Alternative Uses for Welcome Lights

Featured Inspiration

Published: 2nd Apr 2025

Written by: Jess Pacitto

Traditionally used to provide additional security and comfort, welcome lights are a go-to throughout the winter season, but did you know they could be so much more?

Otherwise referred to as security lights, these small yet powerful lights are often mounted to walls and used to alert homeowners of unexpected movement. But, as the sun is starting to set later and later (yay), do we still need to rely on welcome lights to guide the way? With the use of PIR motion detection, you can effortlessly transform the humble welcome light into something super practical that can be used in everyday life – inside the home and out.

What is PIR motion detection?

PIR stands for ‘Passive Infra-Red’ detection and is often the technology used which allows security lights to detect movement. PIR’s range can differ from light to light, with some able to recognise and alert owners of movement as far as up to 8m away – it’s this feature that makes these lights stand out from the standard everyday light. This perk, coupled with the convenience of battery power, means that we can bring the welcome light indoors and use it to enhance our lives and make everything that little bit easier.

Product featured: HL070 – Outdoor Battery Security Wall Light with PIR, White LEDs.

Here are just a few clever ways we think you can incorporate security lights into your home:

Cupboard Lighting

Picture the scene: You need to be up and out early in the morning. There’s no way you can find what you need in the dark but turning the big light on is a definite no-go unless you want to wake your (now, quite annoyed) loved ones. With a motion sensor light, you can quickly grab what you need without disturbing those sleeping beauties beside you. Be it a wardrobe, airing cupboard, boiler or everyday kitchen cupboard, pop a PIR motion sensor light within and effortlessly enlighten those hard-to-reach areas.

Nightlight

No one wants to stumble through the dark for a midnight water-run, and you certainly don’t want to wake any little dozers while you’re at it! Secure a welcome light to your skirting boards to guide the way without risking a trip hazard or burning your retinas.

Pet Support

Even your four-legged friends could use a guiding light sometimes.

Be it shining a light down on a litter tray or helping them find their way during a late-night wander, not only can security lights point them in the right direction, but they help you keep tracks of what they’re up to, too.

Loft Lighting

We’ve all been there. Be it Christmas decorations, suitcases or a good old-fashioned clear-out, sooner or later, we all have to brave ‘The Loft’. And nine times out of ten, you’re left stumbling along, begging whoever was smart enough to stay at the base of the ladder for a light. This struggle can so easily become a thing of the past with PIR motion sensor security lights. Attach your chosen light to attic beams or doors and concentrate on dodging spiders rather than dodging a concussion. 

Easy Bin Runs

Venturing outside now, who hasn’t been caught short on bin night? Your head is literally about to hit the pillow when that sense of realisation hits you – bins. Next thing, you’re running out in your slippers, crashing into bins and more than likely taking the wrong one out to the curb.

With solar powered security lights, you can rest easy knowing these lights can effortlessly charge during the day before flicking into light when needed at night. Our PIR Sentry Light is the perfect example of this – bold, bright and stylish. What’s not to love?

Have you used welcome lights in an alternative way before? What are your hints and tips? Let us know in the comments below.