Outdoor garden lights change how your space feels at night. They also change how you use it. You sit outside longer. You see steps clearly. You stop walking into plant pots.
But buying the right lights takes more than picking a style.
I learned that after a winter that ruined my first setup. I bought cheap string lights with weak seals. Water got into the lamp holders. The bulbs failed one by one. I ended up taking everything down in the rain which is never fun.
This buyer’s guide helps you avoid that mess. It focuses on two popular fixture types. Wall lights and string lights. It also covers Outdoor Garden Strips Lights since strips are now common for steps, edges, and planters.
You will see what matters most. Materials. Light spread. Mounting. Weather protection. Cable length. Bulb types. Voltage. You will also get style ideas you can copy.
I will keep it simple. You will finish with a clear plan.
Start With Your Garden Plan
Before you shop, decide what you want the light to do.
Pick your main goal
Most people want one or more of these.
-
Safer steps and paths
-
A softer patio space
-
Better light at the door
-
A highlight on plants or walls
-
A simple outline for fences or borders
Write your top two goals. That keeps you from over buying.
Map your power points
Count your outdoor sockets. Note where they sit. If you plan low voltage strips, note where a driver can sit indoors or in a safe enclosure.
This step matters because long cable runs affect brightness and neatness.
Learn IP Rating So You Buy the Right Level
IP rating tells you how well a product resists dust and water. The code has two numbers. One for solids. One for liquids. The standard explains how these levels work.
A simple way to choose an IP rating
Use this as a clear guide.
-
Covered porch and sheltered wall. IP44 can work if rain does not hit the fitting
-
Exposed wall and open patio. IP65 is a safer choice
-
Low level areas where splashes hit often. Look at IP67
-
Areas where water can sit for a short time. Consider IP67 and better sealing at joins
Also remember this. A high IP rating on the light does not fix bad installation. Water still enters through loose covers and poor cable entry points.
Buyer’s Guide Part 1: Outdoor Wall Lights
Wall lights give you useful light at entry points. They also shape the look of a porch or patio.
What to check first
Materials and finishes
Outdoor fittings face rain and dirt. Coastal areas add salt in the air. Salt speeds up corrosion on many metals. Some materials resist it better than others.
Here is the simple breakdown.
-
Aluminium. Light weight and common. Good with a quality powder coat finish
-
Stainless steel. Strong. Still needs care near the sea
-
Brass and copper. Often handle harsh air well but cost more
-
Polycarbonate. A non metal option that can resist corrosion well in coastal spots
If you live near the sea, choose materials that resist corrosion. Also rinse fittings now and then. A quick wipe helps.
Light spread and beam shape
Wall lights come in a few common patterns.
-
Downlight. Direct light down. Good for doors and steps
-
Up and down. Light both ways. Creates a clean wall effect and helps wider coverage
-
Diffused lantern style. Soft spread in many directions
Think about glare. A strong up light can shine into windows. A strong down light can shine into your eyes if mounted too low.
Mounting location
Mounting changes the result.
-
At a front door. Aim for face height lighting. You want clear visibility
-
On a patio wall. Place light so it spreads across seating
-
Near steps. Place to the side if possible to reduce shadow lines
Wall light buying tips that save you trouble
Choose sealed cable entry points
Water travels along cables. Look for fittings with good gaskets and clear instructions for sealing the entry.
Check bulb base and replacement ease
Some fittings take standard lamps. Some have built in LEDs. Standard lamps make replacement easier. Built in LEDs can look cleaner. Choose based on your comfort level.
Match colour temperature to your use
Warm white feels relaxed. Neutral white feels clearer for task areas. If you mix colours across the garden, the space can feel messy. Keep it consistent.
Style Ideas for Wall Lights
Porch framing
Place two wall lights on either side of the door. Keep them level. Use warm white. You get a simple balanced look.
Patio wash
Use up and down lights along one long wall. The light pattern adds shape. It also makes the patio feel larger.
Step support
Put a downlight near steps. It helps your footing without lighting the whole garden.
Buyer’s Guide Part 2: Outdoor Garden String Lights
Outdoor garden string lights are popular for patios and pergolas. They are also the fastest way to add a warm feel.
But not all sets are built the same. Some are made for short seasonal use. Some handle year round use.
What to check for string lights
Bulb type and safety
Many people like globe bulbs like G40 style. For outdoor use, shatterproof bulbs are safer than glass if the set hangs over seating. Some buying guides also call out shatterproof plastic globe bulbs for durability.
You will see bulb materials like these.
-
Glass. Classic look. More risk if knocked
-
Plastic or PET shatterproof. More durable. Safer around kids and pets
Also check if bulbs are replaceable. Replaceable bulbs extend the life of the whole run.
