Think of the exterior of your house as a visual introduction to the interior. First impressions are so important, particularly if you’re thinking of selling in the not-too-distant future. A well-lit, freshly painted front door gives an indication of what the rest of the house looks like. Good outdoor lighting creates a welcoming first impression and fulfils a practical purpose, helping you and your visitors safely negotiate your way home.
Lights for All Weather
Founded in the shipyards of 19th century London, Davey’s extensive collection of traditional ship’s lights, from bulkheads to masthead fittings, pays homage to some of the oldest marine lighting designs in history. Their simple, refined elegance sits beautifully with all styles of exterior architecture and garden design. “Stripped back and unpretentious, ship’s lights were designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, making them particularly suited to our inclement weather,” explains our Director Charlie Bowles.
Make an Entrance
“Porch lights make an enormous difference to a front door. If you’re lucky enough to have a high-ceilinged porch, make the most of it with a dramatic hanging lantern. Alternatively, one or two wall lights flanking a front door give a balanced, neat look and create a warm welcome,” says Charlie.
Kerb Appeal – Box Lights
“For a refined look, clean-lined Box lights work fantastically well outside period as well as contemporary homes. Often used in hallways in pendant form, Box lights create a polished indoor-outdoor look, offering a visual introduction to the interior within”.
What Finish Should I Choose for My Lights?
Newness is generally not a desirable look for exteriors – “most of our customers want lights with a lived-in feel, that look like they’ve been part of the property for years. Hardwearing metals that age well, such as weathered bronze, copper or brass, are excellent choices. They require little upkeep, and will not deteriorate over time, which cheap fittings, such as painted metals, can” finishes Charlie.
What Are IP Ratings?
IP stands for ‘Ingress Protection’ and refers to the degree of protection provided against water to its electrical connections. The higher the number, the more watertight the light. Look for a minimum rating of IP43 if the light will be in a covered porch, or IP44 if it will be exposed to direct rainfall.
