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":
| IP | Where |
|---|---|
| IP44 | Facade under the eaves or a canopy, entrance with a porch roof |
| IP54-IP55 | Exposed facade, fences, terraces |
| IP65 | Direct rain and splashes - garden, pool |
| IP67 | In-ground lighting, temporary immersion |
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.
Inner 9637 – REDO LED facade downlight for recessed mounting in wall in white, 3W, 3000K, IP6595,99 €In stockView product
Inner 9638 – REDO LED facade downlight for recessed mounting in wall in dark grey, 3W, 3000K, IP6595,99 €In stockView product
Yard 90463 – REDO facade wall light in dark brown, 1x42W, IP4482,99 €In stockView product
Xiera 9564 – REDO LED facade wall light in anthracite, 11W, 3000K, IP54150,99 €In stockView product
Zeus 90366 – REDO LED garden bollard in dark brown, 1x11,5W, 3000K, IP54172,99 €In stockView product
Wiki 90435 – REDO LED garden bollard in dark grey, 1x10W, 3000K, IP65170,99 €In stockView productYard 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.
Armin 91080 – REDO LED garden bollard with spike light in-ground in brass, 7W, 3000K, IP65143,99 €In stockView product
Armin 90953 – REDO LED garden bollard with spike light in-ground in dark grey, 7W, 3000K, IP6556,99 €In stockView product
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.
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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.




