12 types of outdoor lighting for your garden or driveway

Outdoor lighting is lighting designed for use in outdoor spaces, such as the garden, driveway or façade. It provides extra visibility and orientation in the dark and increases safety around your home. At the same time, outdoor lighting contributes to a pleasant atmosphere in the garden or at the entrance.

Discover the different types of outdoor lights available, the various power sources (such as mains power, solar or battery), and the latest trends in garden lighting. This makes it easy to choose the right outdoor lighting for your situation.

There are eleven types of outdoor lighting: garden spotlights, string lights (fairy lights), lanterns, path lighting, step lighting, doorbell lighting, motion sensor lights, security lighting, camera and intercom lighting, plant lighting, and façade lighting. Below we take a closer look at these types of outdoor lighting.

1. Garden spotlights

Garden spotlights are adjustable fixtures with a narrow beam angle of 15° to 60°, designed to illuminate specific features such as trees, shrubs or façades. These spotlights are available in 12V low voltage (safe and easy to install) or 230V mains voltage (more powerful and suitable for permanent installation). For outdoor use, an IP65 rating is recommended; this means fully dust-tight and resistant to water jets.

Place the garden spotlight 1 to 2 metres from the object you want to illuminate, at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. This prevents overexposure and creates a natural transition between light and shadow. Preferably use warm white light (2700K–3000K) for soft illumination of planting.

2. String lights (fairy lights)

String lights are flexible cables with evenly spaced sockets, into which you fit dimmable LED bulbs (preferably 2000K–2700K) for soft, warm light. They are suitable for temporary use at parties, but also for permanent installation on canopies, in trees or between posts. Most string lights are rated IP44 or higher, making them resistant to splashing water and rain.

String the cable at a height of at least 2.20 metres above a walkway or seating area. Keep the sag to a minimum to prevent glare. Secure the ends firmly with rings or hooks to a façade, post or tree trunk.

3. Lanterns

Lanterns are portable or fixed garden lights with a diffuse light output of up to around 150 lumens. They are used as orientation lighting in dark corners or at entry points. Light sources range from LED to candles or oil, depending on the model. Typical materials include metal, glass or weather-resistant plastic. Most lanterns are intended for sheltered outdoor spaces and have an IP rating between IP20 and IP44.

Place lanterns at eye level (80–120 cm) near benches, doors or terraces. Arrange three lanterns in a triangular layout to spread the light distribution and avoid dark zones. Use models with a warm colour temperature (2500K–2700K) for a soft glow.

4. Path lighting

Path lighting ensures that walkways in the garden or driveway remain safe and clearly visible, even at dusk or in the dark. Typical fixtures are bollard lights (30–60 cm high) or low post lights, fitted with a downward-facing beam to prevent glare. The colour temperature ranges between 2700K and 3000K for pleasant visibility without harsh contrast.

Place path lighting at a distance of 2 to 4 metres between the lights, on one side of the path or alternating left and right. Always direct the light downward and avoid obstacles in the light line.

5. Step lighting

Step lighting is essential for clearly highlighting level differences in the garden and reducing the risk of tripping or falling. Suitable fixtures include recessed spotlights in the risers, wall lights at knee height, or LED strips beneath the treads. The beam is narrow and directional, with low light output (100–200 lumens) to avoid distracting light.

Use low, indirect lighting with a wide light spread, such as recessed LED spotlights (IP65) with a warm colour temperature. Place lighting at every second or third step for balanced distribution.

6. Doorbell lighting

Lighting near the doorbell is important for both residents and visitors. It makes the bell visible, makes it easier to open the door, and increases the sense of security. Popular options include wall lights with an integrated sensor, small LED spotlights above or beside the bell, or illuminated doorbells themselves.

Place a compact wall light at a height of around 150–160 cm, slightly above or beside the doorbell, and preferably choose a model with a motion sensor or dusk sensor. This way, the light only comes on when needed. Use warm white light (2700K) to prevent glare at eye level.

7. Motion sensor lights (700–1,200 lumens)

Motion sensor lights switch on automatically when movement is detected within the sensor's range. This happens via a passive infrared sensor (PIR) that picks up changes in heat. They deter unwanted visitors and provide lighting exactly when needed, without unnecessary energy consumption.

Place motion sensor lights at a height of 2 to 2.5 metres near entrances such as the front door, back door, garage or side path. Choose a model with a detection angle of 120–180 degrees and set the sensor so it only activates on human movement, to prevent false triggers from animals or leaves.

8. Security lighting (1,200+ lumens)

Security lighting is lighting that switches on suddenly, immediately exposing and deterring unwanted visitors. This involves bright LED floodlights (1,200 lumens) with a motion sensor, positioned in dark corners or open areas.

