Fetching wood or taking out the trash in the middle of the night without getting your feet tangled or waking up the whole house? Mission impossible without good outdoor lighting. What if your lights turned on by themselves, only when you needed them? That's exactly what the outdoor bollard with motion detector is all about: discreet comfort, enhanced safety... and savings to boot. We explain why it's such a good choice.
Why choose a bollard to light your garden?
Before we talk about sensors, let's start with the format. The bollard - this light source installed at intermediate heights (around 40 to 100 cm) - is an ideal solution for structuring and marking out a garden.
Unlike recessed spotlights (which are more decorative) or wall sconces (which are fixed and often focused on one area), the :
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illuminates horizontally and evenly walkways, flowerbeds or transit areas;
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avoid shadowy areas by lighting just above ground level;
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easy to install in soft ground or on a concrete base, without the need for a wall;
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and allows a very natural natural the volumes of the garden, without assaulting the eyes.
It's an excellent compromise between power, visual comfort and landscape aesthetics.
Intelligent lighting that turns on only when needed
Sensor posts aren't just home automation gadgets. They combine design and practicality, activating only when you pass within their detection zone.
What this means for your daily life:
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No more searching for a light switch in the dark.
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The light follows you, effortlessly.
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Conversely, it switches off automatically once motion is no longer detected.
Comfort and safety, from the front door to the garden
Installing bollards with detection around your home means greater peace of mind:
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In winter, they save you from walking in the dark with your arms full of groceries.
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They also deter intruders by simulating a human presence.
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For driveways, garage approaches or garden sheds, they effectively mark out the path as soon as movement is detected.
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And for guests arriving after dark, a welcoming entrance is guaranteed (without kicking the flowerpot).
"At Lumihome, we chose to integrate our sensors directly into the head of the bollard, for a more sober design and optimum efficiency. Less housing, more light at the right moment. "Christophe Coelho, founder of Lumihome
Energy savings without compromising on lighting
A classic bollard stays lit all night long, even when no one's around. The result: unnecessary consumption, and sometimes an impressive waste of energy if you multiply the number of light points.
With a detector, the light only comes on when necessary.
In concrete terms :
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You divide the lighting time.
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You prolong LED life (less frequent switching on = fewer cycles).
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You reduce your electricity bill, while maintaining optimum comfort. This is even truer if you choose a solar post.
And at a time when we're talking as much about energy savings as design... it's a winning combo.
What to check before choosing your detector post
Not all detection bollards are created equal. To avoid unpleasant surprises, here are the essential criteria to keep in mind:
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Detection angle Angle of detection: ideally at least 90°.
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Sensor range 5 to 10 meters are sufficient in a residential garden.
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Timer setting The ability to select a switch-on time between 30 seconds and 5 minutes is essential.
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With a darkness sensor Some models, such as those from Lumihome, activate the detector only when the light level reaches a certain threshold (very useful for avoiding daylight triggers).
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Protection class IP44 minimum, to resist rain, insects and splashes.
Bollard or bollard post: which to choose?
It's a question we're often asked. On the surface, these two types of outdoor luminaire look very similar. But there are a few differences that can help you make the right choice:
Criteria | Posts | Terminal |
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Height | 70 to 120 cm | 30 to 60 cm |
Illuminated area | Wide (driveways, facades, entrances) | Very targeted (borders, small beds) |
Aesthetics | Sleek, visible | Low, discreet |
Luminous effect | Diffused or directional depending on model | Localized, subdued atmosphere |
Recommended use | Structuring spaces and making travel safer | Beacon precise areas without glare |
To sum up : choose the bollard for guidance and safetyor illuminated bollards for structuring or highlighting specific areas (flower beds, relaxation areas, terrace edges). To find out more, read our article on the differences between bollards and outdoor bollards.
And there's nothing to stop you combining the two in a single project!
A variety of uses for every outdoor area
You can place your detector posts :
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Along an aisle for automatic guidance.
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Close to an outside staircase, to avoid accidents.
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Close to the gate or carport, to facilitate night-time manoeuvring.
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At the entrance to the house, to create a warm and practical reception area.
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At the edge of the garden, to deter night-time intruders.
Your exterior deserves lighting that's as smart as it is elegant
Choosing a bollard with motion detector means ticking three boxes in a single solution: aesthetic, safetyand energy efficiency. No need to choose between comfort and efficiency: you win on all counts, and your exteriors finally become as practical as they are elegant.
At Lumihome, our models combine precise detection, powerful LED lighting and sober design to suit all garden styles. And as always, reliability is our top priority.