LED strip lights have changed the way we approach outdoor lighting design. We used to have basic floodlights or expensive custom installations to work with and that was it. Now, however, we have these flexible little workhorses that are cost-effective and won’t require an electrical engineering degree to install.
Why LED Strips are perfect for outdoors
LED strip lights can last up to 50,000 hours. That’s literally years of nightly use without touching them.
Energy efficiency alone makes them worth considering as they use a fraction of the power compared to traditional options, which means your electricity bill won’t cause you to have a heart attack. Plus, your space instantly becomes more environmentally conscious.
LED strips can be cut to exact lengths, bent around corners and made to follow virtually any shape you can imagine (try doing that with a regular light fixture). The weather resistance factor is also important. Look for strips with an IP67 rating or higher, as they can handle rain, snow and everything else, so there will be no more running outside during storms to unplug everything.
Getting creative with your LED strip light designs
Here are some of our favourite (and simplest) ways to use your LED strip lights:
- Pathways
Forget those solar stake lights that barely put out any light. LED strips tucked under pathway edging or wrapped around handrails create this subtle, practical and gorgeous glow. You can run them along garden borders or embed them in clear tubing for a more dramatic effect. Your guests will actually be able to see where they’re walking and your landscape will look professionally designed.
- Decks
This is where LED strips really shine. Run them under deck railings, around the perimeter of your patio or beneath outdoor furniture. The warm white options (around 3000K) create this cosy, intimate vibe that makes you want to grab a drink and settle in for the evening. If you’re feeling adventurous, RGB strips let you change colours based on your mood or the occasion.
- Outdoor Kitchens
If you’ve invested in an outdoor kitchen or grilling setup, LED strips can make it more functional and impressive. Install them under counters for task lighting, outline your pergola or gazebo, or highlight your bar area. You’ll enjoy prepping food with proper lighting instead of squinting under a single overhead bulb.
- Architecture Enhancement
Your house probably has some great features that disappear after dark. LED strips can highlight rooflines, outline columns or accentuate unique architectural details.
- Water Features
Got a pool, pond, or fountain? LED strips can turn these into stunning focal points after sunset. The key is ensuring you’re properly using waterproof strips (IP67 or IP68 ratings) and installing them correctly. The way light reflects off water creates these amazing visual effects that photograph beautifully and look even better in person.
Choosing the right strips for your project
Not all LED strips are created equal and your choice depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. Lower wattage strips (around 4.8W per meter) work great for subtle accent lighting like gentle pathway guidance or soft patio ambience. Medium power options (9.6W-14.4W) handle most general lighting needs, while the high-power strips (19.2W and up) are perfect for areas where you need serious illumination.
Colour temperature matters more than you might think. Warm white (3000K) creates that cosy, restaurant-like atmosphere that makes outdoor spaces feel inviting. Cool white (6000K) is better for task lighting or modern, clean aesthetics. RGB strips give you the full rainbow, but use them thoughtfully, as a little colour goes a long way.
Installation tips
Planning is everything. Measure twice, order once and always add a bit extra to your calculations. Figure out your power requirements by multiplying the wattage per meter by your total length, then add 20% as a safety buffer. If this is too complicated, the easiest way to determine your needs is to talk to the home exterior illumination experts at Bondilights. We’ll make sure you have the perfect lighting solution for your space, especially if you don’t know where to start when it comes to figuring out what that is!
While many strips come with adhesive backing, don’t rely on it for permanent outdoor installations. Invest in proper mounting clips, outdoor-rated adhesives or aluminium channels. These channels help dissipate heat and protect your strips from the elements, significantly extending their lifespan.
Waterproofing connections is non-negotiable. Use quality connectors and seal everything with appropriate sealants. Water and electricity don’t play well together and outdoor installations face constant exposure to moisture.
A lot of people put the task of upgrading their lighting into the “too-hard” basket, mainly due to installation. This isn’t something that should turn you off of upgrading your space! The team at Bondilights can help answer any installation questions you have. We’ll minimise your installation woes by making sure you find the right products for your space and application needs.
Let the experts at Bondilights help you bring it all together
The beauty of LED strip lighting lies in its versatility and the ability to create layered lighting effects. You don’t have to light up everything like a stadium; sometimes, the most effective outdoor lighting is the most subtle. Think about creating pools of light rather than flooding everything with brightness.
At Bondilights, we love the idea of people being able to adjust the lighting based on the situation. Quiet evening at home? Dim and warm. Hosting a party? Bright and colourful. The flexibility to change your lighting on the fly is one of those features you don’t realise you need until you have it. Speak with our team today about the best lighting solutions for your outdoor areas and increase the time you spend outside.