Whether you have a small patio area or a large garden, adding outdoor lighting will help to lift and add character. Whilst offering versatility and practicality to the space.
To help get your garden summer ready and suitably lit for all the seasons, we take a look at the types of garden and outdoor lighting ideas for your home.
Outdoor Wall Lights
Incredibly popular in gardens, outdoor wall lights are a versatile and practical choice. Easy to install, they can be positioned on any exterior wall surface. Including on either side of a door to welcome your guests, whilst offering a practical safety feature.
Wall lights are available in a wide range of styles to suit your home decor tastes and styles. When selecting outdoor and garden lights, ensure that they are suitably IP rated for outdoor use.
The Flaxman wall light is a neat, rounded wall light that is ideal for so many spaces. Ideal for lighting doorways and walls around your garden. Also available in a nickel finish to suit your decor style.
If you're looking for something slightly larger to project light in your garden, the Carlisle Grid Prismatic Glass Lacquered Brass wall light is beautifully designed. A stunning, nautical addition to a space. You could dot a couple of these around your garden to create a flow of light.
For a timeless and classy look, the Kingly Nickel brings a classic motorcycle-esque look. Perfectly suited for outdoor use, and also works well in the bathroom.
If you lack wall space, the Marlborough is another great option, allowing you to position it horizontally or vertically. A sophisticated redesign of the original nautical bulkhead. Featuring thick prismatic glass and IP66 rating, this stunning wall light will lend understated grandeur to any outdoor space.
Ceiling Lights
These lights might be better suited to your outdoor lighting plan depending on what you want to achieve, and the surfaces available to you.
This type of light is ideal for placing under porches and garages, whilst providing practicality to the space.
These beautifully industrial, nautical style ceiling lights come with clear glass, perfect for Edison style decorative LED bulbs. They work well layering with other lighting sources such as wall lights for a cohesive plan.
Security Lights
Security lights or floodlights are down to personal choice but are a great way to provide lighting and security to the area.
There tends to be a compromise on style when it comes to floodlights, but there are many different options on the market. As floodlights produce a lot of light, they can wash out other sources of light. Do bear this in mind when choosing lights for your garden.
Downlights & Spotlights
These types of lights are fantastic for task lighting and creating a cohesive source of lighting. Spotlights are great for lighting pathways and outdoor areas. Downlights can be positioned under roofs and garages to illuminate at a higher level. As long as they are suitably rated for outdoor use, they make an excellent choice for outdoor lighting.
Solar Lighting
Solar lighting remains a popular choice for outdoor lighting as it can be relatively fuss free and does not require mains electricity.
Whilst this makes it a cheaper option, it does rely on adequate levels of sunlight during the day to work when it's dark. Therefore it is not the most reliable source of outdoor lighting.
Head to our full range of garden and outdoor lighting to get your garden summer ready.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]To help get your garden summer ready and suitably lit for all the seasons, we take a look at the types of garden and outdoor lighting ideas for your home.
Whether you're looking to refresh your garden space for Spring, or you're in the stages of a complete renovation, lighting is a key aspect to take into account when making changes to your outdoor space.
With the easing of lockdown and summer on the way, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that we'll be spending much more time outdoors, and in company.
To help you get your garden summer ready, we explore the different ways you can light your garden effectively.
Get The Correct IP Rated Lights
The first step to choosing lighting for your garden is to ensure they are suitably IP rated for outdoor use. If you are using lights under a covering such as a porch they need to be IP rated 44 +. For use in fully exposed areas, the lights need to be IP rated 66 +. This will ensure they are appropriately protected from dirt and moisture.
Plan Your Garden Lighting Design Early
If you are in the midst of a complete garden renovation, you should use this opportunity to plan your garden lighting design before the project has started. Most cabling will need to go under planting and hard landscaping. just like an interior renovation, you want to ensure you do everything at the right time so as not to cause problems and additional work further down the line.
