Path Lights & Bollard Lights
Learn more about path lights and how to choose the right product in our Path Lights Guide
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Path Lights Guide
Path Lights & Bollard Lights: Practical Guidance for Your Garden at Night
If you’ve ever gotten lost in your garden at night or unfortunately stumbled over something, you know how painful that can be. These accidents can easily be prevented with the right lighting. Since gardens have many potential tripping hazards, it’s important to properly illuminate all paths, driveways, and stairs around your home. Path lights provide an efficient and practical solution and also help deter potential intruders approaching in the dark.
Where should you place path lights and bollard lights?
Make sure to avoid potential tripping hazards by using path and bollard lights. Pay particular attention to areas that are uneven, winding, or steep. However, remember to illuminate the entire path evenly. Do not place the lights too far apart, as this can create strong contrasts between bright and dark areas. People moving from a well-lit area to a darker section often need time to adjust their eyes to the darkness.
Tip: Choose lights that cover a large area by mounting the light source higher up. The higher the lights, the fewer you need. Typically, path lights range in height from 60 to 150 cm (24–59 inches).
Directional or omnidirectional light?
The choice depends on your preference. Note that directional light only illuminates the path, leaving the rest of the garden dark. Omnidirectional light allows you to see what is immediately beside the path and creates overlapping light zones for more even illumination.
What types of path lights are available?
Path lights come in a variety of materials and styles. You can find models with built-in LED technology or replaceable bulbs.
Advantages of LED:
- Long lifespan
- Up to 90% energy savings
- Instant full brightness, ideal for motion sensors
Which materials are suitable for path lights?
Stainless steel and aluminum are weather-resistant materials often used for bollard lights. Copper, brass, and stone are commonly used for the posts. The light cover can be made of glass or plastic. Ultimately, your personal taste determines which material best fits your garden.
How can I protect bollard lights from vandalism?
A path light firmly anchored in the ground is less vulnerable to theft than one with a spike. If you are concerned about security in your area, opt for lights that are securely screwed in. Some materials are more resistant to vandalism than others. Compact models made of metal and plastic are more durable than delicate lights with glass covers. Motion sensors can also help deter vandals, as the light turns on when someone approaches.
Which IP rating should path lights have?
Since your path lights are exposed to the elements, it’s important to check the IP rating, which indicates the light’s protection against dust and water. Path lights should have at least an IP44 rating to protect against larger solid objects and splashing water.