Decking Lights – adding that extra class

Decking lights are one of the most visually appealing and cost-effective ways to finish off any outside space – from your everyday domestic garden to larger commercial venues or hotels. But why not add an extra touch of class on top by installing some decking lights too? Lyco has a huge range of options to suit any project, from pin-sharp LED decking lights to powerful walkover lights, and you might be surprised at just how easy it is to install them too. Let’s take a closer look…

It’s easy to understand why decking is so popular these days: it’s an easy way of adding to your floor space, and serves as an natural link between indoor and outdoor areas, while the angular symmetry associated with decking and the rich colour and texture of the wood itself are undeniably easy on the eye.

Decking lights are ideal for taking full advantage of that visual appeal. By using multiple ground lights recessed into the wood itself rather than a single bright wall-mounted light source, you can bathe the area in a soft, elegant glow that makes the most of the aesthetic properties of wood itself.

Sound appealing? Then let’s check out some of the decking light options that are available, and the kind of settings they’re designed for.

LED deck lights

There’s nothing like LED lighting for a bit of discreet elegance. Available in white and blue, Lyco’s outdoor LED lights are not only weatherproof, but their sturdy construction ensures the LEDs themselves are well protected.

Simpson LED Walkover Lights: at just 25mm in diameter, this discreet lighting solution comes in a set of 10 LEDs. The lights themselves are sharp and crisp, and generate incredibly low levels of heat, so are perfectly safe to use near furniture, while IP65 weatherproofing and impact and vibration protection makes them ideal for hotels, restaurants and pubs.

Morris LED Walkover Lights - Set of 6 - WhiteMorris LED Walkover Lights – Set of 6 – White: bigger and brighter than the Simpson LEDs and also available in blue and white options, the Morris LED Walkover Lights offer the same weather-proofing, efficiency and low running temperature in a larger package. Sold in sets of six lights, this Walkover Lights package comes with 2m of cable for each light, plus a 4m power cable.

Plug and Play

The whole point behind Plug and Play lighting is to make installing outdoor lights so easy that anyone can do it, and so Plug and Play decking lights are perfect for domestic decking projects. That doesn’t mean you can’t be ambitious, though: Plug and Play systems are easily scalable too, and you can mix and match different types of lights on the same system without hassle.

Umbra Halogen Ground Light: with its 115mm diameter and 20W halogen bulb, the Umbra ground light is perfectly capable of getting the job done on its own. But that would be a waste of Plug and Play. Combine it with other Garden Lights products, or indeed any Plug and Play-compatible lighting product, and you’ll have enough light for any decking project, small or large.Hybra LED Deck Lights

Hybra White LED Deck Light: give your decking project an injection of style with the attractive Plug and Play-compatible Hybra White LED Ground Light. The stainless steel body and transparent polycarbonate diffuser will be sure to turn heads, and come with IP44 weather-proofing and a three-year guarantee.

Astrum White LED Deck Light: think decking lights and you automatically think ground-based, but this versatile Astrum White LED light is just as effective mounted in gates and posts. Best of all, it’s Plug and Play compatible, so can easily be incorporated into an existing lighting setup without hassle.

Walkover lights

All outdoor lights have to be durable to some extent, but walkover lights are actually designed to be walked on (and in some cases even driven over), and are strong enough and weather-resistant enough to handle it. Many even offer IP67-rated protection, which means they can be placed up to 1m underwater – perfect for larger-scale decking projects such as hotel or restaurant exteriors.

Garland LED Walkover Lights: these IP68-rated lights are all about versatility: they are available in white or blue, and by incorporating a connector lead and transformer you can set up your lighting system just how you want it.Garland LED Walkover Lights (Set of 10)

Larch LED Ground Lights Set: another versatile performer, the Larch LED Ground Lights Set come in packs of three and can be added to with individual lights. Whilst arguably not quite in the same league as the Cassio lights, they are nonetheless great all-purpose low-voltage walkover lights that combines capability with affordability.

Decking for all

There’s no question that decking can add value and versatility to any property, whether domestic or commercial, and hopefully this guide has helped illuminate just how integral lighting can be to any decking project. The good news is you’re not lacking for choice, and innovations like Plug and Play have put impressive results within the reach of the beginner without compromising what can be achieved by more ambitious projects.

Take a look at our full range of decking lights.

Looking for more lighting resources or ideas? Try our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Charles started Lyco in 1995 with just 4 enthusiastic employees and has grown it considerably over the past 25 years. Charles is also the Managing Director of Lighting Direct and newly acquired Online Lighting. He now has a team of 50 lighting experts working on growing Lyco Group to be the UK leader in lighting for both businesses and homes. Away from the office he is a keen cyclist and is proud to have cycled 1017 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a new residential centre for adults with multiple learning difficulties.

Simple guide to converting your lighting to LED

There’s never been a better time to convert your lighting to the very latest LED technology. The great news is that the price of LED bulbs has fallen drastically whilst the quality has got better and better.  Also LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than regular bulbs and last up to 50 times longer.  It’s a real win, win!

