Outdoor Wall Lights

Outdoor wall lights are an essential component of any outdoor lighting design, and not only do they provide practical brightness, but they also add to the aesthetic appeal of your home or outdoor space, and help to keep your property secure. Whichever reason you're considering adding outdoor wall lights to your home, there are a wide variety of outdoor wall lights to choose from, so whichever style your property is, and that you prefer, you'll find the right outdoor wall lights for you. Let's take a look at the different styles of outdoor wall lights, their features and the reasons to use them around your home, and we'll also provide some tips on how to choose the right outdoor wall light for your home.

What styles do outdoor wall lights come in?

Like most styles of lighting, outdoor wall lights are a category that has a wide variety of styles, so you can get the perfect look for your home. Some of the most popular styles of outdoor wall lights in our range include:

• Traditional outdoor wall lights. These are typically designed with ornate details and feature a classic, timeless look, such as lantern styles. Traditional wall lights are often made from materials such as wood, brass or copper, and may have frosted or smoked glass to help diffuse the light.
• Contemporary outdoor wall lights feature clean lines and minimalist designs, often made from sleek materials such as brushed stainless steel or black powder-coated aluminium. These lights often have integrated LED bulbs, and typically offer a range of brightness settings, and smart control options.
• Rustic outdoor wall lights have a more rugged, natural look, often featuring materials such as wrought iron or distressed wood. These lights may have different coloured glass to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
• Nautical outdoor wall lights are designed to evoke a seaside or coastal feel, with features such as a ship's lantern design, or marine inspired elements. These lights may have a clear or frosted glass to create a bright, nautical-inspired look.
• Art Deco outdoor wall lights feature bold geometric shapes and intricate designs, often with a metallic finish. These lights can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to outdoor spaces.
• Industrial outdoor wall lights have a utilitarian look, often featuring materials such as galvanized steel or wrought iron. You may consider adding a vintage-style Edison bulb to create a nostalgic, retro look on industrial wall lights.

These aren't the only styles to choose from "“ there are many more styles in our range, each with a certain aesthetic. Whether you're looking for a classic, traditional design or a wall light that is totally on-trend, you'll find what you're looking for when you browse our collection of outdoor wall lights.

Are there outdoor wall lights that will emit light downwards and upwards?

Yes, there are outdoor wall lights that emit light downwards and upwards, and they're often referred to as "œup-down lights" or "œbi-directional lights". These types of lights are designed to provide both ambient and accent lighting, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere while also highlighting the architecture of the building or outdoor space.

Up-down lights come in a variety of styles, with the most popular styles being sleek and modern. They are available in a range of finishes and colours to match your exterior decor. Some up-down lights also have adjustable heads, allowing you to direct the light exactly where you need it, which is ideal if you have a particular architectural feature that you'd like to highlight on the outside of your home.

What is the right height for an outdoor wall light?

The right height for an outdoor wall light will depend on several factors, including the size and style of the fixture, the height of the wall, and the intended purpose of the light. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed to ensure the light is installed at the appropriate height.

In general, outdoor wall lights should be mounted at a height of 5-6 feet above the ground, with the centre of the fixture at eye level. This height is comfortable for most people and provides adequate lighting for most outdoor spaces. For larger fixtures, or areas that require more brightness, the light may need to be mounted higher. In this case, it's important to ensure that the light is still directed downward to prevent glare and minimize light pollution.

When installing outdoor wall lights, it's also important to consider the placement of the light and the intended purpose. For example, if the light is being used to light a pathway or stairs, it should be mounted lower to provide adequate brightness for people walking in the area. On the other hand, if the light is being used to provide ambient lighting, it may be mounted higher.

What is the best type of bulb to use in outdoor wall lights?

LED bulbs are the most popular choice for lighting today, including for outdoor wall lights. LED bulbs offer several benefits over traditional incandescent bulbs, including:

• LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, which can help reduce your energy bills, and is better for the planet.
• LED bulbs are more durable than incandescent bulbs, and can last up to 25 times longer. They are less likely to break or shatter, making them a safer choice for outdoor lighting in exposed areas.
• LED bulbs are available in a range of colours and are often dimmable and can create different levels of lighting.

The best type of bulb to use in any lighting depends on the specific fixture and the intended use. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the appropriate bulb type for your outdoor wall light. Remember, our team are on hand to help if you have questions about your new outdoor wall light, and which bulbs are right.

Are the bulbs built in for outdoor wall lights?

Many outdoor wall lights now come with integrated LEDs, meaning the LED bulbs are built directly into the fixture and cannot be replaced separately. While this can be a disadvantage on the rare occasion that the bulbs fail early, it also has several benefits, as we've already discussed above. Integrated LED bulbs are a great choice for outdoor wall lights, and offer many advantages in terms of energy efficiency, design flexibility, and for being low maintenance.

Are outdoor wall lights weather-resistant?

Yes, because they are designed to be installed outdoors, outdoor wall lights are weather-resistant and will withstand exposure to the elements. They are typically made from materials such as metal, plastic, or glass that are designed to resist rust, corrosion, and fading from UV light. It's also a good idea to choose lights made from materials that are resistant to corrosion and rust, such as stainless steel or aluminium.

In order to be considered weather-resistant, outdoor wall lights must meet certain standards and certifications. This is usually the IP rating (Ingress Protection rating), which indicates the level of protection provided against dust, moisture, and other environmental factors. The higher the IP rating, the more resistant the light is to the elements, and you'll need at least IP44 for outdoor lighting.

You should also be careful to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance, such as regularly cleaning the lights and replacing bulbs, to ensure that your outdoor wall lights continue to function properly and withstand the elements.

