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Exterior Wall Light Ideas For Every Home

Enhancing your outdoor space with the right lighting not only boosts curb appeal but also adds a layer of security and ambiance to your home. To help give you all the inspiration, we’re exploring popular exterior wall light ideas that are perfect for every home, no matter the style or season. From sleek black options to coastal exterior wall lights and solar-powered solutions, we have you covered.

Image credit: @renovatingmates | Kristian van der Beek

Exterior Wall Light Definitions

Before we jump in, it’s important to know the varying exterior wall light options that are on the market and what makes them all so different:

Barn Light:

A barn light, which can also be known as a gooseneck light, is a type of outdoor lighting fixture with a wide, downward-facing shade. It typically features a curved arm and a design reminiscent of lights found on traditional barns. Barn lights often provide focused illumination and are popular for their rustic aesthetics.

Sconce Light:

A sconce light is a wall-mounted light fixture with a decorative bracket that supports the bulb. Sconces are versatile and can be used for ambient, accent, or task lighting. They also come in various styles, ranging from traditional to modern, and are often used to enhance the aesthetic of both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Floodlight:

Floodlights are high-intensity light fixtures designed to illuminate a broad area, making them a practical option. Floodlights are commonly used for facades or large outdoor spaces.

LED Light:

LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights use semiconductor technology to emit light. LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in various colors and designs. They have become popular for indoor and outdoor lighting due to their low energy consumption and versatility.

Wall Lantern:

A wall lantern is a type of wall-mounted outdoor light fixture designed to resemble traditional lanterns. These fixtures typically feature panels of glass or other transparent materials and are often used to provide decorative and ambient lighting to entrances, pathways, or outdoor living spaces.

Sensor Light:

A sensor light, also known as a motion-activated or sensor-activated light, incorporates sensors to detect movement or changes in the environment. When motion is detected, the light automatically turns on, providing illumination for a specified duration. Sensor lights are commonly used for security and energy conservation.

Bulkhead Light:

A bulkhead light, also known as a nautical or marine light, is a rugged and durable fixture designed for outdoor use, particularly in robust environments. It typically features a round or oval shape with a protective, watertight cover. Bulkhead lights are often used in coastal areas or rural settings.

Spotlight:

A spotlight is a focused and directional light fixture used to highlight a specific area, object, or architectural feature. Spotlights can be adjustable to direct light precisely where it's needed, making them ideal for accentuating details in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Explore our entire range of exterior wall lighting with hundreds of stylish and practical options.

Image credit: MATI HQ | @elizabeth_weyer

1. Outdoor Wall Sconces

Outdoor wall sconces often exude classic elegance and are a versatile choice for any outdoor setting. They come in so many different styles and finishes that can be customised to suit your home while providing illumination for pathways, entrances, or outdoor seating areas. They’re the perfect option for elevating your facade.

If you’d like more ideas on how to elevate your facade, check out our Designer Tips for Creating Your Dream Facade.

Image credit: HAAUS. | Villa Styling

2. Solar-Powered Outdoor Wall Lights

Embrace sustainability with solar-powered wall lights. These eco-friendly fixtures harness solar energy to illuminate your outdoor spaces, offering cost savings and an environmentally conscious lighting solution. It’s a win-win.

Mood board created by Arc and Arlo on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by elisekeeping on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

3. Contemporary Exterior Wall Lights

For a sleek and modern look, opt for contemporary LED outdoor wall lights. These energy-efficient fixtures provide bright, focused illumination, perfect for highlighting architectural features or creating a well-lit outdoor ambiance. We love the idea of placing contemporary exteriors light around your pool area to complement the space no matter the time of day.

For more ideas, check out Design Tips For Enhancing Your Pool Area This Summer.

Image credit: @mulberry_manor | Villa Styling

4. Black Outdoor Wall Lights

Infuse a touch of timeless sophistication with black outdoor wall lights. The sleek and classic finish complements various architectural styles, adding a touch of drama and elegance to your home's exterior.

Image credit: The Palm Co

5. Motion-Activated Security Lights

Prioritise safety with motion-activated security lights. Ideal for driveways and entrances, these lights add a layer of security by illuminating the area when motion is detected. Plus, there are so many stylish options now available, that you don’t have to compromise aesthetics for practicality.

Image credit: BuildHer8 Team from BuildHer Collective | Dylan James Photography

6. Wall-Mounted Lanterns

Bring old-world charm to your home with rustic wall-mounted lanterns. These fixtures create a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a touch of nostalgia, making them a perfect addition to traditional homes.

