Outdoor lighting – lighting solutions for facades, gardens & terraces

When light shapes spaces, guides paths, and creates atmosphere outdoors

Outdoor lights are far more than just functional light sources: they are design elements, safety features, and an expression of your outdoor space – from the patio and garden to pathways and the facade of your house. Our outdoor lighting category offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality lights that combine technology, design, and weather resistance at the highest level. At Licht-Kraus GmbH, we focus on quality, sustainable materials, and lighting effects that are just as compelling outdoors as they are indoors.

This text explains what's important when choosing outdoor lighting: lighting effect and use, materials and workmanship, protection ratings and technology, design options and architecture, applications and planning, energy efficiency and sustainability, as well as maintenance and value retention. A FAQ section with frequently asked questions about outdoor lighting follows.

Lighting effects & uses – sophisticated outdoor lighting

Outdoor lights create light where daylight ends. They enable use, create atmosphere, and ensure safety at dusk and night. Good outdoor lights ensure that outdoor spaces can not only be seen but also used.

Effect characteristics

• Illumination of terraces, seating areas or garden paths with harmonious light

• Light accents – facade structure, plants, paths or details are emphasized.

• Orientation and safety – clear lighting, no shadow traps

• Create atmosphere – warm white light for lingering, neutral white when orientation is important

With well-designed lighting, your outdoor area becomes accessible, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing.

Materials & workmanship – quality that lasts outdoors

Outdoor lighting fixtures are exposed to extreme conditions: rain, frost, UV radiation, and wind. Therefore, the choice of materials and the workmanship are crucial.

Features & Materials

• Housing made of die-cast aluminum or stainless steel – corrosion-resistant and durable

• Protective coatings and powder coatings for additional weather resistance

• Glass or tempered acrylic as a cover – robust against weathering and clean in the light image.

• Seals, high-quality sealing systems and high-quality connection technology

• Protection ratings for outdoor use – IP44 as a minimum, depending on use IP55, IP65 or higher

High-quality outdoor lights last through everyday use and do not lose their effectiveness – material quality is key here.

Protection types & technology – Safety and function in outdoor areas

Besides design and materials, technology must function outdoors – reliably and with minimal maintenance. Protection rating (IP), impact resistance, and installation play a major role in this.

Technical points

• Protection rating (e.g. IP55/IP65) depending on location and use

• Impact resistance (IK value) for recessed floor or path lights

• Sensors such as motion or twilight switches for energy saving and safety

• LED technology with long lifespan, low heat generation and maintenance-free operation

• Mounting options: wall, ceiling, floor, ground spike depending on the architecture

Once this technology has been tested, outdoor lighting will be reliable – even in wind and weather.

Design options & architecture – light for style and structure

Good outdoor lighting blends harmoniously into architecture and landscape or deliberately creates striking accents. Our selection offers options that combine style and function.

Design options

• Classic wall lanterns with a decorative shape for the entrance area

• slim bollard or floor lamps along paths or terraces

• Recessed and floor lights for subtle illumination of surfaces

• Modern, minimalist designs with clean lines for contemporary architecture

• Smart lights with color control, app or sensor for changing lighting moments

Design and technology work together to make outdoor areas comfortable, stylish and functional.

Applications & Planning – Outdoor Lighting Concepts

Every outdoor area has its own unique requirements. A good selection and placement of lighting fixtures ensures both effectiveness and safety.

Application examples

• Terrace & Lounge Area: warm light color, comfortable height, indirect light

• Garden path or driveway: orientation, ground lights or bollards, clear lighting design

• House facade: Showcasing architecture with up/down lights or wall spotlights

• Entrance & front door: powerful light, possibly with sensor function

• Conservatories or covered outdoor areas: Lights with a suitable protection rating

Planning content

• Choose the light color according to its use (e.g. 2,700-3,000 K for living areas)

• Consider mounting height, distance, viewing angle and shadows.

• Consider material and protection rating – analyze location

• Combine lights with furniture, plants, and lighting zones for a harmonious overall look.

Energy efficiency & sustainability – light with a view to the future

Outdoor lighting is often used at night. Therefore, energy efficiency is particularly important. Modern outdoor lights offer technology that pays off in the long run.

Advantages

• LED technology with high efficiency and low heat emission

• Sensor functions reduce operation when light is not needed.

• Durable materials reduce maintenance and replacement needs.

• Sustainable solutions: less energy consumption, less waste

Sustainable outdoor lighting means: looking good, functioning well, and consuming few resources.

Care & Value Preservation – Maintaining Quality

The same applies to outdoor lights: proper maintenance ensures effectiveness and longevity.

Care instructions

• Clean the housing regularly, especially in areas with salt spray or leaf accumulation.

• Remove dust, algae, or moss from covers

• Check screws and fasteners, inspect seals

• Do not cover the light fixture – ensure adequate air circulation

• Check for spare parts – brand-name lights often offer long-term spare parts availability.

With proper care, your outdoor lighting will remain durable and of high quality.

FAQ – Outdoor Lights

1. Which light color is suitable for outdoor use?
Warm white (≈ 2,700-3,000 K) for living areas and terraces; neutral white (≈ 3,000-4,000 K) when orientation or safety is paramount.

2. What protection rating should an outdoor light have?
For covered areas, at least IP44 is required; for unprotected outdoor areas, IP55-IP65 or higher is recommended.

3. Which materials are particularly durable outdoors?
Aluminum die-casting, stainless steel, and hard-anodized metal with a protective coating are particularly suitable.

4. Can I use outdoor lights with sensors?
Yes – motion and twilight sensors increase comfort and energy efficiency.

5. How high should I mount an outdoor wall light?
Typically about 1.60-1.80 m above the floor – depending on viewing angle, wall and use.

6. Do outdoor lights require a lot of maintenance?
High-quality models require very little maintenance. Regular cleaning and inspection are sufficient.

7. Can outdoor lights be combined with furniture and design?
Yes – furniture, sight lines, light sources and plants can be ideally combined to create harmonious outdoor spaces.

8. Are there differences between floor and wall mounting?
Yes – floor lamps require a higher protection rating, higher load-bearing capacity, and often a different look.

9. How much does a high-quality outdoor light cost?
Quality isn't solely determined by price, but also by materials, technology, and workmanship. High-quality lighting fixtures are a worthwhile investment in the long run.

10. What should I pay particular attention to when buying?
Material quality, protection class, light color, technology (LED), mounting type, spare parts supply and brand background.