Outdoor Wall Lights

An outdoor lighting fixture is more than just a beacon guiding the way to your front door. It also enhances the curb appeal of your home. Fashion Light Center offers an extensive collection of outdoor wall lanterns, outdoor light pendants, and other exterior outdoor lighting options in various design styles. Built to withstand the elements while maintaining their beauty, these fixtures come from top outdoor lighting designers including Hinkley, Northeast Lantern, Genie House, Fourteenth Colony and Brass Traditions. If you’re looking for outdoor lighting ideas to brighten up the exterior of your home, look no further than Fashion Light Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Outdoor Wall Lanterns

How do I choose the right size outdoor wall light?

For optimal illumination, choose outdoor wall lights that are approximately 1/4 to 1/3 the height of your door or entryway. For a standard 8-foot doorway, select fixtures between 24 and 32 inches tall. Position lights at eye level, typically 66 to 72 inches from the ground, ensuring proper illumination without glare. For garages or larger areas, scale up proportionally while maintaining these ratios.

What is the correct brightness needed for outdoor wall lights?

For post lanterns at your home, you should aim for 600 to 900 lumens to provide adequate lighting without creating a harsh glare. Driveway entrance posts may need higher outputs, anywhere from roughly 800 to 1,200 lumens, while landscape path lights use lower outputs. Consider using multiple lower-lumen fixtures spaces appropriately rather than fewer high-lumen fixtures to create more even lighting distribution and reduce harsh shadows.

What’s the best placement for outdoor wall lanterns?

Position outdoor wall lanterns on either side of main entrances, garage doors, or pathways for balanced lighting. For front doors, mount lights 66-72 inches from the ground and 6-12 inches from the door frame. For optimal security and aesthetics, space multiple lanterns 8-10 feet apart along walkways or walls. Ensure fixtures are positioned to illuminate both the immediate area and provide adequate pathway lighting.

Which weather rating do I need for outdoor wall lights?

Outdoor wall lights should have a minimum IP65 rating for adequate weather protection. The first digit (6) indicates complete protection against dust, while the second digit (5) ensures protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction. For coastal areas or areas with severe weather, consider IP66 or IP67 rated fixtures for enhanced durability against strong water and temperatures. 

How do I match outdoor wall lanterns to my home’s style?

Choosing the perfect wall lights start with your home’s architectural style. Classic homes can come alive with timeless black, antique brass, or copper lanterns that add sophistication to an entrance. For modern homes, embrace sleek, minimalist fixtures in a matte black or brushed nickel that make a contemporary statement. Colonial-style homes look stately with traditional lantern designs, especially those featured clear glass. For a polished look, coordinate your lantern finishes with existing hardware such as door handles and mailboxes, choosing fixtures between ¼ to ⅓ the height of your doorway to create a great visual balance. 

What is the difference between wall lanterns and wall sconces? 

Wall lanterns feature enclosed glass panels and a cage-like design that offers complete weather protection and traditional styling, perfect for entryways and front porches. Wall sconces typically have a more contemporary look with partially exposed or directed lighting, ideal for patios and side entrances. While lanterns provide 360-degree illumination for broader coverage, sconces create more focused light in areas, allowing you to highlight specific features or areas of your exterior.