need to carefully consider where you install the light, and where the light will reach to. Lighting your home shouldn’t encroach on neighbouring homes (unless it has been agreed upon in advance, of course!) and cause neighbours to be uncomfortable. You don’t want to cause problems with those who live around you – it can end up in complaints to the local council if you can’t resolve it amicably – so be certain to plan, and consult with your neighbours before you go ahead.

As with all outdoor lighting, if you live within 5-10 miles of the coast, you’ll need to choose security lights that are in our coastal light range, to prevent your lights from the damaging effect of the extra salt in the air.

 

Our final thoughts

 

 

There might not be a ‘one size fits all’ approach to which are the right security lights for the home, but considering that not all homes, or the tastes of the residents are the same, that is a good thing. With so many options available, you can curate the look that you want for your home, as well as making your home look and feel safer. Ready to start your search? Browse our range of outdoor lights, security lights, and floodlights – you’re certain to find the combination of lights that you need, with the functionality that you want to manage your security lighting.

 

 

Long summer evenings spent in the garden are wonderful – until we get past midsummer, and the nights quickly start to get shorter again. With the right lighting, the evenings getting shorter doesn’t mean you have to break up the party early, or that you need to move indoors – you can simply switch on your garden lighting and carry on enjoying your garden late into the evening – or until the Great British weather stops play, at least!

There’s a lot to know about garden lighting – but we’ve rounded it all up for you, to help you narrow down the right type of lighting for your garden. We’ll look at the different types of lighting there are, and how you can power and control them, as well as including our top picks. And because you’re almost certainly going to be enjoying your garden with friends and family, we’ll touch on safety and security too.

 

Types of garden lights

The first type of lighting that you’re likely to have got into place around the exterior of your home is security lights. Once these are in place, you’ll be looking at lighting that will make your garden aesthetically pleasing. As with indoor lighting, you’ll find there is some crossover with the categories of lighting – don’t worry about which category the light fits with, just make sure whichever type of lighting you choose is right for your needs.

 

Permanent lights

If you’re ready to install garden lighting permanently to add ambient light year-round, these are likely to be the types of lights you’re going to be looking for.

 

Lamp posts are a traditional lighting option for gardens, often installed by gates and pathways. While there are plenty of classic styles to choose from – such as the Suri Fawn solar LED lamp post – there are contemporary styles that suit current trends, such as the Markslojd Sphere lamp post, which works perfectly with the Scandinavian trend. Prefer something ultra-modern? The Konstsmide Raw lamp post in galvanised steel is a sleek option that looks great, and will light up the most minimalist of gardens without fuss.

 

 

Deck and ground lights have risen in popularity over the past few years – they’re perfect for marking boundaries in your garden, such as along edges of decking and driveways, which can help you prevent trips and falls. Choose from sleek round styles such as the Lucide Biltin ground light, modern square puddle ground lights like this Searchlight style, or choose a light with a small glow from a diffuse style like the Garden24V LED domed ground light.

 

 

Wall lights are often used near entrances to properties, to enable the residents to see clearly as they are going indoors. But they can be used to great effect throughout the garden too, such as to provide ambient light on patios and decking, or to light up paths where they are next to the house, for example. The wall lights category offers a huge range number of options, from traditional half lanterns like the Edit Newquay with dusk to dawn sensor, or the sleek Lucide Claire PIR half lantern, to ultra-modern styles like the Lucide digit LED wall light which is the perfect addition for a front garden, and can help visitors find your home.

 

 

Pedestal lights are perfect for adding to fence posts, and as you’d imagine, there are plenty of options to suit your garden. Traditional English country gardens are complemented by the classic Elstead Chapel pedestal light, and lantern styles such as the Lucide Claire pedestal light (a customer favourite!), while pathways can be lit with the Edit Boxy outdoor post light.

 

 

Semi-permanent lights

If you’re adorning the garden with lights purely for the summer, and you want the lighting to stay mostly fixed throughout the warmer months, but you want the option to be able to change it easily as your garden evolves through the year, then semi-permanent lighting options are for you.

