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Outdoor Lighting: Facade, Entrance and Garden

The AVA Lighting team3 min read

Outdoor Lighting: Facade, Entrance and Garden

A well-lit facade makes a house beautiful at night and safer too. Outdoor lighting has to cope with rain, snow and sun, so the choice starts with the IP rating. Here is how to light the facade, the entrance, the paths and the garden.

The IP rating: the first thing to check

The two digits in the IP rating show the protection against dust and against water. Outdoors the rule is "the more exposed, the higher the IP":

IPWhere
IP44Facade under the eaves or a canopy, entrance with a porch roof
IP54-IP55Exposed facade, fences, terraces
IP65Direct rain and splashes - garden, pool
IP67In-ground lighting, temporary immersion
Modern house at night with up-and-down facade wall lights
Up-and-down wall lights create a rhythm along the facade.

Facade

Facade wall lights that shine up and down highlight the columns and corners of the house. Mount them at a height of 2-2.5 m and evenly spaced. Warm light of 2700-3000 K looks best on render, stone and wood.

Entrance and paths

  • Entrance: a wall light on each side of the door or one above it - you should be able to see your visitor's face.
  • Paths: low garden bollards 2-3 m apart light the way without dazzling.
  • Steps: small lights set into the wall or the step - the safest solution.
Low garden bollards lighting a path and plants in front of a modern house
Slim garden bollards shine downwards - the path and plants are visible without glare.
Terrace at night with Redo Inner lights recessed into the steps and plinth
Redo Inner: lights recessed into the steps and plinth of the terrace - the safest lighting for steps.

Yard and garden

Aim a floodlight at one beautiful tree or wall - one strong accent makes more of an impression than many weak ones. Avoid light pointed at the neighbours' windows or up into the sky.

Wooden path to the beach lit by low L-shaped Redo Armin bollards
Redo Armin: low brass bollards with warm light guide you along the path without spoiling the view.
Redo outdoor lighting on a modern house
Redo outdoor collections: wall lights and bollards in dark grey and brown.
Practical tip

Fit a motion sensor at the entrance and a timer or dusk sensor on the facade. The lights only work when they are needed, and the electricity bill stays low.

Common mistakes

  • An IP20 wall light in a bathroom or on an open terrace - water will damage it.
  • Light that is too cold (6000 K) - the facade ends up looking like a car park.
  • A floodlight shining straight into the eyes of passers-by.
  • Outdoor cables without proper protection - installation should be done by an electrician.

Free consultation and lighting plan

Send us photos of the house and garden - we will suggest a layout and fittings that stand up to the weather. Call us on +359 877 259 295 or write to info@ava-lighting.com.

Read more: Redo Lighting: Pendants, Wall and Ceiling Lights and Concept and Full Interior and Exterior Projects.

Frequently asked questions

What IP rating should the wall light by the entrance have?

Under a porch roof IP44 is enough. If it is exposed to rain - IP54 or higher.

What light is best for a facade?

Warm white, 2700-3000 K. It brings out the materials and is easy on the eye.

Can outdoor lighting be switched on from my phone?

Yes - with a Shelly smart module in the distribution board or behind the switch, on a schedule or with a sensor.