Solar lights, floodlights, string lights and torches for outside
Good outdoor lighting makes your home feel welcoming after dark and a lot safer too. A lit path, a bright driveway and a softly glowing patio change how you use your outdoor space in the evenings.
This category includes solar lamps for paths and garden beds, floodlights for driveways and security, string lights for patios and pergolas, underwater lights for ponds and pools, and flashlights for power cuts, camping and the car.
Think about each job separately. Security lighting should be bright and often motion-activated. Path lighting should be low and spaced evenly so people can see where they're walking. Patio lighting should be warm and soft for relaxing.
The most important spec outside is the IP rating, which tells you how well a light handles dust and water. IP44 copes with splashes, IP65 handles rain from any direction, and IP67 or IP68 can be submerged. For solar lights, remember that output depends on sunshine. In winter or shady spots, they'll run for fewer hours, so place the panel where it gets direct sun for most of the day.