Outdoor Lights

Patio, Porch and Outdoor Decorative Lighting

Patio and Alfresco Lighting

Patio and alfresco lighting works best as layers: overhead ambient light from festoon strings or ceiling pendants, supplemented by wall lights at eye level and step or path lights at the perimeter. Festoon strings create the warm, restaurant feel atmosphere most Australians associate with a great alfresco setup. Outdoor ceiling pendants above a dining table provide focused task light without the glare of a downlight directly overhead. Most plug-in festoon and string options need nothing more than an outdoor power point; hardwired ceiling and wall fittings require a licensed electrician. Browse our festoon lights and outdoor ceiling lights for both plug-in and hardwired alfresco options.

Porch and Entry Lighting

Your porch light is what greets guests and what you come home to. Two design conventions work well for Australian homes: matched pairs flanking the door in the symmetrical Hamptons or heritage approach, or a single statement pendant for contemporary builds with higher ceilings. Coach lanterns and gooseneck wall lights in brass or black suit traditional and heritage exteriors; matte black architectural fittings suit modern renders; copper develops a natural patina that suits coastal Hamptons homes over time. Position the centre of the fitting at approximately eye level, around 1.7m above floor, for wall-mounted options; allow 2.1m of clearance underneath for hanging pendants. See our full range of outdoor wall lights for gooseneck, bunker, lantern and architectural sconce styles. 

Outdoor Decorative Lights

Outdoor decorative lights, including festoon strings, pendant lanterns, vintage and industrial wall fittings and garden feature lights, are what make an exterior feel considered rather than functional. Decorative lighting operates at lower lux than security or task lighting, so it layers in without overwhelming the space. String lights woven through pergola beams, a statement pendant lantern at the entrance, or uplighting on a feature tree all contribute to the exterior atmosphere that security floodlights and path lights cannot create on their own. Browse lantern lights, garden lights and outdoor spotlights for decorative options across every outdoor zone. 

Choosing Outdoor Lights for Your Home and Climate

Weatherproofing — What to Check

All outdoor light fittings carry an IP (Ingress Protection) weatherproof rating. The first number indicates dust protection; the second indicates water protection. Our IP ratings guide explains what each rating means for different outdoor positions and which environments require which level of protection. Your licensed electrician will determine the correct rating for each specific installation point on your property, which is a legal requirement for all hardwired outdoor electrical work in Australia, not just good practice. 

Coastal Homes — Material Matters

Within a few kilometres of the coast, salt-laden air accelerates corrosion on standard finishes. Solid copper or brass construction stands firm against corrosion where standard powder-coated finishes cannot. The natural finish continues to patina over time depending on the environmental conditions the fitting is placed in. For more sheltered coastal positions, under eaves or inside a covered porch, quality powder-coated aluminium with a sealed finish performs well.  

LED, Hardwired and Outdoor Power

For permanent positions, including entries, driveways, garden walls and security lighting, hardwired LED is the reliable, low-maintenance standard. LED outdoor fittings use significantly less energy than older halogen equivalents, produce less heat, and maintain consistent output across Australian temperature ranges. For entertaining areas and decorative purposes where flexibility matters, plug-in festoon systems and garden spike lights are the practical alternative. Solar suits ambient lighting you don't need running all year. It's not suited to security or permanent task positions where consistency matters. Browse floodlights, step lights and up down lights for permanent hardwired security and exterior options.