The Best Outdoor Wall Lights

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Outdoor Wall Lights and hope the blog can help you.

Improve the curb appeal of your home and enjoy your outdoor spaces after dark by installing stylish and functional outdoor wall lights.

Outdoor wall lights make the spaces outside your home warm, beautiful, and secure. Whether lighting a deck, brightening a patio, or flanking a front door, the best outdoor lights have features like programmable timers, motion sensors, dimmers, and daylight sensors so they come on when you need them.

Outdoor wall lights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, and it’s important to know what features are available so you can choose the best outdoor wall lights for your needs. Read on to learn the top picks for some of the best outdoor wall lights in a range of categories.

1. BEST OVERALL: Globe Electric Sebastien Outdoor Wall Sconce
2. RUNNER UP: Design House Jelly Jar Classic
3. BEST MODERN: LANFU LED Aluminum Waterproof Wall Lamp
4. BEST RETRO: LONEDRUID Outdoor Wall Light Fixtures
5. BEST INDUSTRIAL: LEDMO LED Wall Pack Light
6. BEST BARN LIGHT: ZJOJO 14in, Outdoor Gooseneck Barn Light
7. BEST LANTERN: Cloudy Bay 120V Outdoor Wall Lantern
8. BEST FLUSH MOUNT: Philips Hue Econic Wall & Ceiling Light Fixture
9. BEST SPOTLIGHT: YoungPower LED Motion Sensor Spotlights
10. BEST MOTION DETECTION: Topmante Solar Motion Sensor Light

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Wall Lights

Below is a list of features to keep in mind when shopping for outdoor lights for your home.

Type

There are three general types of outdoor wall lights, differentiated by how they mount and intended purpose:

• Flush mount fixtures are fairly compact and attach to the wall, leaving no space between the wall and the light. They are suited for small outdoor corridors or stairwells where you need a light with a slim profile. Flush mount lights are good for flanking a front door when you want a sleek, contemporary look.
• Semi-flush mount fixtures have a base that attaches to the wall while the part of the fixture that holds the light bulb extends outward, leaving a space between the bulb and the wall. They are generally larger and more ornate than a flush mount and come in a variety of styles, ranging from lanterns to Mission-style sconces.
• Floodlights are a type of security lighting with intense brightness from broad-beamed, high-intensity light bulbs. Floodlights are designed for utility, not aesthetics and are best suited for safety, not curb appeal.

Material and Finish

Wall lights can be made of a range of materials. The best one for you depends on your needs.

• Aluminum is affordable and strong, but over time it may fade and oxidize. It’s not recommended for coastal regions because salty air will corrode the metal.
• Copper is a high-quality option that’s strong, resists corrosion, and has a superb thermal conductivity, allowing heat to escape the fixture. Over time, as it’s exposed to the elements, copper develops a patina, which only enhances its beauty.
• Stainless steel is a good choice for contemporary applications but must be cleaned to keep its shine and protect it from corrosion.
• Brass holds up well in all conditions. Like copper, brass will develop a patina as it’s exposed to the elements, giving it a desirable aged look.
• Plastic, specifically polyurethane resin, is often used with security lights where function is more important than aesthetic. Plastic is more affordable than metal but degrades in the elements over time.

The best outdoor wall lights have finishes (like powder coating) that seal the metal and help the fixture withstand rain, heat, or cold. This coating extends the longevity and preserves the beauty of the light.

Bulb Type

There are four general bulb types used in outdoor wall lights, with a range of shapes, prices, lifespans, and energy usage:

• Incandescent bulbs produce light by running an electric current through a wire filament. These bulbs last up to 1,000 hours (or one year), use the most energy, and have the lowest up-front cost. However, their short lifespan and higher energy use make incandescent bulbs a lesser deal in the long run. These traditional bulbs are being phased out of production in favor of more energy-efficient versions.
• Halogen bulbs are generally shaped like a floodlight and have a heated filament that uses halogen gas to produce a bright light. They’re low-priced but only last a year, at most. They use a moderate amount of electricity; less than incandescents, but more than CFLs or LEDs.
• Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) have a spiral shape and produce light by driving an electric current through a tube full of argon and mercury vapor. They last up to 10 years and are more energy efficient than halogen and incandescent bulbs, but they’re not as efficient as LEDs.
• LED bulbs tend to be the most expensive but last nine 9 to 22 years—up to 22 times as long as an incandescent bulb. They’re extremely energy efficient, making them the most economical light bulb in the long run, despite their higher upfront cost. They are a smart option for everyday use in most situations.

