Outdoor Wall Lights | Your Complete Guide
Outdoor wall lights do three jobs: they light the way, make a home look welcoming and help it feel secure. This guide covers how to choose them, from the IP rating you need to where to put them, which bulbs and sensors suit, and what to look for in the materials.
Looking for Outdoor Ceiling & Pendant Lights?
Covered porches, pergolas and outdoor dining areas can take ceiling or pendant lights as well. Brass and painted finishes both suit outdoor use, and plain or natural brass develops a patina over time. Browse outdoor ceiling and pendant lights →
Quick Answers: Outdoor Wall Lights UK
Which IP rating do I need?
- IP44 covers rain and splashes from any direction, so it suits nearly every position around a house, sheltered or not.
- IP65 is worth having where a light may be hosed or is very exposed.
- Read our IP44 or IP65 guide for the full explanation.
What’s the best outdoor wall light for a front door?
- A pair either side of the door, or a single light on the handle side.
- Traditional homes: brass or black lanterns with clear or seeded glass.
- Modern homes: plain black or brushed metal designs.
- Bulbs: warm white LED (2700 to 3000K) for a welcoming light.
- Browse porch and front door lights
Are PIR sensors worth it?
- Yes, for security and convenience: the light comes on as you arrive, and is off the rest of the time.
- Choose a standalone PIR sensor rather than a light with a built-in one, so a failed sensor can be replaced without replacing the light.
Why does the material matter?
- Solid brass, copper and stainless steel weather well outdoors, and brass develops a natural patina.
- Plated or thinly finished lights are more likely to wear through or corrode, especially near the coast.
- Replaceable parts: look for lights where gaskets, glass and bulbs can be replaced.
In this Guide
Choosing the Right IP Rating
For outdoor lights the second number is the one that matters, because it tells you how well the light copes with water. A 4 means protected against splashing water from any direction, which covers rain, so IP44 is enough for most positions. NICEIC’s advice for householders is the same: a good rule of thumb is IP44 or higher. Choose IP65 where a hose or jet of water could reach the light, or the position is very exposed.
For a full breakdown, see our IP44 or IP65 guide. For bathrooms, see the bathroom zones guide.
Outdoor Wall Lighting Ideas by Location
The best outdoor schemes combine safety, security and style. Here is how to approach each area.
Front Door Lighting Ideas
Your front door sets the tone for the whole house, so the lights here matter most. Good front door lighting lets visitors see the door and step, and makes the house feel welcoming.
Recommended approach
- A pair either side of the door, about 1 to 1.5 metres apart, or one light on the handle side.
- Mount at roughly 1.5 to 1.8 metres, so the light falls on the door and face height without glare.
- Choose IP44 or higher. IP44 is enough for rain, covered or not.
- Use warm white LED bulbs (2700 to 3000K).
Style ideas
- Traditional homes: brass lanterns with clear or seeded glass, which develop a patina over time.
- Modern homes: plain black or brushed metal designs with clean lines.
- Cottages: swan neck or fisherman’s lights in aged brass or painted colours.
- Coastal homes: nautical styles in solid brass, which weathers rather than rusts.
Tiller Solid Brass Wall Lantern
Hamilton Outdoor Box Lantern Wall Light IP65
Large Fisherman’s Wall Light IP44 Rated – Choice of Colours
Cargo Solid Brass Wall Light
Security tip: add a motion sensor so the light comes on before you reach the door, which is useful on dark winter evenings. Learn about standalone PIR sensors.
Garden Wall & Boundary Lighting Ideas
Lighting a boundary wall defines the garden and makes it usable after dark.
- Regular spacing: wall lights roughly 2 to 3 metres apart along the wall.
- Downward-facing lights: light the path or planting without spilling into the sky or neighbouring windows.
- Up and down lights: add shadow and texture to stone or brick.
- Gooseneck (swan neck) lights: direct light down along the wall.
To light the garden itself, see outdoor spotlights and pathway lights.
Patio & Entertaining Area Lighting
Outdoor dining and seating areas work best with layers of light.
- Ambient: wall lights for general light.
- Task: brighter light near cooking or serving areas.
- Accent: softer light on planters, water features or architectural details.
Dimmable LED bulbs let you move from bright for dinner to soft for the evening. Check that the bulb and dimmer are compatible.
Swan Neck Outdoor Wall Lights
Swan neck lights have a curved arm that arches the shade away from the wall. They suit cottages, barn conversions and traditional homes, and direct light down over a doorway or path. The curved form also works well on corners, throwing light along two walls. See our swan neck wall lights guide →
Pathway & Driveway Lighting
Well-lit paths help prevent trips and guide visitors safely.
- Low bollard lights: space them about 3 to 4 metres apart. IP44 is enough for rain, and IP65 is better where water collects at ground level.
- Wall-mounted downlights: fit along walls flanking a path for soft light.
- Post lights: traditional lamp posts suit longer drives.
Design tip: keep path lighting low and glare-free. Warm white at 2700K gives a gentle light.
Bokaro Outdoor IP65 Ground Spike Light
Yarrow Brass Outdoor Bollard Pillar Light IP53
Ancona Wall Mounted Brass Pathway Light
LED Bulbs & Motion Sensors
Choosing LED Bulbs
LED bulbs use far less energy than old incandescent bulbs and last for many years, so there is little reason to use anything else outdoors. Warm white (2700 to 3000K) gives a welcoming light for homes. Cool white can look harsh on a house. Read more on choosing the right light bulb.
