What IP rating does an outdoor wall light need?

Under an overhang or a porch, IP44 protects against water splashes. On a wall exposed to driving rain or water jets, choose IP65. Always check the rating listed on the product page and respect it for the intended location.

How high should an outdoor wall light be mounted?

Next to a front door, place it 67 to 79 in (1.7 to 2 m) from the ground. On a house or garden wall, count 71 to 87 in (1.8 to 2.2 m), with 10 to 13 ft (3 to 4 m) between two lights.

Does a solar wall light work in winter?

Yes, but with reduced battery life, because days are shorter and the sun is lower. Mount it on a well-exposed wall with no shade, and clean the panel regularly. The motion sensor helps save the battery.

Can I install an outdoor wall light myself?

A solar light mounts with a few screws, with no wiring. A hardwired light needs an outdoor-rated cable and a circuit protected by a ground-fault device. If you are unsure about your installation, call an electrician.

What color temperature is best for outdoor lighting?

Light at 2700 to 3000 K is warm and flatters stone, wood and greenery. Aim it downward to avoid glare and limit light pollution.

Outdoor Wall Lights: Sconces & Porch Lights

IP rating: what comes before style in an outdoor wall light

An exterior light fixture has to stand up to rain and dust. That is what the IP rating measures. The first digit indicates protection against solids, the second against water. A waterproof outdoor wall light under an overhang or a porch needs at least IP44, which protects against splashes. On a wall exposed to driving rain or the spray of a garden hose, aim for IP65. Check the rating listed on each product page and respect it for the chosen location.

Where and how high to mount exterior wall lights

Location	Recommended height	Tip
Front door	67 to 79 in (1.7 to 2 m) from the ground	One on each side, or one on the lock side
Garage door	About 79 in (2 m)	Above or on either side
House wall, garden wall	71 to 87 in (1.8 to 2.2 m)	Spaced 10 to 13 ft (3 to 4 m) apart
Patio	71 to 79 in (1.8 to 2 m)	Light aimed downward

At the front door, a light on each side gives a balanced facade. If you only install one, put it on the lock side so you can see what you are doing when you come home. For porch lighting and patio lights, keep the light source above the eye level of seated people to avoid glare.

Four silhouettes, four facades

The antique-style lantern suits stone houses, cottages and traditionally rendered walls. Its glass shows the bulb: an LED filament bulb at 2700 K reinforces the traditional feel.

The gooseneck, with its curved arm and flared shade, lights the wall and the ground below. Inspired by barns and workshops, it highlights a door, a house number or a sign.

The bulkhead light in metal and glass stays compact and sturdy. It suits contemporary facades as well as seaside homes, and also fits a narrow passage.

The solar motion sensor light is the simplest solution: no cable, it turns on as you pass. Ideal for a garden shed, a gate or a path with no power supply.

Solar and motion sensor

A solar light needs several hours of direct sun on its panel to work well. A north-facing wall or one shaded by a tree will limit its battery life, especially in winter, when days are shorter. The motion sensor saves the battery: the light only turns on when someone passes. Aim it at the area to cover, a path or a gate, rather than at the street, to avoid needless triggers. Clean the panel now and then: dust and pollen reduce charging.

Wiring, light and care

A hardwired outdoor wall light requires a cable rated for outdoor use and a circuit protected by a ground-fault (residual current) device. This kind of installation is a job for an electrician if you have any doubt. For outdoor wall lighting, a tone of 2700 to 3000 K is welcoming and respects the night. Aim the light downward to limit light pollution and avoid dazzling the neighbors. For care, wipe the black metal and the glass with a damp cloth twice a year. By the sea, rinse more often with clean water: salt attacks finishes.