After almost 20 years in lighting we like to think of ourselves as your Lighting Experts. We understand all lighting including LED. We have already helped 1000s of customers convert to LED with little or no inconvenience along the way so why not let us help you?

Here is our step-by-step guide to saving ££££s on your ever increasing energy bills:

Step 1 – Survey

Call us and we can help you undertake a simple survey of your premises. This can probably be carried out over the phone but otherwise we might need to visit your premises and carry out an on-site survey. From this we can produce a quick report and show you the savings that can be made by switching to LED.

Step 2 – Product Selection

We will make suggestions as to the best products that will meet your needs. We will take into consideration such things as light level requirements, dimming and use in order to recommend the optimum products. We offer LED from the major manufacturers and will always offer you the best option, not the most expensive!

Step 3 – The Plan

Depending on the size of your premises we will help you devise a plan to convert your lighting. We will help you look for the ‘quick wins’ and assist with testing and installing. We will make sure all the items you require are delivered before you are ready to start the installation.

Step 4 – Installation

We can offer a full installation service or we can guide you or your maintenance team through the installation process. Whether you are using us to install your lighting or not, we will always be there to ‘hold your hand’ through the entire process.

Step 5 – Start Saving

As soon as you have switched to LED you will start saving money.  Depending on the size of your building you could see a return on your original cost in as little as 6 months.

Start the switch today!

We make it sound simple because with the right help switching to LED lighting is! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop us a line or give us a call. We’ll be more than happy to offer some sound advice and start you on the path to improving your lighting efficiency, whilst saving you money at the same time.

If you would like to find out what sort of savings you can make by converting to LED take a look at our ‘How much will I save’ article.

For more advice, inspiration and news take a look at our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Charles started Lyco in 1995 with just 4 enthusiastic employees and has grown it considerably over the past 25 years. Charles is also the Managing Director of Lighting Direct and newly acquired Online Lighting. He now has a team of 50 lighting experts working on growing Lyco Group to be the UK leader in lighting for both businesses and homes. Away from the office he is a keen cyclist and is proud to have cycled 1017 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a new residential centre for adults with multiple learning difficulties.

Adding helpful energy labelling information, the EU way…

Adding Helpful Energy Labelling Information, The EU Way…

As you may be aware the latest batch of EU regulations 874/2012, specific to the labelling of electrical lamps and luminaires, have now come into force.

These regulations are aimed specifically at offline lighting businesses. However, in the interest of providing our customers with as much useful information as possible to allow them to make an informed choice, Lyco will be displaying these labels online alongside relevant products where available.

Energy efficiency labels

An example of energy efficient labelling for light fittings and bulbsThe labels themselves are a guide to show you what type of bulb is suitable to be used in a particular fitting, allowing you to choose the efficiency rating to suit your preference / requirement.

These labels are already used on white and brown goods (kitchen appliances, TVs, etc) and are only relevant to domestic light fittings. Commercial fittings such as emergency lighting and fluorescents are currently excluded from this labelling requirement.

Commitment to quality

The requirement for this labelling is only on new products on sale from the 1st March 2014 but we will endeavour to add an labels available to any products which were on sale prior to this legislation as part of our on-going commitment to providing the best quality of information available to our customers.

If you have any further queries about this labelling please do not hesitate to contact our customer services, who will be happy to help.

Looking for more news, information and inspiration? Try our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Charles started Lyco in 1995 with just 4 enthusiastic employees and has grown it considerably over the past 25 years. Charles is also the Managing Director of Lighting Direct and newly acquired Online Lighting. He now has a team of 50 lighting experts working on growing Lyco Group to be the UK leader in lighting for both businesses and homes. Away from the office he is a keen cyclist and is proud to have cycled 1017 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a new residential centre for adults with multiple learning difficulties.

Touch lamps – how they work & where they shine

Lucide Len Touch Table Lamp

Touch lamps are generally found by most people who have purchased them to be more convenient than conventional lamps. This is because you don’t have to feel your way along a cable or clutch at the lamp-holder when you need light. Touch lamps usually offer a much more generous target than a discreet on/off toggle switch. You simply need to touch the base or another metal part.

In addition to sheer practicality, touch control also offers aesthetic potential. Lighting designers can make modern lights simpler, more minimalistic, with clean, imaginative designs. They don’t have to ponder the position of the switch, and you don’t have to fumble for it. The same is true of traditional lamps, where the emphasis is often on elegant lines. All styles of table or desk lamp can benefit.

How touch lamps work

Once past the novelty factor, a touch switch is an intuitive way of operating things—not unlike the touch screen on most smart phones. In fact, the technology in a touch lamp is akin to a capacitive touch screen, relying on electricity stored in the human body for operation.

On/off

With a touch lamp, the base and other metal parts act almost like an antenna, loaded with a feeble electric charge that is harmless to humans. When the lamp is touched the human body effectively adds to the capacitance (electrical storage capacity) of the lamp, and the memory circuit that detects this change toggles the light on or off.

Dimming control

Many touch lamps allow dimming control as well as simple on/off functionality. This works in a similar way, with memory circuitry altering the power reaching the bulb in increments. Touching the lamp base switches the light on, and brightness alters with each subsequent touch. The final touch switches the light off again.