Brightness

An outdoor light is only as bright as its bulb, and bulb brightness is measured in lumens (lm). The more lm, the brighter the light. A standard 100-watt bulb produces approximately 1,600 lm. The color of light also affects brightness, with cool-toned light tending to be brighter than warm-toned light.

A bulb’s light color is measured on the Kelvin (K) temperature scale. The higher the K number, the cooler the light appears. Most bulbs are in the 2,500K to 6,500K range, with 2,500K being warmest light and 6,500K being the coolest.

Lighting

Lights in outdoor wall lights come on in a number of different ways, depending on when the light is desired.

• Motion sensing lights signal the light to turn on when it detects movement. They’re common in home security systems to deter intruders. Many motion sensing lights use a passive infrared sensor (PIR) that detects a human’s body heat based on changes in temperature within the detection field.
• Dusk-to-dawn photocell sensors detect light instead of movement. The lights automatically turn on when the sun sets and off when the sun rises. They’re a good choice for conserving power during the day.
• Timers on lights conserve energy by allowing you to program schedules of operation. Set the timer so the light comes on and goes off at the same time each evening. Or set a timer to run the lights while you’re on vacation to give the illusion of someone being home.

Installation

Experienced DIYers should be able to install these fixtures with little more than a drill or screwdriver. Follow this general process of installation:

• Turn off electricity to exterior fixtures at the breaker box.
• Remove the old light, remove the plastic wire caps, uncouple the wires, and install the new light mount.
• Wrap the new lamp’s ground wire to the ground bolt on the mount, and screw the bolt down tightly.
• Twist together the ground wire from the light and the ground wire from the wall, and then secure them with a wire cap.
• Repeat the process with the white and black wires.
• Next, secure the new light fixture to the mounting plate, and check to ensure it’s secure and positioned properly.
• Screw in the bulbs, turn on the power, and test to make sure the lights work.

If you’re unsure of how to install an outdoor wall light, hire an electrician or handyman to install it safely and properly.

Our Top Picks

With the above shopping considerations in mind, here are some top picks for the best outdoor wall lights in a range of categories.

Best Overall

Globe Electric Sebastien Outdoor Wall Sconce

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Globe Electric’s two-pack of aluminum wall sconces brings soft light and modern industrial appeal to a front porch or back deck. The semi-flush mount fixtures have a matte black finish that’s agreeable with a range of home styles. The retro shades have a modern white interior that reflects light.

These sconces are compatible with dimmer switches to adjust brightness, so they’re not as old-fashioned as they look. Each fixture can accommodate a 60-watt bulb. To get the full retro effect, you can use a vintage Edison bulb in the fixtures, or go for modern energy efficiency with an LED bulb. They’re quick and easy to install, with all the required mounting hardware included.

Product Specs

• Type: Semi-flush mount
• Material: Aluminum
• Finish(es): Matte black
• Compatible Bulb(s): LED and Edison

Pros

• Sleek, modern industrial design
• Fully dimmable with 60-watt bulbs
• Pack of two
• Downward design reduces light pollution
• Compatible with dimmer switches

Cons

• Mounting screws could be longer
• White interior is quite reflective

Get the Globe Electric wall sconce on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Ace Hardware.

Runner Up

Design House Jelly Jar Classic Indoor/Outdoor Light

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Design House’s Jelly Jar outdoor lights offer durability, quality, and style at a lower price than comparable fixtures. Inspired by the lights used on boats, these low-profile sconces are made of steel with an oil-rubbed bronze finish so they can stand up to the elements.

Their size, at 7.5 inches tall and 5.25 inches wide, makes them a good pick for small spaces. Ribbed glass covers diffuse light, creating an inviting glow instead of a glaring beam. Add a dimmer switch and you can adjust the brightness. These semi-flush-mount fixtures use 60-watt bulbs, or an LED equivalent, and can be installed with nothing more than a screwdriver. They’re also available in brass, satin nickel, and white finishes.