PIR Motion Sensors
A PIR sensor switches the light on when it detects movement. That gives you light as you arrive, a security benefit, and no need to leave lights on all night.
We recommend a standalone PIR sensor rather than a light with a built-in one. If a sensor fails, you replace only the sensor, not the whole light. Make sure the sensor has an IP rating suited to its position. Complete PIR sensor guide
Made in Ireland, the UK and the EU: Why Build Quality Matters
Outdoor lights face rain, wind, sun and frost all year, so materials and construction matter as much as the IP rating. Our outdoor lights are made in Ireland by Mullan Lighting, in the UK by Burford and in the EU by Navigator.
Materials & Construction
- Solid brass, copper and stainless steel: weather well outdoors. Unlacquered brass develops a natural patina, and lacquered brass keeps its polish for longer.
- Replaceable parts: bulbs, gaskets and glass can be replaced, so a fitting can be maintained rather than thrown away.
- Finish: the IP rating does not measure corrosion resistance, so the material and finish matter, particularly near the coast.
Matching Lights to Your Home
- Georgian & Victorian: traditional brass or black lanterns with clear or seeded glass.
- Cottage & rural: aged brass, copper or barn-style lights.
- Contemporary: plain designs in matt black, graphite or brushed metal.
- Coastal: nautical styles in solid brass.
- Listed buildings: check with your local conservation officer before fitting anything to the outside.
Corner Lights Are a Useful Addition
Corner brackets let you mount a standard wall light on an external corner, so it lights two walls at once. Burford wall lights use a matching bracket in the same colour as the light, and Mullan lights have a bracket with multiple fixing options.
Read our full guide on corner lights
Installation & Maintenance Essentials
Installation
New outdoor circuits, buried cables and connections to the mains should be done by a qualified electrician. If you are unsure whether a job needs one, ask.
- Mounting height: entrance lights about 1.5 to 1.8 metres; path lights lower.
- Weatherproofing: seal mounting holes and keep cable entries pointing down.
- PIR position: aim sensors at the approach to the door and away from the road.
Maintenance
- Monthly: clear cobwebs and debris, check the light works and the PIR is aimed correctly.
- Quarterly: clean glass and metal with a damp cloth or warm soapy water. Use brass polish only on unlacquered brass.
- Annually: check connections (power off), gaskets and fixings.
Read more on maintaining outdoor lights.
Frequently asked questions
What IP rating do I need for outdoor wall lights in the UK?
IP44 or higher. The 4 means protected against splashing water from any direction, which covers rain, so IP44 suits nearly every position around a house, sheltered or not. Choose IP65 if the light may be hosed or is very exposed. NICEIC suggests IP44 or higher as a rule of thumb. See our IP44 or IP65 guide.
Are your lights guaranteed?
Yes, nearly all of our lights are warrantied against defective workmanship for 5 years.
How high should outdoor wall lights be mounted?
Front entrance lights: about 1.5 to 1.8 metres from the ground, with a pair 1 to 1.5 metres apart.
Pathway lights: lower, so they light the path without glare.
Patio areas: about 1.8 to 2.4 metres gives overhead light without glare in the eyes.
Mount lights where they light the area you need and keep the bulb out of direct sight.
Are LED outdoor wall lights worth it?
Yes. LED bulbs use far less energy than old incandescent bulbs, last for many years and give a good warm white light (2700 to 3000K). For help choosing, see our light bulb guide.
Should I choose built-in or standalone PIR sensors?
We recommend standalone PIR sensors. If a built-in sensor fails, you may need to replace the whole light, whereas a standalone sensor can be replaced on its own. Standalone sensors also let you adjust range, sensitivity and timing separately. See our PIR sensor guide.
What is the difference between solid brass and plated outdoor lights?
Plated lights have a thin brass-coloured coating over another metal, which can wear through and corrode, particularly near the coast. Solid brass has no coating to wear through, and unlacquered brass develops a natural patina. See our brass outdoor lights.
Can I install outdoor wall lights myself?
New outdoor circuits, buried cables and connections to the mains should be done by a qualified electrician. Choosing and positioning lights, changing bulbs and cleaning are jobs you can do yourself with the power off. If you are unsure, ask an electrician.
How do I look after outdoor wall lights?
Clear debris and wipe the glass regularly, and check seals and fixings once a year. Unlacquered brass develops a patina, which you can polish off or leave. Lacquered brass needs only a damp cloth. Painted finishes need warm soapy water, and chips should be touched up promptly. By the coast, rinse with fresh water to remove salt. See our maintenance guide.
What colour temperature should I use for outdoor wall lights?
Warm white, 2700 to 3000K, suits homes best: it is welcoming, flatters brass and period features, and avoids harsh glare. Cool white (4000K and above) can look harsh on a house.
Your Next Steps: Choosing Outdoor Wall Lights
- Assess needs: walk your property at dusk and note the dark areas.
- Choose the rating: IP44 for most positions, IP65 where a light may be hosed or is very exposed.
- Choose a style: match the lights to the age and look of your home.
- Plan the bulbs and sensors: warm white LED, and a standalone PIR if wanted.
- Arrange installation: use a qualified electrician for new circuits and mains connections.
Explore our full range of outdoor lighting, or get in touch if you would like help choosing.
Great Lighting supplies quality outdoor lighting made in Ireland, the UK and the EU, designed to last in British weather. Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £60.