Use A Combination of Light Sources
An easy way to add character and interest to a garden in a light scheme is by using a variety of different type lights. Use a combination to highlight texture, depth and drama in walls, fences, steps, patio edges, foliage, trees and water.
Think less is more, as you don't want to over light the area. You could use wall lights in conjunction with downlights to light a path or by using candles and lanterns to create further atmosphere.
Opt For LED Lighting
Where possible, opt for LED garden lighting. LED lighting is the most energy efficient light source. They'll help you save money whilst helping the environment around you too. Because they're energy efficient, they have a much longer lifespan than their halogen counterparts.
Security Lights
As we touched on in our post on types of outdoor lighting, security lights are a fantastic way to securely light your home, offering you peace of mind. However, you do need to be careful that they don't disrupt the rest of your lighting plan. Because floodlights are incredibly bright, they will normally wash out any other lighting in the vicinity.
There's nothing wrong with having an effective lighting setup and floodlights. But you might want to reconsider their positioning, and if they have time delays.
These tips should help you to effectively light your garden. Take a look at our full range of IP66 outdoor lights for more inspiration.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]To help you get your garden summer ready, we explore the different ways you can light your garden effectively.
Using your lighting scheme to create atmosphere is called 'mood lighting'. Traditionally this can be done in a number of ways which we will explore further in this blog.
With the rise in smart homes and app controlled lighting, mood lighting continues to be thrust into the spotlight and drawn on to create an atmospheric home.
As well as creating an atmosphere, different types of lights can evoke different moods. Mood lighting does become more of a strategic lighting strategy to reflect your daily needs and mood.
How To Create Mood Lighting
You don't need a smart home to create atmospheric mood lighting throughout your home. It can be added as an essential tier in your lighting design in a few different ways.
Dimmer Switch
Installing a dimmer switch is the easiest way to create atmosphere. Whether dimming your lighting after a taxing day, or getting ready for a relaxing evening in the living room to create the perfect mood.
They're one of the easiest ways to create mood lighting. They lower the light level of your main ceiling lights quickly and easily. When using LED bulbs, they do need to be dimmable bulbs to ensure they are compatible with the dimmer fitting. Additionally, the dimmer switch needs to be a trailing edge dimmer, suitable for LEDs.
Choose The Correct Colour Temperature of Bulbs
Selecting the right colour temperature of your bulbs will help to create the right mood in your room. With a smart home lighting setup you can choose light changing bulbs such as red, blue and green. Whilst these help to create specific ambiences, they don't complement traditional or vintage style decors.
A vintage style light bulb with a low colour temperature will help to create warmth. A warm sunset white (1800k) light bulb gives off an orangey glow. This creates a cosy intimacy, whilst keeping a vintage charm. A 2700K light bulb is the best colour temperature when you want to achieve a traditional, cosy-looking appearance (in your lounge for example). A higher colour temperature level (such as 4100k daylight LED bulbs) is a good option when you want that ultra-modern task lighting look, making it a perfect choice for your kitchen.
Light Fittings
Whilst the above will help, choosing specific light fittings in a layered lighting scheme will help to create that ambient space.
Traditional wall lights such as wall sconces and floor lamps are fantastic for illuminating specific spaces. This is a far better alternative to ceiling lights during times of the day when you want to relax and tone down the lighting. Perfect for a reading nook in a living room, a bedside table and a bathroom.
A more contemporary alternative which is not as visually intrusive is LED strip lighting. These strips can be installed underneath cabinetry and shelves to create visual impact.
Mood lighting is a fantastic strategy to implement into any home lighting scheme. It helps to create a relaxing and ambient home that you can control to reflect your daily needs.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Using your lighting scheme to create atmosphere is called ‘mood lighting’. Traditionally this can be done in a number of ways which we will explore further in this blog. With the rise in smart homes and app controlled lighting, mood lighting continues to be thrust into the spotlight and drawn on to create an atmospheric […]
It's important to keep the exterior of your property well lit for security purposes, practicality and style.
With summer on the way, it's the perfect opportunity to assess the lighting setup in your outdoor space and get it kitted out for those garden parties, and all year round use that will see you through to the dark nights in the winter.