Product Specs

• Type: Flush mount
• Material: Steel
• Finish(es): Oil-rubbed bronze, black, satin nickel, and white
• Compatible Bulb(s): 60-watt or LED

Pros

• Farmhouse style with ribbed glass jar design
• Can be dimmable
• Smaller footprint for small entries
• Pack of two

Cons

• Dimmer switch not included
• Decorative nuts don’t always match oiled bronze color
• May not provide ample light

Get the Design House indoor/outdoor light at The Home Depot or at Lowe’s.

Best Modern

LANFU LED Aluminum Waterproof Wall Lamp

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LANFU’s energy-efficient outdoor wall light has sleek, contemporary lines and sturdy aluminum construction that can stand up to the elements and resist fading from UV rays. This flush-mount light is cube-shaped and directs beams of light from both the top and bottom of the fixture.

The light angles are adjustable, allowing the fixture to highlight architectural features of a home or illuminate an entry. At just 4 by 4 inches, LANFU’s fixture is good for use in small spaces or in pairs for entry lighting. Made for use with a pair of LED bulbs, the fixture can produce up to 600 lm of brightness.

Product Specs

• Type: Flush mount
• Material: Aluminum
• Finish(es): Black and white
• Compatible Bulb(s): LED

Pros

• Energy-efficient
• Resists moisture and UV rays
• Adjustable light angles
• Produced 600 lms of brightness

Cons

• May be difficult to install
• More for decor than illuminating a large area
• Entire unit must be replaced when bulbs burn out

Get the LANFU LED wall lamp on Amazon.

Best Retro

LONEDRUID Outdoor Wall Light Fixtures

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LONEDRUID’s outdoor wall light has the old-fashioned charm of a candle-burning lantern combined with contemporary features like weatherproof construction and LED-bulb capability. Die-cast aluminum resists corrosion and stands up to the elements, while textured glass sides create a gorgeous, dappled light effect.

Compatible with incandescent, LED, CFL, or halogen bulbs, the fixture can accommodate bulbs up to 100 watts and produce up to 1,600 lm; that’s a lot of brightness. At nearly 18 inches tall, a pair of these fixtures can make for dramatic entry lighting on either side of a front door. There’s a universal mounting plate and mounting hardware included, but a professional electrician may be your best bet for installing this light.

Product Specs

• Type: Semi-flush mount
• Material: Die-cast aluminum and textured glass
• Finish(es): Oil-rubbed bronze
• Compatible Bulb(s): LED, CFL, and halogen

Pros

• Weatherproof construction
• Provides up to 1,600 lm brightness
• Universal mounting plate and mourning hardware included

Cons

• May require professional help to install
• Glass panels require assembly
• Missing small parts for installation

Get the LONEDRUID wall light fixtures on Amazon.

Best Industrial

LEDMO LED Wall Pack Light

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Larger outdoor spaces may require a more powerful fixture like LEDMO’s 5,000K light to create a well-lit area. Equipped with a photocell sensor, LEDMO’s flush-mount lights give dusk-to-dawn lighting. They automatically turn on as soon as the sun sets and turn off when the sun rises, making this a good choice for security lighting.

Capable of handling a 1,600-lm LED bulb, these fixtures can give up to 50,000 hours of superbright light. With metal construction and heavy-duty plastic covers over the bulbs, they can stand up to the humidity, rain, snow, and other bad weather without corroding or failing.

Product Specs

• Type: Flush mount
• Material: Metal and plastic
• Finish(es): Black
• Compatible Bulb(s): LED

Pros

• Provides 5,000K of light
• Photocell sensor
• 50,000-hour lifespan
• Shatterproof and weatherproof plastic
• Detects light levels automatically and can be adjusted

Cons

• Might be too powerful in close neighborhoods
• Too bright and wide for porches
• Pricey

Get the LEDMO wall pack light on Amazon.

Best Barn Light

ZJOJO 14in, Outdoor Gooseneck Barn Light