 

Garden spotlights are perfect for lighting the areas of your garden that you want to be able to show off – and in most cases, they’re easy to install too. Many low voltage garden spotlights are fitted to stakes that simply push into the ground, so they can be repositioned easily. If you’re looking to install a little more permanently, there are styles that can be fixed to decking or walls – these are great if you’re highlighting a feature that won’t change with the seasons, such as a water feature or a statue, for example. Our favourites include the Edit Porto spotlight, which is a great stake light, the Taylor, which is perfect for mounting on decking, and the Edit Elva wall mounted twin spotlight, which allows you to highlight two areas at once.

 

 

Festoons are a larger type of string light that are perfect for giving off festive, and party vibes, but with a bit more sturdiness than fairy lights. Because they are a lot more robust than smaller and daintier fairy lights, festoons are perfect for hanging from verandas and pergolas, or above outdoor dining spaces and pools. Whether you prefer cool white, warm white, or multicoloured bulbs, you like a small round bulb or a longer, squirrel cage style, there are plenty of options that are easy to install.

 

Party lights

Who doesn’t love a summer garden party?! If you’re setting up your garden lighting for a one-off event (or perhaps you don’t want to leave your lighting up all year round for another reason, such as the security of your property) then outdoor party lights are going to be on your agenda.

 

Fairy lights and rope lights are a great option for lighting up your space, and can be an incredibly affordable way to make a big impact. As with festoons, fairy lights are a great option for adding to temporary structures like gazebos, tents, and winding into trees and bushes. We wrote a whole post about string lights a while ago, including inspiration for the many different ways that you can use them – so check it out here.

Our top tip for fairy lights – if you’re keen to avoid the Christmassy look, then opt for single colour – either warm white, or cool white, rather than multicoloured, or choose pastel shades like this Edit set.

 

 

Table lamps are probably something you’re more likely to associate with indoor lighting, but if you’re hosting al fresco dinners that give way to drinks, then outdoor table lamps can be a chic addition to your setup, as well as being the perfect addition to a reading spot. Usually, outdoor table lamps are battery operated or solar powered, and most styles will be provided with a USB charger cable, so the battery can be topped up at the nearest power socket.

We adore this Edit Alfresco battery operated table lamp, which works just as well outdoors as it does in a conservatory, and this Konstsmide Portofino Solar LED Outdoor Lantern is another stylish option. If you’re looking for a lantern that could double up for glamping, the Lucide Little Joe table lamp is the perfect option.

 

 

How to power garden lights

All types of lighting need power, whether you’re indoors or out. But when we’re talking about garden lights, there are a few more options than lighting indoors – so if you’re wondering how to light up different areas of your garden, then stay with us, we’ve got the answer!

 

Conventional mains powered garden lighting

This is the type of lighting you’re likely to look at if you’re going to be in your home for a long time, you’re certain of the style you want, and you’re prepared to install the lighting permanently. You’re likely to need a qualified electrician (unless you have those skills and are comfortable doing the installation, of course!) and you’ll need the tools to do the installation too.

 

12v and 24v garden lighting

We absolutely love low voltage garden lighting – so much so, we wrote a whole post about it! Low voltage garden lights are brilliant, since all you have to do is place all the different types of lights that you want in your garden where you want them, attach the cables to the transformer, and plug them into your outdoor socket. You don’t even need to conceal or cover the cables, since the risk of shock is so low – you can just weave the cable through your plants.

 

 

Sustainable solar powered lighting

Solar powered lighting is more popular than it has ever been, thanks in part to the development of LED, and battery technology. LEDs need very little power to provide a lot of brightness, so as long as the solar panel is exposed to the sun for enough time each day, the power will be retained by the battery, and the lights will be as bright as their mains powered counterparts.

 

 

The fact that solar powered lights don’t need any power is great for the environment – and LEDs are much better than conventional bulbs when it is time to recycle them too! But the lack of power required means that you can add lighting to your garden in spots that previously wouldn’t have been possible to, and there won’t be any extra charge on your electricity bills either. Should you be adding solar powered lighting in an area that doesn’t get as much sunshine as it needs, many solar powered lights are now supplied with a USB charging cable, so you can top up the battery as necessary.