We explore the different types of outdoor lighting to get your outdoor space, summer ready.
Outdoor Wall Lights
Wall lights for your exterior are a popular choice when it comes to an outdoor lighting scheme. They're usually decorative fittings that add more than just functionality.
One thing you want to ensure when purchasing your wall lights is that they are suitably IP rated in order to contend with the elements. If the lights are going to be fully exposed, they need to be rated at IP66 + which ensures that they are adequately sealed and protected from dirt and moisture. For areas under a covering such as a porch, an IP44+ rated wall light will be suitable.
Most wall lights are mains powered, but there are solar powered options available on the market.
Ceiling Lights
It may not be possible to use wall lights if you have limited space or only a garage on the exterior of your property. Ceiling lights are a great option because they can be placed anywhere there is overhang.
Again, you need to ensure that they are suitably IP rated for outdoor use. There are many stylish options for ceiling lights. The Kemp Polished Brass ceiling light is ideal for outdoor use. These beautifully industrial, nautical style ceiling lights come with clear glass, perfect for Edison style decorative LED bulbs. They're tough and durable, holding an IP66 rating.
Downlights
Downlights offer a streamlined and tidy finish to an exterior whilst providing a fantastic level of light.
Our GU10 downlights are IP66 rated so they are suitable for outdoor use. Ideal for lining a house, or underneath a garage and angled downwards. They could also be used to illuminate paths, gardens and driveways. They do omit a wider level of light than a standard light fixture so they're best used on larger areas.
As demonstrated below by Maciver Electrical Services who used our copper GU10 downlights to light this house.
Outdoor Floodlights
Outdoor floodlights are often used as security lights for the property which switch on when they detect movement via a sensor. Floodlights are incredibly bright so they will normally wash out any other lighting you have on in the vicinity. This is definitely worth bearing in mind when choosing the lighting for your outdoor space.
However, they can also be used in the ground to light up objects effectively. If you have a large tree or wall that you want to light up, a floodlight at the base of the feature might be more effective than a spotlight, due to the higher light output.
Lanterns & Fairy Lights
For a cosy outdoor space, you might want to opt for lanterns or fairy lights. They will provide more of a decorative light source but aren't necessarily the greatest source of light. These are usually an affordable option either solar or battery powered.
Our full range of outdoor and bathroom lights are now available online.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]We explore the different types of outdoor lighting to get your outdoor space, summer ready.
Whether you're in the process of an electrical overhaul or wanting to freshen up some of your electrical points, it can be overwhelming knowing what to choose, and what is best suited for your setup.
We explore the key considerations to take into account when choosing the right sockets for your home.
What Sockets Do I Need For A TV?
There are lots of different types and variations when it comes to TV points for a TV which all serve different purposes.
Coaxial Sockets
A coaxial socket is the most common TV socket for those with a traditional aerial setup. This type of outlet is most common for TV aerial connections, but is also commonly used for FM radio.
F Connector
An F connector module is used for a more secure connection to TV and satellite points. An F wall socket is the screw on threaded type connection that you will find on the rear of your satellite receiver. F types are almost exclusively used for satellite plugs & connections. Such as for your Sky & Freesat boxes and DAB radio.
Master or Slave Telephone Socket?
A master telephone socket is a necessary fixture for any home where you need an active telephone line. As the name suggests, this is a master telephone socket and it can replace the BT master in a home.
A slave telephone socket is only required if you need secondary telephone sockets in different locations in your house. You still need a master socket for the main line, and the additional locations should use a slave socket.
Traditional or USB Socket?
When it comes to the main plug sockets, a lot of it does come down to personal preference whether you opt for traditional or USB plug sockets.
USB ports offer style and practicality. The additional ports for charging expand the amount you can charge at one time, from one area.
It can make a charging area look much more streamlined when in use. USB sockets become particularly handy in rooms where there is limited space. They're great for offices, kitchens and living rooms.
13A or 5Amp?
