Whether it is a lighting project for private or contract environments, it is essential to choose the best material for outdoor lamps.
Whatever the context, a well-structured outdoor lighting design project plays an essential role in defining the appearance of the home's facade or garden to set the mood, create the right atmosphere, and ensure excellent visibility during the evening and night hours.
Therefore, outdoor lighting deserves the same care and attention as that reserved for interiors, and each outdoor area (entrance areas, paths, gazebos, terraces, or any other focal point present) needs different light sources.
The choice of adequate lighting in the entrance area, for example, will make guests psychologically calmer with regard to the fear of attacks and break-ins, while paths or stairways will be safer to walk at night without the risk of tripping.
To avoid mistakes, in addition to aesthetics and technical performance, what must be carefully evaluated when choosing outdoor lamps is the type of material with which they were made.
This choice is fundamental from two points of view: on the one hand, it is essential that the selected material is suitable for outdoor environments in terms of its resistance to atmospheric agents; on the other, it must be in harmony with the location's style.
The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the best materials for outdoor lamps and provide ideas and solutions you can draw inspiration from.
In particular, we will look at:
- What are the most suitable materials for outdoor lamps?
- How to choose outdoor lamps
- 5 proposals of Karman outdoor lamps to take inspiration from
- What is the best material for outdoor lamps?
Lady D
What are the most suitable materials for outdoor lamps?
Outdoor lamps are uncovered and, therefore, are continuously subject to the weather and sudden changes in temperature.
So, it is essential that the materials used in their manufacturing are weather resistant.
For this reason, the body of the lamps is usually made of die-cast aluminum, stainless steel, or PVC, while for the diffusers, glass or polycarbonate is used.
Furthermore, materials for outdoor lamps are different according to their function.
The final decision will depend on the client's furnishing needs, personal taste, and budget.
When considering the choice of outdoor lighting, it is important to know the differences between the materials with which the lighting fixtures are made.
A common mistake is selecting outdoor lamps only based on aesthetics or appearance and the type of light source without paying attention to the type of material that is being subjected to the outdoor environment.
So let's take a look at the best materials for outdoor lamps, from the most traditional to the most innovative ones.
Metal lamps
In general, metal is a material that lends itself to be bent, perforated, and shaped to give rise to disparate shapes.
However, a distinction must be made between the different types of metal used in outdoor lamps.
Aluminum lamps
Aluminum outdoor lamps are a popular choice for outdoor lighting for several reasons.
First, aluminum is a weather resistant material that can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and harsh weather conditions without deteriorating.
Also, aluminum is a good conductor of heat, which means the light is distributed evenly over the surface of the lamp without causing shading effects or points of light that are too strong.
Finally, aluminum outdoor lamps are easy to maintain and clean.
Lighting fixtures made with stainless steel, on the other hand, are well suited to modern structures (especially in industrial style) as they reflect in the sun.
It is, however, necessary to remember that constant cleaning is vital so that they can keep the chromium oxide layer intact, which is helpful in preventing corrosion.
Brass lamps
As far as brass light fixtures go, it helps to say that this is a tough metal, which holds up well in all environments and is made from a combination of copper and zinc.
Brass lamps, therefore, will last for many years, and it is for this reason that many manufacturers offer extended warranties on their products made with this material.
In fact, as time goes on, brass does not corrode, but tends to become darker or have a patinated appearance.
As a result, it is a quality metal that will guarantee durability over time and is, for this reason, a great option for outdoor lighting.
Copper lamps
Another great quality solution for outdoor lighting is copper.
Since copper is not as solid as brass, some manufacturers fabricate fittings out of brass and then sheath them in copper.
In this way, it is possible to have the union of the best characteristics of the two materials, i.e. the longevity of brass and the beauty of copper.
You should keep in mind that copper, exposed to atmospheric agents over time, may darken.
Abachina
Fiberglass lamps
Another great protagonist of outdoor lighting is fiberglass.
Fiberglass outdoor lamps offer several advantages, such as:
- Lightness, deriving from the glass fibers, which are light and resistant. Fiberglass is very solid and this feature makes it practically immune to shocks of any kind
- Extreme flexibility. This means that, when it is hit or manipulated involuntarily, it returns to its original form without suffering any damage
- No maintenance. Another advantage is that the fiberglass outdoor lamps need virtually no maintenance, as it is not subject to deterioration over time, nor can it be attacked by molds and bacteria
- Excellent resistance to atmospheric agents, because the dense composition of glass fibers prevents the infiltration of both water and air, avoiding deformation and cracks
- It can be a fireproof material. Fiberglass outdoor lamps resist heat and cold, adapting to any type of environment, but, thanks to an additional and innovative manufacturing process, they can also be made fireproof (a characteristic which, otherwise, this material does not possess)
Fiberglass, therefore, for the advantages and properties that distinguish it and for its great value for money, is one of the materials most sold and used in the construction sector.
Choosing this material means investing in a product that over time will bring about considerable savings.
Finally, in terms of design, fiberglass allows you to experiment with new communicative forms and create designer lamps capable of combining the perfect balance between decorative and technical lighting.
Black Out
Concrete lamps
Concrete lamps represent an excellent proposal for the outdoors because they are resistant to compression and traction and have good fire retardant ability for long periods of time.
Also, concrete requires low maintenance, since, precisely for its uses, it is designed to be reliable and durable.
From an aesthetic point of view, there are few materials capable of the same expressive value that evokes the concept of strength, concreteness, and also plasticity and lightness.
