With colder weather comes longer nights that can present a number of obstacles to many of us going about our daily lives. Outdoor lighting can ensure our night-time visibility is not too restricted, but such household fixtures should be about more than just practicality. That is why most options boast attractive designs suitable for any home.

So, whether you live in a modern terrace property or a more traditional semi, here are five great outdoor lighting options you can take advantage of this winter:

1. Eco Friendly

Eco-friendly outdoor lights are naturally popular - with solar garden lighting a common feature in many properties and won't impact on your electricity bills.

Freestanding spike lights are perhaps the most common and can create a subtle and magical atmosphere. Designs within this range vary from the traditional, such as these solar coach lights and super bright solar lights in copper to more modern, quirkier options such as the flower solar lights or solar starburst spikes.

2. Traditional Lanterns

For people with a love of traditional design, Victorian lanterns are the best option. These are typically wall mounted and combine a plain, black metal framework with bevelled glass panels to create a strikingly and quintessentially British look - as demonstrated in this fantastic half outdoor lantern.

The shape and style of the framework will vary considerably between styles, with both plain and intricate outdoor lanterns available. For those who are after something a little more decorative, the pumpkin style black lantern is also a great modern take on a traditional lighting fixture.

Whilst wall-mounted options are best for those with compact gardens, those with a little more space to work with might prefer garden post lighting. This singular bulb design offers an understated and elegant look, but those after something more outlandish might prefer something like theElegathree head street lamp.

3. Cosy Candles

Not all garden lighting needs to be electrically powered and those looking to create a cosier, more intimate atmosphere should consider investing in candles or other forms of mood lighting. These can be combined with normal floodlights to ensure visibility levels are high, and those with quirkier tastes could always select colour-changing options such as this solar angel light.

4. Party Lights

External lightsaren't purely to help you navigate the outdoor areas of your home; they're designed to enhance the mood of your garden too. For those who like socialising in the evenings, party lights are a great option and can transform your garden into a true winter wonderland for Christmas.

The most obvious option here is undoubtedly outdoor fairy lights, with these flower solar string lights - a great option when combined with these Solar Mosaic Glass Ball Spike Lights.

For those looking for a more modern addition to their home, wall light options are ideal. This payton square layer wall light is a great example of the type of designs available and can help create a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere when entertaining guests in the garden.

5. Safe and Secure

Outdoor lighting is also a great way to improve the security of your home usingfloodlights and security lights as a proven burglar deterrent. Make sure these are clearly visible to passers-by in order to achieve the best results and consider bulkhead lights such as themetal oval bulkhead wall light if you want something a little different in appearance to the standard floodlight.