13a sockets are the most common plug sockets for the home. These feature 3 holes, for regular UK plugs and come in one or two gang.
5amp sockets feature three round holes and do not fit regular UK electrical plugs. 5 amp sockets are used on the lighting circuit. This means they are switched on and off with the light switches in the room, rather than being used like regular plug sockets. They are designed for appliances that take less than a 5 amp current. For example, floor lamps, table lamps and fans.
Armed with everything you need to know before taking that next step, take a look at our full range of sockets for your next purchase.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Whether you’re in the process of an electrical overhaul or wanting to freshen up some of your electrical points, it can be overwhelming knowing what to choose, and what is best suited for your setup. We explore the key considerations to take into account when choosing the right sockets for your home. What Sockets Do […]
Black nickel is one of the most common and popular finishes for sockets and switches. It is often seen in modern or contemporary decors, and goes well with black TVs, picture frames, kettles and toasters.
What is black nickel finish?
Black nickel is nickel with a black tint. Regular polished nickel is mirror like, with a silvery tint, but black nickel shows a darker look. It is a black, reflective mirrored finish, and in some lights can look more like polished chrome or polished nickel. It differs in colour and texture to matt black, being shinier and a lighter shade.
Matt black finish looks different to black nickel, as matt black doesn’t look reflective, and simply looks like a normal black. Black nickel is more common on sockets, switches and downlights than black chrome, which gives off a slightly different tint. You can read more about the differences between black nickel and black chrome in our blog: Black Nickel Vs Black Chrome.
The Benefits of Black Nickel Socket & Switches
The main benefit is the appearance. Good quality black nickel switches can look absolutely stunning, can look great alongside black electrical items, and can really add a modern look to a room. The main negative of black nickel is that the shiny finish doesn’t cover up blemishes and fingerprints, so sockets and light switches often need to be cleaned.
What colours go well with black nickel?
Black is a fairly universal colour, so it can go well alongside most other colours, however the sophistication of black nickel makes it work well with whites, greys as well as rich, deep reds and blues.
Choosing the right range for you
Black nickel is a striking finish, that really adds style to any room, therefore a higher end range of sockets and switches is more likely to do it justice than a low-end range. As well as the appearance, it is also important to consider the size of the range. If you require a less common socket or switch that isn’t part of a range, you may need to mix and match from another range, which can look messy. Therefore, choosing a range with a lot in it is the best option in this case.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Black nickel is one of the most common and popular finishes for sockets and switches. It is often seen in modern or contemporary decors, and goes well with black TVs, picture frames, kettles and toasters. What is black nickel finish? Black nickel is nickel with a black tint. Regular polished nickel is mirror like, with […]
LED bulbs bring a whole host of benefits to your lighting setup at home, from reduced bills and energy usage to the environmental advantages as a whole that come from making the switch to LED lighting.
If you're looking to make the switch or not sure where to start when purchasing LED bulbs, we explore the key things to look for when purchasing LED bulbs to help you make an informed buying decision.
What Makes A Good LED Bulb?
There are a number of different features to look for when purchasing LED bulbs that all play their part in delivering a durable and robust LED bulb for your light fittings.
Colour Rendering Index (CRI)
Colour rendering index is the measurement of how colours look under a light source when compared with sunlight. Measured between 0-100, 100 represents the highest level, bringing the benefits of greater clarity, improved colour differentiation and more ‘natural’ artificial lighting.
CRI is an important element to look for in bulbs as the level can greatly enhance or dampen the clarity, and even have an impact on your overall mood. Look for a CRI of anything greater than 95 to reap the full benefits of CRI.
The Soho Lighting Company brand new high CRI downlights offer a built-in colour temperature changing function so you can set your downlights to warm, daylight or cool. Bringing at home relief from winter and work from home blues.
Voltage
When choosing a light bulb you will need to take into account the voltage. This is more to ensure that the voltage is suitable for the light fitting, or dimmer switch if applicable. It's important to get this element right as low voltage draws more current, and high voltage can reduce the lifespan of your bulb. Choosing the correct voltage is more from a functional point of view, but it will ensure you select the right bulb that will stand the test of time.
