10 Easy Pieces: Downlights

Downlights in a landscape will focus attention exactly where you need it at night, with minimal light pollution from glare and excessive brightness. By pointing toward your feet, downlights make it safer to walk on dark paths without creating skyglow, which obscures the stars overhead.

Are you looking for discreet downlights to mount on an outdoor wall, in a stairwell, or at the edge of a path? Here are 10 stylish choices that won’t create light pollution.

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Above: Hot dipped in molten zinc during manufacture, the St Ives Mast Light - Galvanised Steel (also featured in the photo at top) is impervious to the effects of weather. Rated for all outdoor uses (including coastal locations), it is £35 at Garden Trading.

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Above: From Belgium-based Tekna’s Nautic collection, an LED Spreaderlight in sand-casted brass with frosted glass is available in a variety of other finishes as well. For more information and prices, visit LED Spreaderlight.

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Above: Handmade in England by Davey Lighting, a polished bronze Mast Light 0749 LED Polished Bronze is £225 from Peter Reid Lighting. For US customers, a Mast Light 0749 LED Polished Bronze is available in three colors; $323.10 to $350.10, depending on the finish, at DWR.

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Above: A Beamy Wall Lamp from Royal Botania exudes “typical Bauhaus chic” and is available in two finishes (zinc alloy and antique brass). For more information and prices, visit Ambiente Direct.

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Above: A copper Retro Wall Down Light with a built-in transformer by Hunza Design is £260 at Moonlight Design.

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Above: Weatherproof, a St Ives Funnel Light - Galvanised Steel protected by a coating of hot galvanized steel is “particularly good for lighting up pathways and corridors,” notes retailer Garden Trading. It is £42.

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Above: A cylinder downlight, the Progress Lighting Cylinder Black Outdoor Wall Light, is $62.85 at Progress Lighting.

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Above: A downlight Mast Light Coastal, available in four finishes including antique brass (shown), has a dimmable switch. For more information and prices, visit Astro Lighting.

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Above: An adjustable Tube Up/Down Light Outdoor Wall Sconce is available in five finishes including brushed aluminum (shown); $229.50 from Lightology.

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Above: The Scenic Outdoor Wall Lamp in a gunmetal finish is £24.50 from Sparks Electrical.

Are you adding outdoor lights to a deck, patio, stairwell, or other exterior space? Get ideas and inspiration from our curated guide to Outdoor Lighting 101, including design tips for Illuminated Pavers 101, Barn Lights 101, and Solar Lights. Read more:

• 10 Easy Pieces: Portable Outdoor LED Lanterns
• Hardscaping 101: Pathway Lighting
• Industrial Style Outdoor Lighting from a French Lantern Maker