Top trends in outdoor bollard lighting for modern landscapes

Outdoor lighting plays an important role in shaping landscapes, going beyond mere illumination to enhance functionality and aesthetics. It has become increasingly crucial in designing spaces that feel inviting, secure, and visually appealing, especially as urban environments evolve.

According to the Neighbourhood Watch, four out of five people feel less safe in public spaces after dark. This perception drives significant behaviour changes, such as choosing busier, better-lit routes (64%), crossing the street to avoid others (58%), or carrying personal safety tools like alarms (11%). With this in mind, it’s clear that the right lighting—the right type of light, the right amount of light, in the right place, at the right time—can transform outdoor spaces into secure and welcoming environments, benefiting both communities and landscapes.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the latest trends in outdoor bollard lights that seamlessly blend sustainability, efficiency, and cutting-edge design.

Is outdoor bollard lighting ideal for landscapes?

Bollard lighting has emerged as a preferred choice for various outdoor environments, including public spaces, housing developments, university or hospital campuses, and towns. These pathway lighting solutions offer a unique combination of functionality and aesthetics, making them an ideal solution for enhancing safety, wayfinding, and visual appeal.

Bollard lights are strategically placed at ground level, providing a soft, diffused illumination that creates a welcoming ambience while minimising glare and light pollution. This gentle yet effective lighting supports wayfinding by illuminating pathways, entrances, and key landmarks, guiding pedestrians and ensuring their safety. Additionally, bollard lights contribute to overall security by deterring potential criminal activities in dimly lit areas. Often used as additional public garden lights, their low-profile design and durable construction make them resistant to vandalism, further enhancing their practicality in public spaces.

Councils and trusts can incorporate bollard lighting to create cohesive and visually appealing streetscapes, parks, and public spaces. For instance, local authorities can strategically place LED bollard lamps along walkways, near seating areas, and around monuments or landmarks, creating a harmonious and inviting environment. This approach enhances public safety and contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the area, fostering a sense of community pride and attracting visitors.

Trends in outdoor bollard lights

If you’re planning to upgrade or install new outdoor bollard lighting, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in this field. Here are some exciting developments that are shaping the future of outdoor lights design:

1. Sustainable materials

Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern landscape design, with outdoor bollard lighting embracing eco-friendly practices to reduce environmental impact. According to GOV.UK, factors like material composition, positioning, and light levels play a critical role in minimising harm to wildlife. Many species are highly sensitive to even low levels of light, which can disrupt their natural behaviours. 

For councils pursuing green initiatives and architects seeking sustainable solutions, adopting bollards made from recyclable or responsibly sourced materials ensures alignment with ecological goals. Incorporating these considerations not only supports wildlife preservation but also enhances public spaces by balancing aesthetics with environmental responsibility. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to creating landscapes that are functional, beautiful, and in harmony with nature.

2. Energy-efficient LEDs

LED lighting has become a game-changer in outdoor illumination, offering significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint. For instance, replacing traditional bulbs with LEDs can lower annual carbon dioxide emissions by up to 35kg per household in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This efficiency makes LED lighting a practical choice for large-scale projects, aligning with sustainability goals for councils and developers aiming to reduce environmental impact.

Outdoor garden bollard lights equipped with LEDs are a prime example of energy-saving strategies in action. These lights provide long-lasting, low-energy illumination ideal for pathways and public spaces. By incorporating LEDs into bollard lighting schemes, projects can achieve substantial energy efficiency while delivering reliable, eco-friendly solutions that enhance landscapes and support sustainable development.

3. Bat-friendly lighting levels

Artificial lighting can significantly disrupt nocturnal wildlife, with bats being particularly sensitive due to their reliance on darkness for navigation and feeding. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 emphasises the importance of protecting bats, making it illegal to harm them or disturb their roosts. To support compliance with this legislation, lighting solutions specifically designed with bats in mind have become essential. These include using warm-toned lights and minimising light spill to reduce the impact on bat habitats while ensuring outdoor spaces remain safely illuminated.

For example, public spaces are now incorporating bat-friendly bollard lighting with carefully directed beams that prevent excessive illumination of roosting areas. Such solutions strike a balance between ecological preservation and practical lighting needs, enabling communities to protect these vulnerable species while maintaining functional and welcoming environments.

4. Time-switches for precision lighting

Time switches offer a highly effective solution for tailoring outdoor lighting to specific needs, resulting in significant energy savings and enhanced efficiency. When you use precise control over when lights are activated, time switches eliminate unnecessary illumination during periods when outdoor spaces are unoccupied or daylight is sufficient.

Public spaces and housing developments can greatly benefit from incorporating time-switch technology into their outdoor lighting solutions. For instance, in public parks or residential areas, time switches can be programmed to activate pathway lighting only during peak usage hours, such as early morning and evening, while dimming or turning off lights during late-night hours when foot traffic is minimal. This targeted approach ensures adequate illumination when needed while minimising energy waste.

The 4Rs of effective lighting design

The Four Rs of effective lighting design – Right Type, Right Amount, Right Place, Right Time – are guiding principles that ensure outdoor lighting solutions are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing.

1. Right Type: Selecting the appropriate light source is crucial. LED bollard lights, for instance, offer energy efficiency and long lifespans, while warm-toned options minimise disruption to wildlife like bats.
2. Right Amount: Careful light level calculations prevent over-illumination, reducing energy waste and light pollution. Time switches allow precise control, activating lights only when needed.
3. Right Place: Positioning lights strategically illuminate intended areas while minimising spill into undesired spaces like bat roosts. Directional optics in bollard lights focus beams precisely.
4. Right Time: Automated scheduling via time switches ensures lights operate only during required periods, conserving energy when spaces are unoccupied.

Made by Landmark’s design approach prioritises sustainability and ecological preservation, aligning seamlessly with the Four Rs. Our bollard lights utilise energy-efficient LEDs, warm colour temperatures, and precise optics to deliver the right light, in the right place, at the right time – creating harmonious, functional outdoor environments.

Conclusion

Outdoor bollard lights have evolved to meet the demands of modern landscapes, blending functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. The trends discussed—sustainable materials, energy-efficient LEDs, bat-friendly lighting, and time-switch technology—highlight the thoughtful innovations shaping how we illuminate our spaces. At the heart of these advancements, the Four Rs of effective lighting design serve as a guiding framework, ensuring that lighting solutions remain purposeful and eco-conscious.

Creating an environment with sustainable, efficient, and wildlife-friendly lighting is within reach with Made by Landmark. Our solutions align with the latest trends, offering practical and beautiful outdoor bollard lighting options tailored to modern needs. Explore our range today and see how we can help you design outdoor spaces that inspire and endure.