Lumens
When selecting an LED light bulb, look at the lumens, rather than watts. Lumens or lumen output represents how bright the light output is. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light will be. You may want different lumens per room based on what the room is used for.
Colour Temperature
Colour temperature is all down to personal preference. The colour temperature (kelvins) of a light bulb describes how the light appears when an illuminated bulb is looked at directly by the human eye.
A colour temperature around 1800k omits an orangey colour, whilst anything around 4100K omits a bluish colour, this is the closest to natural daylight you can get with colour temperature.
Keep an eye out for these key fundamentals when next choosing your LED bulbs.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]LED bulbs bring a whole host of benefits to your lighting setup at home, from reduced bills and energy usage to the environmental advantages as a whole that come from making the switch to LED lighting. If you’re looking to make the switch or not sure where to start when purchasing LED bulbs, we explore […]
Gold is a gorgeous colour to use in your interiors and is available in a multitude of 'golden' shades, though this shouldn't be mistaken for metallic gold, a yellow shade with flecks of gold glitter.
All gold starts as pure yellow gold, and the differing shades include mixing small amounts of white gold and rose gold where the metals are alloyed to give them their specific shade, whether more yellow, orange, or pink.
What Colours Go With Gold?
If you're looking to add golden accents to your home, we explore the different colours that go well with gold.
Gold & Pink
The colour combination gold, or rose gold and pink gold shot to stardom because of the 'millennial pink' trend. This notorious colour combination works so well together in interiors and is often seen paired with marble. There's probably nothing more millennial than this trio!
Pink is usually seen as the dominant colour and is complemented with gold accents through furnishings, accessories and interior hardware.
Gold with Black & White
You can't go wrong with this classic and timeless monochrome combination. It's a fail safe match when it comes to gold. The best way to use gold is to pull the room together with it by using subtle accents. Such as through sockets and switches, cabinet hardware and decor accesories.
Gold & Blue
Gold works extremely well with multiple shades of blue, from the lighter end of the spectrum right through to something as dark as cobalt blue. The two colours contrast perfectly together for maximum impact.
Painting your walls with a shade of blue and contrasting with gold artwork or interior hardware will really allow the gold pieces to pop. The muted tones of navy blue work especially well to contrast this bright and shiny metal.
Gold & Grey
We know that gold is a match made in heaven for grey marble, so unsurprisingly it complements grey in an interior too.
Lighter shades of grey offer a neutral and subtle backdrop to work from. This makes it the perfect foundation for bringing in a bold colour such as gold. The difference in the two colours creates an eye-catching and striking look.
Dressing a grey room with gold accents will help to nail this combination perfectly.
Gold & Green
Pair forest greens with gold to make a bold statement. Whether you do this through way of paint, wallpaper or just by incorporating houseplants, gold and green are a force to be reckoned with in your interior.
But no matter what hue of green you go for, incorporating this complementary pairing will result in a trendy, natural looking space.
Gold & White
Of course, gold and white are a timeless and elegant combination when paired together. A classic combination that is seen at weddings, during Christmas and through interiors.
White provides the best blank foundations to build on. You would very rarely see gold and white on their own without introducing any other pops of colour. But because of this classic pairing, most colours will integrate well with them too. From bright colours such as pink and purple, through to black and charcoal grey. This combination works especially well in living rooms for an airy and welcoming atmosphere.
There are so many different colours that go with gold that it's an easy colour, and metal to work into your interior to make a statement. Why not consider gold downlights to really blend with your interior?
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]If you’re looking to add golden accents to your home, we explore the different colours that go well with gold.
Downlights are a great option for a lighting setup. They provide well balanced lighting throughout a space, whilst looking streamlined and tidy.
They are ideal for most rooms in the house. Available in a number of different styles to suit your requirements.
To help you with your next downlighting purchase, we discuss the things that make a good downlight, and the specifics to look for.