In touch with the right light

For practical reasons, touch technology is most used in lamps within arm’s reach, and tends not to be found in floor lamps. Most touch lamps are either desk or table lamps.

There are different types of lamps to suited to different locations. Here we take a look at some touch lamps and where they would look best:

Bedrooms

A bedside table lamp is useful for complementary lighting, and doubles as a handy reading light. For the traditional bedroom, the set of two Gloucester Touch Lamps are ideal. These lamps offer dimming control and have an antique brass finish with Alabaster glass shades.

For the modern bedroom the Lucide Len blends easily with many styles of décor.

Offices

Although regular table lamps can be used in an office, a more specific office light is the desk lamp. This is usually defined by it possessing an adjustable head.

Look for different finishes to suit either a contemporary or traditional office. We have desk lamps available in chrome, brass, and black.

Living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways

In a living room, dining room, or hallway, a table lamp usually provides complementary lighting. It brightens corners or alcoves, maximises space and creates mood. In a hallway it has a welcoming role to play. Multi-layered lighting is one of the key components in successful interior design.

Convenient to operate is the decorative Tyso Table Lamp, in an antique brass finish. With a gold-coloured shade, warm brass finish and touch control dimming it can certainly help create a welcoming, relaxing ambience. The Lucide Paolo on the other hand is perfect for adding sparkle to a room, with its patterned silver style and decorative lighting pattern shade. However, for simple elegance, the Dar Jot Touch Lamp is difficult to beat. Its polished chrome base is complemented by a opal glass shade. This classy touch-dimmable lamp is ideal for a contemporary home or hospitality premises.

Touch and go

Often, the simplest inventions are the ones we appreciate most. They make life just that little bit easier. With a touch lamp, light is only ever an instant away.

Still not found exactly what you’re looking for? Take a look at our full range of touch lamps

 

Looking for more inspiration and information? Try our Lighting Advice section.

 

andrew-author-bio

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Andrew is an experienced buying professional who takes an entrepreneurial approach to identify new lighting solutions and ensure Lyco have first-to-market ranges for our customers. Having previously worked for well known brands such as Wickes, Carphone Warehouse and Toys R Us, Andrew has now turned his hand to sourcing commercial lighting and ensure our customers receive top brand quality products at marketing leading prices. He manages a team of commercial and decorative buyers who travel the world finding new products that our customers don’t even know they need yet.

What is a squirrel cage bulb?

Lucide Baskett 4 Light Bar Ceiling Pendant - Black

Most of us are familiar with the classic pear-shaped household bulb, but what is a squirrel cage bulb? These bulbs appeared in the earliest years of the 20th century, when lighting companies were competing to develop metal filaments. The carbon or metal filament was threaded up and down using support hooks until it resembled a squirrel cage, hence the name.

Back in fashion – the attraction

35W Calex Goldline Rustic Bulb with bayonet cap fitting

Today, squirrel cage bulbs are making a comeback, with increasing popularity in restaurants, bars, and homes. Still using the classic 100-year-old design (including the dimple of blown glass) these bulbs are mesmerising to look at. Their warm-glowing filaments have a calming effect similar to a traditional wax candle, or fireplace.

Lyco sell a selection of squirrel cage bulbs in either E27 Edison Screw or B22 bayonet cap fittings. One notable thing about these bulbs is their 2000K colour temperature. This is warmer in hue than standard 2700K incandescent lamps, which helps in creating a restful mood. To emphasise their fireside effect, some models also have gold-tinted glass.

Urban Renewal Bronze Pendant Light

Choosing the right fitting

An often ignored aspect of choosing a light fitting is the type of bulb to be used. The perfect foil for a decorative bulb can only be an open or clear-finished fitting. The Ricky Ceiling Pendant is ideal for a squirrel cage bulb, and makes a great choice of ceiling light for stylish restaurants and bars.

The Edit Crate 4 Light Bar Pendant acts as the perfect bulb-display cabinet. This modern statement light is ideal for showing off squirrel cage bulbs, and is stunning over a kitchen island or counter. The warmth of light and gorgeous-looking bulbs will set the scene for intimate meals or midnight snacks.

Back to the future

In recent years, comparatively new technologies such as LED have forever changed artificial lighting. However, there’s still demand for the high-quality light of a filament bulb. Most incandescent bulbs have been phased out by EU legislation for their inefficiency, but the squirrel cage bulb has returned. This bewitching lamp delivers light from a bygone age, and reminds us that not everything is lost.

Looking for more answers or advice? Try our Lighting Advice section.

 

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Charles started Lyco in 1995 with just 4 enthusiastic employees and has grown it considerably over the past 25 years. Charles is also the Managing Director of Lighting Direct and newly acquired Online Lighting. He now has a team of 50 lighting experts working on growing Lyco Group to be the UK leader in lighting for both businesses and homes. Away from the office he is a keen cyclist and is proud to have cycled 1017 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a new residential centre for adults with multiple learning difficulties.