Light without a visible lamp
Where a floor lamp or wall light is visible and becomes part of your garden, these spotlights are recessed into the paving, façade or wall instead. The fitting sits flush with the surface, so the focus is on the light rather than the lamp itself. This gives you a sleek, unobtrusive look that works particularly well when you want your garden or façade to take centre stage.
Where do you find what?
Ground lights are set into your paving or lawn and aimed upwards. Recessed spotlights are set into a façade, wall, staircase or canopy.
Plan it in advance
This is the most important thing with outdoor spotlights. Recessing a light requires a cut-out and a cable, which is easiest to arrange when you are constructing your garden or carrying out a renovation. If your paving is already down, you will need to lift the paving and dig a trench. So think carefully about where you want the light before you start, and lay some extra cable at the same time if you think you may want to add more lights later.
What to look for
Pay attention to the stated protection rating (IP rating): a ground light sits in the paving where water can collect, so it has stricter requirements than a lamp on a façade. Also check whether the spotlight needs to be drive-over or walk-over rated if you are installing it in a driveway or path. Some spotlights run on 12V and need a transformer. Use an underground power cable for cables that run underground, and have the connection carried out by a professional.
