Lisa McDennon Porter 29 Inch Outdoor Wall Light by Hinkley

With the right décor, your outdoor space can become a welcoming oasis. Lighting, in particular wall-mounted fixtures, transforms your yard or garden from a simple patch of the outdoors to a stunningly illuminated area, perfect for entertaining or relaxing.

You might opt for the Victorian charm of cast iron exterior sconces, or the modern gleam of stainless steel flush mounts, or the bold lines of a large, eye-catching lantern. With so many outdoor wall lighting ideas to choose from, they’re a simple yet sophisticated way to elevate your home’s exterior.

Outdoor Sconces vs. Lanterns vs. Exterior Wall Fixtures

The first step when choosing exterior wall lights is to fully understand the options available. The main choices are outdoor sconces, outdoor wall lanterns, and exterior wall lights that are attached flush to the wall.

Exterior sconces, like their interior cousins, are lights mounted on the wall that only touch the mount, not the wall itself. They’re positioned a few inches away from the wall, so light dapples the ground, the wall, and surrounding features.

A brief outdoor sconce lighting guide:

• Install a single sconce next to a door for elegant yet understated illumination, or a pair of sconces to frame the entryway.
• Add sconces near outdoor seating areas, choosing shades and fixtures that complement the style of outdoor furniture.
• Consider the style of sconces, as they can lift your home’s curb appeal as well as elevate ambiance.

Stowe 10 Inch Outdoor Wall Light by Hubbardton Forge

Outdoor wall lanterns tend to have bolder styles, ranging from gothic-inspired blackened metal with curls and patterns to chic, sleek modern options. Lanterns shine outwards, offering useful pools of illumination, perfect for seating or outdoor dining areas. They’re also useful for adding tasteful elegance to garden paths or accenting ornamentation, such as statuary.

Newbury Outdoor Wall Light by Quoizel

Close- and flush-mounted exterior wall fixtures range from simple directional and task lighting to extravagant, statement pieces that draw the eye and spark conversations. Tall, narrow fixtures are ideal for narrow yet spreading beams of light that intersect at pathways or seating areas. Smaller round or square lights offer ambient illumination for social gatherings or around doorways.

Mist 22 Inch Outdoor Wall Light by Hinkley

Where to Place Outdoor Wall Lights

Clustering outdoor wall lights is rarely effective. Space and mindful placement are the keys to beautifully layered illumination. If they’re too cramped, you could create bursts of light and deep pools of shadow. Too far apart, though, and the garden area becomes dim and difficult to use.

Consider where the shadowy areas of your garden are. Do you get sun at the back or front of your home in the afternoon? If the backyard is darker from 4 pm onward, you might want to install more lights on these walls.

Height is another important consideration. If the lights are too low, only the ground gains good illumination. Wall lights should offer a better spread of light to help direct guests and support outdoor living. Place lights at a minimum height of about five feet or higher for illumination that’s more useful and visually appealing.

This reference guide gives you a starting point for outdoor wall light placement:

	Best for…	Best location
Outdoor sconces	Highlighting and framing entryways; illuminating doorbells and other switches; adding elegance and complementing existing décor schemes.	Front and back door frames; spaced equally along walls or next to windows; at either side of a porch or patio; around a hot tub area or dining area.
Outdoor wall lanterns	Offering a wider, brighter spread of light from a single source; adding drama via bold, oversized designs, in some cases.	The start of garden pathways or paths between garden buildings, e.g., sheds, playhouses, etc.; mounted next to an entryway as an alternative to two sconces; next to outdoor dining tables.
Flush-mounted wall lights	Ambient light in wider or longer outdoor spaces.	Spaced along any exterior wall; installed in vertical rows to highlight outdoor dining or seating spaces.

Twilight 9 Inch Outdoor Wall Light by Hubbardton Forge

How to Choose the Right Size and Scale

Now that you know where you’re going to place your light fixtures, it’s time to consider scale. You need lights that aren’t so huge that they overwhelm a small space or narrow wall. But you also need lights that are large enough to provide effective illumination.