Its dense, almost velvety surface makes each concrete outdoor lamp a unique piece.
Glass lamps
Glass lamps offer several advantages over other outdoor lighting options.
First of all, glass is a weather resistant material, which does not deteriorate easily and withstands extreme temperatures without losing its efficiency and beauty.
Also, glass offers great versatility in the production of outdoor lamps that can take on the most varied shapes, sizes, and colors, to adapt to the design of the location in which they are installed.
The transparency of the glass allows you to create soft and elegant lighting for gardens, courtyards, paths, or terraces, giving magical effects and precious plays of light to every location.
Finally, glass outdoor lamps can be easily cleaned and maintained, thanks to their smooth and resistant surface.
How to choose outdoor lamps
We have said how designer outdoor lighting, through the choice of suitable outdoor lamps, allows you to make the facade of the house or the contract context more beautiful and bright and make access routes and different environments more functional and safe for the guests.
For clients who have a terrace or garden, perhaps with a pergola or a gazebo, it will certainly be pleasant to spend a few hours outdoors on warm summer evenings for outdoor dinners or simple moments of relaxation.
The most suitable outdoor lamps, in these cases, are those capable of offering a diffused, warm, soft, and unobtrusive light, leaving the surrounding area dark.
It is also always important to keep in mind the decorative aspect of the lamps, in this case through the choice of lanterns, ceiling lamps, or wall lamps, whose materials and shapes are in harmony with the location’s mood.
To illuminate outdoor paths, the stairways, or to illuminate the poolside, step marker lamps are often used to facilitate walking when visibility is poor, but, for a more scenographic effect with a strong visual impact, you can use outdoor floor lamps with an innovative design that embellish and furnish the environment.
In the presence of exteriors delimited by low walls, you could use wall lamps that, for example, in the case of a stone wall, also perform the role of accent lighting, emphasizing its structure.
With regard to particularly large spaces, such as avenues, you could use lampposts, with essential or artistic workmanship, according to the customer's tastes.
Wall lamps or lantern models instead represent the ideal solution for entrances, to be combined according to the style of the home or the contract environment.
In areas dedicated to relaxation, such as terraces or gazebos, a good proposal are ceiling lamps or table lamps that can be powered by electricity or solar energy.
Atmosphere
5 proposals for Karman outdoor lamps to take inspiration from
After discovering the best materials for outdoor lamps and getting an overview of the different lighting design solutions for the outdoors, let's look at some Karman proposals you can be inspired by to create magic and atmosphere in the garden through designer lighting.
1. Agua: elegantly illuminates a facade or an outdoor staircase
The matte black aluminum structure and glass diffuser (satin or transparent), Agua, by designers Edmondo Testaguzza and Matteo Ugolini, illuminates and decorates outdoor environments with innate elegance.
Like a pure and transparent dewdrop, this outdoor lamp, in its wall lamp version, is perfect to illuminate and emphasize the architectural features of a facade or an outdoor staircase, giving streams of light with an imperceptible lightness.
Agua
2. Cell: magical lanterns to light up the poolside
The swimming pool is one of the outdoor areas that deserves to be fully exploited.
To create the right atmosphere around the poolside, you could place designer floor lamps along the perimeter so that they create an environment full of splendor.
For example, you could use Cell, an outdoor lamp with the structure and spirit of the first Chinese lanterns.
Born from the creativity of Matteo Ugolini, in white or bronze steel rod with an opaline plexiglass lampshade, specifically designed for the outdoors, Cell will allow you to set up an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.
Cell
3. Abachina: the unexpected lantern to illuminate the external paths
As we have said, lanterns are a very popular solution for outdoor environments.
In particular, they can illuminate paths and guide guests between the different spaces of the garden.
Abachina, by designer Edmondo Testaguzza, is a lantern that amazes and refers to recreational activities.
This outdoor floor lamp stands out because the small spheres in blown glass seem to float as if suspended in the void, despite being well anchored to the parallelepiped metal structure.
It is the perfect example of emotional enlightenment.
Abachina
4. Nilo: a note of unmistakable design in the garden
Designed by Matteo Ugolini, Nilo represents a real design element.
With the matte black aluminum structure and the matte white resin diffuser, Nilo recalls, thanks to its shape, the aquatic plants that line the rivers.
Evoking the memory of carefree summer days spent playing by the river, this outdoor lamp, in the floor version, can be positioned on the sides of an outdoor sitting area or in a flowerbed around the poolside, while the wall lamp version will make an immediate style statement placed on either side of an entrance.
Nilo
5. Alibabig: the perfect lamp for accent lighting
In outdoor spaces, as for indoor ones, we must not overlook the importance of accent lighting in the lighting design.
Alibabig, by Matteo Ugolini, is the evolution of Karman’s Alì e Babà collection, bigger and brighter, perfect for outdoor environments.
Alibabig in the wall lamp version, made of white fiberglass, will enhance the precious materials of a stone wall, leading the observer into an almost dreamlike dimension.
Alibabig
What is the best material for outdoor lamps?
Having analyzed the main characteristics of the different materials with which outdoor lamps are made, it is not possible to decree only one “winner” or the most suitable lamp for outdoor environments.
After selecting the strongest materials that have the most resistance and require little or no maintenance, the final choice will be linked to the location’s style, the function that the lighting must perform, and the client’s tastes.
Of course, what you should focus your decision on is modern designer lamps able to offer the perfect combination of quality, technique, and aesthetics to give life to lighting able to surprise and excite.