Are outdoor wall lights suitable for homes near the coast?

Not all outdoor wall lights are protected against the additional salt in the air, and so not all are suitable for use in coastal areas. Outdoor wall lights that are designed specifically for coastal environments will typically have a higher level of protection against the corrosive effects of salt water and other elements.

In addition to having a high IP rating, outdoor wall lights designed for coastal environments will typically be made from materials that are resistant to corrosion and rust, such as marine-grade stainless steel or aluminium. These materials are better able to withstand the corrosive effects of salt water and other environmental factors.

To keep outdoor lighting working well in coastal areas, regularly clean and maintain outdoor wall lights to ensure they continue to function properly and maintain their appearance. Regular cleaning can help remove salt and other corrosive materials from the light fixture, preventing them from causing damage over time.

Can outdoor wall lights be solar-powered?

Yes, outdoor wall lights can be solar-powered, and there are many benefits to using them. Solar-powered lights are powered by solar panels, which absorb sunlight during the day, and use it to charge a battery. The battery then powers the light at night, providing brightness without the need for electrical wiring or an external power source.

Some of the benefits of solar-powered outdoor wall lights include:

• Solar-powered lights are energy-efficient and do not require any electricity from the grid, which can help reduce your energy bills and has less demand from the planet.
• Solar-powered lights are easy to install, as they do not require any electrical wiring or access to an external power source. This makes them ideal for use in remote areas or places where it is difficult to run electrical wires.
• Solar-powered lights are low maintenance, as they do not require any ongoing costs for electricity or bulb replacements. Most solar lights have LED bulbs and rechargeable batteries that last for a number of years before needing to be replaced.

That said, there are some areas where solar-powered lights may not be suitable. Areas that do not receive sufficient sunlight throughout the day may not provide enough energy to power the lights at night. Additionally, in areas with heavy cloud cover or frequent rain, the solar panels may not be able to fully charge the batteries, reducing the amount of light provided at night.

Overall though, solar-powered outdoor wall lights are a great choice for those looking for energy-efficient, low-maintenance lighting solutions. Just be sure to consider the amount of sunlight available in your area and whether solar-powered lights will be able to meet your lighting needs.

What other functionality do outdoor wall lights have?

In addition to providing the light, outdoor wall lights can have a variety of other functionalities, including:

• Some outdoor wall lights come with a dimming function, allowing you to adjust the brightness of the light to create different moods and lighting effects.
• An increasing number of outdoor wall lights can be integrated into smart home systems, allowing you to control them remotely using a smartphone app or voice assistant.
• Some outdoor wall lights are available with colour changing functionality, allowing you to switch between different colours. These are perfect for on patios during the summer.
• Some outdoor wall lights come with timer settings, allowing you to schedule the light to turn on and off at specific times, or have dusk to dawn sensors, to turn on and off automatically based on the level of ambient light.
• Outdoor wall lights can be solar-powered, allowing them to be powered by the sun, and eliminating the need for an external power source or electrical wiring. Perfect for remote areas of the garden, or where it would be difficult to run an electricity cable.
• Some outdoor wall lights have emergency lighting functionality, so they can provide light during power outages or other emergencies.

Of course, there are some wall lights that have more than one of these additional features "“ so bear these in mind when you're shopping, and make sure to filter our collection with those automation options.

Do outdoor wall lights come with motion sensors?

Yes, outdoor wall lights can be equipped with motion sensors, which detect movement in the area and turn the light on automatically. Motion sensor lights are a popular feature for outdoor lighting, as they can help increase security and convenience by only lighting up the area when someone approaches.

Most styles of outdoor wall lights are available with motion sensors, and can be used in various areas around the outside of your home, such as for lighting up pathways, driveways, or doorways. Some outdoor wall lights with motion sensors also have additional features, such as adjustable sensitivity, timer settings, or dusk-to-dawn sensors that turn the light on and off automatically based on the level of ambient light.

When selecting outdoor wall lights with motion sensors, it's important to consider the range of the sensor, the angle of detection, and the type of bulb used. Motion sensors typically have a range of 3-10 metres, and an angle of detection of 120-180 degrees. The type of bulb used can also affect the effectiveness of the motion sensor, although the majority of lighting now uses LED bulbs, which have better performance than older incandescent bulbs.

Do outdoor wall lights come with cameras?

Yes, some outdoor wall lights have integrated cameras and other security features. These combined lighting and security devices are designed to provide illumination while also keeping an eye on your property. They often feature motion sensors, two-way audio communication, and night vision capabilities, making them ideal for monitoring your outdoor spaces.

Many of these outdoor wall lights with cameras can connect to your home's Wi-Fi network, allowing you to access live video feeds and receive notifications on your smartphone when motion is detected. They can also integrate with smart home systems, enabling you to control the lights and camera remotely or through voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

When choosing an outdoor wall light with a camera, be sure to consider factors like video resolution, field of view, weather resistance, and storage options for recorded footage. It's also important to ensure that your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough to support the camera's functionality and maintain a reliable connection.

Our final thoughts

Outdoor wall lights are a versatile and practical addition to any home or outdoor space, providing necessary brightness, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your property. Whether you're looking for a classic, traditional design or a contemporary, sleek look, there is a wide range of outdoor wall lights to choose from. At Lighting Direct, we understand that selecting the right outdoor wall light can be a challenge, which is why we offer our Change Your Mind Guarantee. If you don't completely love your purchase, you can request a return or exchange within 30 days of delivery of the item. So why wait? Browse our range of outdoor wall lights today and find the perfect lighting solution for your home or outdoor space.