 

Battery powered garden lighting

If you’re thinking that battery powered lighting means you’re going to spend all summer looking for fresh batteries, think again. While there are styles that do require AA or AAA batteries, many styles now have integrated rechargeable batteries that are charged with a USB cable – so you can simply plug them in wherever you have a USB plug available. As you’d imagine, battery powered garden lighting tends to be portable styles, such as this gorgeous rust brown table lamp (also available in green, brown & black).

 

 

Safety and security

Of course, garden lighting isn’t just about making your garden look pretty – just as important is ensuring the safety and security of your home. While security lighting isn’t always garden lighting, it can most definitely contribute to it!

 

Security lighting

We’ve recently spoken about security lighting in this post, and so we won’t go into too much depth about them in this post, but security lights can be incorporated as an element of your garden lighting, especially with some of the gorgeous wall styles that are in our range. The Lucide Claire wall light, the Edit Barrow wall light, and the Searchlight Lantern wall light have a PIR sensor that means you can get the light you need, when you need it, and are stylish enough to function as garden lighting as well as security lighting.

 

 

Pond lighting

If you’re lucky enough to have a pond, or even a swimming pool, then keeping your family – and the local wildlife – safe is almost certain to be on your mind. During the summer, an unexpected dip might result in the need for a new phone, but in the darker, colder months of the year, a slip or fall into the cold water could be much more serious, resulting in injury or worse, which is why having sufficient lighting around water features is so important.

 

 

You have two options when you’re lighting a pond or pool: above the waterline, or below it. (or maybe both, depending whether you want the lights above the waterline to be on every night or not!) Installing lighting above ground is simple enough, you choose which one suits your needs from the types that we’ve mentioned in the section above. But installing lights below the waterline is pretty simple too – especially if you have access to outdoor power. Our low voltage underwater spotlight kits are available in warm white, and multicoloured options, and they can connect with other low voltage garden lighting too – simply plugging into an outdoor plug socket.

 

Safety ratings for garden lighting

The Great British summer doesn’t always provide us with the long sunny days that we want, and those sudden downpours don’t always give us enough time to get everything indoors and into the dry! As you’ll already be aware, you need to be careful when you’re dealing with water and electricity – they definitely don’t mix, and it is for that reason, you can’t simply bring indoor lighting outside to use.

When you’re buying garden lighting – and especially lighting that might encounter adverse weather in the form of summer storms or changing seasons, you need to be certain that your light will remain constant, and safe for use. Lighting manufacturers know this, and as a minimum, you’re going to be looking for an IP safety rating of IP44 for lighting that is off the ground. For lights that are in-ground and need to be driven over and potentially be under a puddle, then you’ll be looking for IP67, and if it is to be submerged completely, you’ll need IP68. Basically – the higher the IP rating, the more protected the unit is from water and impacts.

 

Garden lighting technology

While we’re talking about garden lighting, we need to mention how the right technology can make a world of difference to managing your garden lighting setup. If you’re concerned about how your lighting will impact on the environment, or you’re simply looking to minimise the amount of electricity required to power your garden lights, then look for automation.

 

• Dusk to dawn sensors will remove the need to remember to switch your garden lights off when the sun rises.
• Passive infrared and microwave movement sensors detect when there is someone in the vicinity of the light, and switch the light back off when the movement is gone
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity means that you can configure your lighting to go on and off when you need it to – and in some cases, you can manage it remotely too

 

Many styles of garden lighting – and particularly outdoor lights that can be used as security lighting – are starting to incorporate these automation and technology options as standard. Our top picks include the Lucide Lori post light with dusk to dawn sensor, the Iluzzia Inti post light with PIR sensor, as well as the Edit Dune wall lantern, which is a smart option with Wi-Fi that is controlled directly through your phone or smart hub.

 

  

Our final thoughts

There’s always a lot to consider when you’re choosing the right types of lighting for your home, whether you’re installing lighting inside or out. Luckily, we have a huge range of outdoor lighting to choose from, and that means that you can get the exact look that you want from us – whether you’re choosing one type of garden light, or several to layer your lighting.

When you’ve created the perfect look in your garden and you’re showing it off on your social media, do tag us in your posts – we love to see the final result, and to share it with our followers too. We’re @online_lighting on Instagram – don’t forget to follow us while you’re there.