What Makes A Good Downlight?
Aesthetics aside, there are a number of factors to look for in downlights which will arm you with the technicalities that make the difference between poor quality, and good downlights.
Fire Ratings - Compliance
Perhaps one of the most important things to look out for is the fire rating of a downlight. According to the Electrical Safety Council, fire rated downlights should be used in all ceilings, no matter what type of building in which they are installed.
Fire ratings will usually be rated at 30, 60 or 90 minutes, or all three. This rating depends on the size and structure of the building. A top floor flat would likely require at least a 90. Whilst the bottom floor may need 30 or 60 minutes.
IP Ratings - Compliance
IP ratings determine the levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies. This is an important rating to look out for when you're looking to light certain rooms in your home.
If you're looking to furnish a room such as a bedroom or living room, downlights with an IP rating of IP44 + will be suitable.
When it comes to areas that are subject to damp and moisture such as a bathroom, you're going to need something a bit higher. The bathroom is split into various zones which depict their level of moisture. You'll normally see this as Zone 0, 1 or 2. Zone 0, which represents the space inside the shower would require an IP rating of IP67 which is total immersion proof.
CRI - Colour Rendering Index - The Quality of Light
There's more to choosing the colour of lights than you think. Colour rendering index or CRI is the measurement of how faithfully an artificial light represents the full colour spectrum of natural sunlight. The higher the CRI, the better clarity of colours. High CRI lighting enhances the true colour of foods to aid preparation, can help with colour-based tasks such as painting, improved clarity and definition of images and text and lift your general mood and home life.
When looking for downlights, look for the highest CRI downlights available. Anything from 97-100 CRI represents the closest to natural daylight which will greatly improve the clarity of the activities you carry out in your home, and your mood.
At Elesi Lighting we are delighted to offer The Soho Lighting Company range of high >95-97 CRI downlights. Their high CRI output makes them the perfect choice for kitchens and bathrooms. As well as rooms where activity, reading or relaxation takes place.
LED Lighting
Where possible, look for LED downlights. When compared to halogen bulbs, LED lights can provide a whole host of benefits including reduced electricity bills and a longer lifespan.
Many halogen bulbs have now been banned in the EU due to energy efficient reasons. But it's still an important consideration to take into account.
Take a look at our full range of downlights to find the perfect lights for your home.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]To help you with your next downlighting purchase, we discuss the things that make a good downlight, and the specifics to look for.
When it comes to completing the finer details of your home such as the interior hardware, there are plenty of finishes to choose from.
If you're not sure whether anthracite is the right finish for your home, we explore exactly what it is and how you can incorporate it into your home.
What Is Anthracite?
Dating back to the late 16th century, anthracite was discovered and described by Pliny as something that resembles coal. The name has a Greek origin of anthrakitēs, from anthrax, anthrak- ‘coal’.
In its purest form, anthracite, otherwise known as 'coal' is a hard, compact type of coal. It has a sub metallic lustre and is one of the highest ranking forms of coal. Coal has the highest carbon content of any mineral, it has a carbon content of between 92.1% and 98%. This means that it contains very few impurities.
What Is Anthracite Finish?
The anthracite rock is black, with a metallic gloss, this is why the dominant colour is black, but it simultaneously falls into the grey spectrum of colours. However, Anthracite can come in a wide range of colours from black to steel grey, and even blush pink. As you can imagine, this makes for a wonderful finish once polished for decorative purposes in your home.
Anthracite remains a very sought after finish in home interiors, renown for that lovely, smoky dark charcoal colour. It remains a very contemporary finish in both industrial and modern interiors. Anthracite is one of the most expensive minerals available, because of this, it does give that added edge of luxury when used in an interior.
When it comes to interior hardware, anthracite finish looks stunning on sockets and switches, door handles, radiators and other interior hardware. This is a finish that is a wonderful for giving your home that luxurious edge.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]If you’re not sure whether anthracite is the right finish for your home, we explore exactly what it is and how you can incorporate it into your home.