Mount security lighting on a corner of the house or garage, aimed at vulnerable areas such as back gates or blind walls. Combine with a dusk sensor so the system only activates in darkness. Preferably use a model with adjustable duration and light intensity.

9. Camera and intercom lighting (300–700 lumens)

Camera and intercom lighting supports the operation of security cameras or video intercom systems. It provides sufficient, even illumination of faces and entrances without overexposure or harsh shadows. Many models feature integrated LED lighting that switches on automatically upon movement or via a dusk sensor.

Install this lighting just above or beside the camera or intercom, at a height of around 1.8 to 2 metres. Choose a light with a wide beam angle and diffuse light of 300–700 lumens, so visitors are clearly visible to the camera — without overexposing the image.

10. Plant lighting

Lighting for plants and flowers highlights the structure, colour and layering of the greenery. Low garden spotlights or ground spotlights with a narrow beam angle (15°–40°) are used for this, aimed at larger leaves, ornamental grasses or flowering borders.

Use warm white light (2700–3000K) to illuminate flowers and leaves. For foliage plants with silvery-grey or blue tones, neutral white (4000K) works better to sharply define their structure without discolouration.

11. Statue and art lighting

Garden statues, sculptures and art objects come to life in the evening with directional lighting. Use narrow, adjustable spotlights (10°–30°) to create clear contrast between light and shadow. For smaller objects, 300–500 lumens is sufficient, while 800+ lumens is more effective for larger artworks.

Direct the light from below at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees onto the statue for depth and texture. Avoid overexposure and make sure the beam falls precisely on the object, not the background.

12. Façade lighting

Façade lighting highlights the lines, textures and symmetry of a home. Typical fixtures are up & down wall lights or façade spotlights that direct light vertically along walls. This allows you to accentuate brickwork, timber slats or modern plasterwork details.

Combine façade lighting with bollard lights or path lighting in the same style and colour temperature for a cohesive lighting plan. Use symmetrical placement at pillars, windows or doors. Choose a light output between 400–800 lumens per fixture, depending on height and surface area.

Power sources for outdoor lighting

The choice of power source determines the efficiency, maintenance and application possibilities of your outdoor lighting. The table below shows the three most commonly used types: LED lights, solar outdoor lighting, and halogen/traditional lighting.

Feature	LED outdoor lighting	Solar outdoor lighting	Halogen/traditional
Energy consumption	Low – up to 80% less than halogen	Very low – works without mains power	High – up to 5× more than LED
Lifespan in years	25,000–50,000 hours → 25–50 years at 3 hours' use per day	2,000–3,000 hours → 2–3 years (battery replacement required)	±2,000 hours → 2 years with limited use (3 hours per day)
Light output (lumens)	200–2,000 lumens, depending on model	±100–300 lumens (low)	1,000–2,000 lumens (high)
Cabling required	Yes – 230V or 12V connection required	No – completely wireless	Yes – fixed mains connection required
Ease of installation	Moderate – requires wiring	Very easy – simply place it	Moderate – connection required
Maintenance	Low – rarely needs replacing	Moderate – battery replacement after 2–3 years	High – short lifespan, regular replacement
Sustainability profile	High – energy-efficient, long lifespan, low material use	Reasonable – sustainable in use, but environmental impact from batteries	Low – high energy demand, short lifespan, lots of waste
Suitable for	Structural lighting (driveway, façade, garden path, security)	Garden paths without power, temporary decoration	Temporary applications, existing older installations

How do you choose the right outdoor lighting?

You choose the right outdoor lighting by determining the purpose (ambiance, safety or task lighting), where the light will be positioned (sheltered or unsheltered), and which protection rating (IP value) is required for that.

1. Choose the right type of lighting: Use ambient lighting in the garden or on the terrace, safety lighting near the driveway or front door, and task lighting along paths or steps.

2. Pay attention to the IP rating: IP44 is suitable for sheltered locations such as under a canopy, IP65 is needed for fully exposed locations such as a façade or garden path, and IP67 is the choice for ponds or wet areas.

Trends in outdoor lighting

Discover three trends in outdoor lighting: smart control, sustainable technology and integrated design.

Smart outdoor lighting uses technology that lets you control the light via an app, remote control or voice assistant such as Google Assistant or Alexa. This allows you to set brightness, colour temperature and timers, or activate motion sensors. Through integration with smart home systems, the lighting switches on automatically at sunset or upon movement, offering convenience and energy savings.

Sustainable outdoor lighting makes use of energy-efficient LEDs, solar power and recycled materials such as aluminium or glass. Solar lighting is easy to install as no cables or power connection are needed. It is suitable for locations without a power connection.

With integrated lighting, fixtures are built directly into structures such as steps, walls or decking. The lighting is visually understated yet functional, and suits modern gardens with a clean layout. This approach combines lighting with architecture, resulting in a calmer overall look for the outdoor space.