Want to add some charm and safety to your outdoor space with outdoor wall lights? You’ve come to the right place! This guide is packed with expert tips to help you place your lights perfectly, creating a beautiful and functional outdoor area that you are sure to love.
Let’s begin by getting to know popular outdoor wall lights:
Barn Lights ━ Known for their industrial chic look, barn lights are becoming increasingly popular for outdoor use. Typically featuring a metal shade and a sturdy frame, they offer a rustic charm that complements various home styles. These outdoor wall lights provide ample illumination and are commonly used near garages, porches, or backyards.
Gooseneck Lights ━ Gooseneck lights are distinguished by their long, curved arms that hold the light fixture. This design provides flexibility in directing the light where needed. Home and property owners often use them to highlight architectural details, illuminate pathways or provide focused lighting for outdoor living spaces.
Galvanized Lights ━ Galvanized lights are characterized by their metallic coating. They are highly durable and resistant to rust, making them perfect for outdoor environments. People love them for their vintage appeal, and we are sure you will, too.
Dusk to Dawn Lights ━ While not strictly a style, dusk to dawn lights are outdoor lights with built-in sensors that automatically turn on the light at dawn and off at dusk. These lights are ideal for enhancing security and providing convenient illumination without manual intervention.
Choosing the Right Spot for Your Lights
Picking the right spot for your outdoor wall lights can make a huge difference in how your home looks and feels. Let’s explore a few tips to help you get it right. First, you must consider what you want to achieve with your lights. Maybe you want to brighten up your front door, add a cozy glow to your patio, or highlight a special feature in your garden. When you figure out your objective, it will be easier to assign a spot for your chosen outdoor wall lights. We will cover everything from height and spacing to style and safety. So keep reading for practical advice you can use right away.
Lighting Up Your Front Door
Your front door is like your home’s welcome mat, so let’s make sure it shines! Placing outdoor wall lights or porch lights near your entrance is a must for style and safety. For the best effect, place your light fixtures about 60 to 65 inches high. This way, the light will hit your face when you unlock your door, making it easier to see. Aim for an outdoor light that’s about a quarter the height of your door so it can produce enough illumination without overpowering the senses. If your door is wide, consider using two wall-mounted lights on either side for even better illumination.
Lighting Up Your Patio
The patio is synonymous with an outdoor living room and deserves love and light. For a cozy vibe, place your fixtures around seating areas and aim for a height of about 6 to 6.5 feet. You will get a soft glow that hits the right spot (not too bright and not too dull). For larger patios, use multiple lights for optimal illumination and coverage. Safety is non-negotiable, so install outdoor wall lights with gooseneck or straight arm mounts near stairs to prevent accidents.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Outdoor Wall Light
The best outdoor wall lights are those that elevate your home’s curb appeal. The secret is to choose a fixture that matches your home’s overall look. Clean lines and sleek materials like American steel work well for modern homes. Top picks in this category include our Topanga light. Traditional-style homes, on the other hand, can benefit from barn lights and fixtures made of brass or that are galvanized. Whatever you do, the most important thing to remember is to work with fixtures that complement your home, not clash with it.
How High and How Far Apart Should Outdoor Wall Lights Be?
Height: The height placement of your outdoor wall lights is crucial to their aesthetics and functionality. We have curated an easy-to-remember guide for your use:
Front door/ Porch: As we mentioned earlier, around 60 to 65 inches is ideal for front door lights and porches. This height ensures the light is directed for visibility.
Patio or Deck: 6-6.5 feet high is the ideal height for patios and decks to attain a cozy ambiance. This height provides a soft glow without being too overpowering.
General Rule: For other areas, such as walkways and gardens, consider the purpose of the light. If you want to highlight certain features, place your lights lower. For general or ambient illumination, a higher placement might be better. Consider larger fixtures, such as our 20” Redondo dome, for this purpose.
Space: The distance between your outdoor wall lights is just as important as their height.
Front door/Porch: If you are using two fixtures, space them about 4 to 6 feet apart for balanced illumination.
Patio or Deck: The spacing depends on the size of your space. For a small patio, we recommend two lights spaced about 8 to 10 feet apart. For larger patios, you can increase the distance or add more light fixtures.
Walkways and Gardens: Space your outdoor wall lights evenly for a consistent look. When determining the distance between lights, consider the length of your walkway or the size of your garden.
Safety Tips for Your Outdoor Lights
Safety should always come first when installing outdoor wall lights. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Fixtures: Make sure your lights are rated for outdoor use. Check for fixtures with a wet location rating.
Use the Right Bulbs: Use bulbs designed for outdoor applications. These bulb types are better able to handle different weather conditions.
Check for Damage: Regularly inspect your fixtures for damage like cracked bulbs or frayed wires.
Turn off When not in Use: Switch off your lights when not in use to conserve energy and prevent potential accidents.
Consult a Professional: If you are unsure about installing your outdoor wall lights yourself, it is best to enlist a qualified electrician.
We hope this guide has answered all your questions and cleared your doubts about outdoor wall light placement. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