Cable length and connectable runs
Measure the span first. Then add slack for drops and anchor points.
If you plan to connect multiple runs, check the max connect length. Do not overload a single feed.
Weather protection for lamp holders
Look at the holder design. Water often enters at the socket. Better sets have seals around the bulb base and tight fitting holders.
IP rating still matters here. Some guidance suggests IP65 for more reliable outdoor use in wet conditions.
How you will support the weight
String lights sag. Wind pulls them. If you hang them only by the cable, the cable takes the load.
Use a support wire or a strong fixing method when spans are long. That keeps the cable and sockets under less stress.
String light safety that matters
Outdoor electricity needs care. A UK safety charity advises using an RCD with outdoor electrical equipment. That reduces risk if a fault happens.
Keep plugs off the ground. Keep connections in weatherproof boxes. If you do not feel confident, ask an electrician.
Style Ideas for String Lights
The simple zig zag
Run the lights in a zig zag over a patio. Use two anchor points per side. Keep the lowest point above head height.
The pergola outline
Run outdoor garden string lights along the inside edge of beams. This gives a clean border of light. It also reduces glare.
The dining focus line
Hang one strong line directly over the table. Keep the bulbs spaced evenly. This gives a clear centre point.
Buyer’s Guide Part 3: Outdoor Garden Strips Lights
Outdoor Garden Strips Lights work well for edges and steps. You can hide them under lips and caps. You can also run them along planters.
People often buy strips and then struggle with power and water protection. These tips make it simpler.
What to check for outdoor strips
Exterior grade build and sealing
Outdoor strips need an outdoor rated coating or jacket. They also need sealed ends. A strip can be rated well but still fail if you leave a cut end open.
Voltage
Most outdoor strips use constant voltage power like 12V or 24V. For longer runs, 24V often holds brightness better because current is lower for the same power. That reduces voltage drop.
If you want a long clean line, voltage matters.
Driver location
Keep drivers in a dry place with airflow. Do not trap them in a sealed tiny box.
Mounting method
Outdoor adhesive can fail over time. Use clips or channel where possible. This keeps the line straight and stops peel back.
Style Ideas for Outdoor Strips
Step edge line
Run strips under the lip of each step. The light points down. You get safe footing without glare.
Planter glow
Run strips under the top edge of a raised planter. It highlights texture and plants.
Fence cap outline
Run strips under a fence cap or rail. Keep the power entry hidden near a post.
How to Choose Between Wall Lights, String Lights, and Strips
You can pick one type and still get a great result. Or you can mix them.
Here is a simple rule set.
-
Use wall lights for key spots like doors and paths
-
Use string lights for seating and atmosphere
-
Use strips for edges and safe movement
If you mix types, keep the colour tone close. A warm wall light and a cool strip can clash.
A Practical Review of This Buying Approach
This title promises a clear choice between strips and string. That is exactly what you need. The best part of this method is that it starts with the location and the use. Not the product photo.
What works well.
-
You choose an IP rating based on exposure. That reduces water failures
-
You check materials for corrosion risk. That matters in real UK weather
-
You plan cable length and support. That prevents sag and socket stress
-
You pick voltage with run length in mind. That keeps strips even
-
You use RCD protection for outdoor equipment. That improves safety
What people still get wrong.
-
They ignore sealing at joins
-
They hang string lights with no support wire
-
They choose a strip voltage that does not suit the run length
If you avoid those, your outdoor garden lights last longer and look better.
Where UK LED Lights Fits In
When you build a garden lighting setup, matching parts saves time. UK LED Lights is useful for that because you can source strips, controllers, drivers, and accessories in one place. That reduces the risk of mixing parts that do not fit or do not seal well.
Keep it simple. Buy the right rating. Use the right power. Mount it properly.
FAQs
1) What IP rating should you buy for outdoor garden lights?
Use the exposure level to decide. Sheltered areas can use lower ratings. Exposed walls and wet areas often need IP65 or higher. IP codes define protection against solids and water.
2) Which lasts longer, wall lights or outdoor garden string lights?
Both last when the build suits the weather. Wall lights depend on housing seals and materials. String lights depend on socket seals, cable strength, and support.
3) Are shatterproof bulbs worth it for outdoor garden string lights?
Yes. Shatterproof bulbs reduce break risk and handle knocks better. They are also safer over seating areas.
4) Should you choose 12V or 24V for Outdoor Garden Strips Lights?
Choose based on run length. 24V often keeps brightness more even on longer runs because it reduces current and voltage drop.
5) Do you need an RCD for outdoor garden lights?
Yes for outdoor electrical safety. A UK safety charity advises using an RCD with outdoor electrical equipment.