Lighting guide
Light your yard like a pro
No jargon, no upselling — just the handful of things worth knowing to get a warm, safe, beautiful result outdoors.
Start with the space
The easiest way to plan is to think about where you want light, not which product to buy. Each area has a job to do:
- Entryways — a warm welcome and safe footing at the door.
- Walkways & gardens — trace the path, shape the planting.
- Patios & terraces — ambient light to make an outdoor room.
- Security & flood — bright, motion-triggered light where you need it.
Browse by space on the shop page to see kits matched to each.
IP ratings, decoded
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating tells you how sealed a fixture is. The first digit is dust, the second is water. Higher is more sealed.
| Rating | Good for |
|---|---|
| IP44 | Covered areas — porches, pergolas, gazebos |
| IP54 | Splash-resistant — covered patios (not submersible) |
| IP65 | Rain, snow and hose spray — most outdoor uses |
| IP66 | Powerful jets / driving rain — exposed floodlights |
| IP67 | Temporary immersion — ground-level path lights, puddles |
Every Accentout product page lists its exact IP rating, so you can match the fixture to where it lives.
Solar vs. low-voltage vs. hardwired
- Solar — no wiring, charges by day, switches on at dusk. Easiest to install; output and runtime depend on sunlight and placement.
- Low-voltage — plug into a transformer for steady, reliable output. Great for connected path-light runs.
- Hardwired — wired into mains for permanent fixtures like wall sconces and chandeliers. Install with a licensed electrician per local codes.
Lumens & color temperature
Lumens measure brightness. For ambiance, less is more — path lights of ~100 lumens feel soft and elegant, while security floods push 1500+ lumens. Color temperature (in Kelvin) sets the mood: 2200–2700K is warm and cozy; 3000K is a clean warm white; 5000K is bright daylight, best for security.
We don't quote energy-cost savings — efficiency depends on your usage and local rates. We do list lumens and color temperature on every product so you can choose the feel you want.
Layered lighting
The pro secret is layering. Combine three roles for depth:
- Path / task — light where people walk.
- Accent — uplight a tree, graze a wall, mark a feature.
- Ambient — string lights or lanterns for overall warmth.
The Backyard Lighting Master Bundle is built to do exactly this in one box.
Safe installation
- Hardwired fixtures: use a licensed electrician and follow local electrical and building codes. Improper wiring is dangerous and voids warranty.
- Mounting: confirm the surface and fixings can bear the fixture's weight before hanging anything overhead.
- Weather: match each fixture's IP rating to its spot, and bring portable items indoors in storms.