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“Outdoor wall lights should be chosen for both proportion and performance. A fixture that is too small can disappear on the facade, while the right scale, finish, and wet-rating can improve curb appeal and everyday visibility.” – Stacey Abrams | Retail Merchandising Brand Manager

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You may want to consider:

• Single lanterns that are one-third the size of the object they highlight. For example, a six-foot statue may gain the best illumination from a two-foot-high lantern.
• Door sconces no more than one-quarter the height of the door frame.
• Taller flush lights for wider spaces. They take up less wall space but still provide ample light, and they’re available in many appealing styles.

Measure your space and speak to an in-store specialist if you’re not sure what size wall lights will work best.

Choosing Finishes and Materials for Exterior Lighting

When it comes to interior light fixture finishes, in most instances, matching finishes to your design vision is your primary objective. But there are some limitations when you’re placing lights outside. Considerations include the weather resistance of the material, how it will appear when wet, and how the overall fixture will stand up to wind, dust, sand, or other environmental factors. If you’re unsure which material will perform best in your environment, find a showroom near you to compare options in person and get expert guidance.

• Copper, which has high corrosion resistance and adds sparkle and vintage nostalgia.
• Brass, another corrosion-resistant metal that fits in with décor schemes ranging from Victorian to coastal.
• Aluminum, usually coated or treated to protect it from the elements, with its high shine and modern aesthetic.
• Steel, particularly high-quality stainless steel, which can be smooth and sleek or brushed for texture, depending on your preferences.

There are also many composite fixtures that are rated for outdoor use, and coated metals that combine tensile strength with weather resistance and beauty.

Karson 10 Inch Outdoor Wall Light by Quoizel

Brightness, Bulb Type, and Wet-Rated Fixture Considerations

When purchasing outdoor wall lights, you should think about how bright you need the bulb to be and what type of bulbs you’ll need. If you buy several types of outdoor lighting fixtures, don’t assume that they all take the same type of bulb. Smaller lanterns may have narrower, screw-in fittings, while larger, brighter fixtures may require halogen lamps or their LED equivalents.

Consider the color of your bulbs as well as the brightness level. For ambience, a warm glow is generally better than a cold, bright glare. However, you may want to layer colors, opting for gentle, golden pools of light around the windows, and a small but bright lamp highlighting your doorbell.

Finally, remember to check the wet-rating of the fixtures you’re buying. All outdoor wall lights should be wet-rated, unless they’re completely covered, for example, under a porch that has enclosed sides. You could opt for damp rather than wet-rated light fixtures in areas like this, but you’ll gain greater peace of mind knowing that your outdoor lights are crafted to stand up to the elements.

Get to know your outdoor space, take measurements and decide what purpose your lights will serve. From there, you can choose elegant or sleek, modern wall lights that complement your home’s existing aesthetic and bring warmth and comfort to its exterior. For personalized help selecting the right fixtures, speak with one of our lighting experts.

Chapman & Myers Darlana 21 Inch Tall 2 Light Outdoor Wall Light by Visual Comfort Signature Collection

FAQs

Are flush-mounted lighting fixtures my only choice for outdoor wall lights?

No, you can explore many different outdoor wall lighting ideas, from hanging lanterns in sturdy blackened metal to glimmering, stainless steel modern sconces. Consider the size and shape of the space you want to light. You might also choose fixtures that serve a specific purpose, such as highlighting an entryway.

Does the bulb color of outdoor wall lighting fixtures matter?

Yes, cooler tones will appear whiter, and warmer tones are more golden. Decide which suits your desired ambiance better. You can also layer cool and warm tones if needed.

What is the best material for outdoor wall lights?

Outdoor lighting finishes should balance aesthetic appeal with weather resistance and general resilience. Lanterns, in particular, may be subject to wind-related knocks and bumps, so scratch-resistant metals or coatings are ideal. Premium finishes like coated cast iron or brushed brass offer water resistance and can mask scuffs and scratches, making them practical choices for lighting fixtures in high-traffic outdoor areas.