Mood board created by Flawless Interiors Melbourne on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by Taisha on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

7. Coastal Exterior Wall Lights

Infuse a sea-side vibe into your outdoor space with coastal exterior wall lights. Choose fixtures with natural materials or tons of soft whites to create the perfect coastal look. Plus, this tip isn't just reserved for homes by the beach.

Visualise your dream coastal home using our mood board tool.

Image credit: @talm.beachhouse | Teresa from Muse Photography

8. Minimalist Exterior Wall Lights

Achieve understated elegance with minimalist exterior wall lights. These fixtures provide a modern and clean look, making them a perfect choice for contemporary homes seeking a sophisticated lighting solution.

Image credit: Polina Radchenko Interiors | Cathy Schusler

9. Indoor Outdoor Wall lights

Achieve a level of cohesiveness by matching your indoor and outdoor lighting. There’s a lot of versatile wall light options that are designed to work both within the interior and exterior of your home. They’re stylish and durable, making them the perfect choice for cohesion.

Image credit: @haausdesign | Villa Styling

10. Colorful Exterior Wall Lights

Add a playful touch to your outdoor space with colorful outdoor wall lights. Whether integrated into the fixture or achieved through interchangeable bulbs, vibrant colors can transform your outdoor lighting into a statement piece.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, why not visit our mood board library?

Mood board created by Hatti Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by Villa Ta Lumi on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

11. Outdoor Wall Lights to Enhance Your Architecture

Did you know outdoor wall lights can be used to elevate your architecture? Accentuate the architectural features of your home with uplighting. By strategically placing fixtures at the base of walls, you can create a visually stunning effect that highlights the textures and details of your gorgeous home.

Image credit: @renovatingmates | Kristian van der Beek

Bonus Tip: Even though outdoor lighting is known to be more durable, it can still be affected by your location’s climate and seasons. Fat Shack Vintage recommends carrying out basic cleaning to maintain the look and longevity of your lighting. This includes wiping the fixtures to remove cobwebs, salt and dust, plus cleaning the bulbs periodically.

Image credit: @bask.el_sol | Coast Park Creative

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are the best outdoor wall lights?

Determining the best outdoor wall lights depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, the style of your home, and the intended use of the lights. Some popular options include:

Outdoor Wall Sconces: Versatile and available in various styles.

LED Wall Lights: Energy-efficient and long-lasting.

Motion-Activated Security Lights: Ideal for enhancing security.

Solar-Powered Wall Lights: Environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Coastal Wall Lights: Perfect for a relaxed aesthetic.

Ultimately, the best outdoor wall lights are those that meet your specific needs and complement the overall design of your outdoor space.

2. How do I choose outdoor wall lights?

Choosing outdoor wall lights involves considering several factors:
Style: Match the style of the lights to your home's architecture and your personal taste.

Size: Ensure the size of the fixtures is proportionate to the space.

Lighting Purpose: Determine whether you need ambient lighting, accent lighting, task lighting, or security lighting.

Material: Opt for materials that can withstand outdoor elements, such as aluminum or stainless steel.

Energy Efficiency: Consider energy-efficient options, like LED or solar-powered lights.

Light Direction: Decide if you want lights that cast light upward, downward, or in multiple directions.

Carefully evaluating these factors will help you choose outdoor wall lights that not only look great but also fulfill your specific lighting requirements.

3. What lighting is best for outdoors?

The best lighting for outdoors depends on the intended purpose of the lighting and the specific area you want to illuminate. Additionally to wall lighting, here are some popular outdoor lighting options:

Path Lights: Illuminate walkways and garden paths.

Deck and Step Lights: Enhance safety and aesthetics on stairs and decks.

String Lights: Create a festive and cosy ambiance for outdoor gatherings.

Pool lights: Lights positioned within your pool

Choosing the best outdoor lighting involves a combination of fixtures to achieve a well-balanced and functional lighting scheme.

4. Do all exterior light fixtures have to match?

While matching exterior light fixtures can create a cohesive and harmonious look, it's not a strict rule. Mixing different styles and finishes can add visual interest and personality to your outdoor space.
However, consider maintaining some consistency in terms of color, material, or overall design to ensure a balanced and intentional appearance. For example, you might choose fixtures with a common color tone or complementary styles to tie the overall look together. Ultimately, choosing to match or mix exterior light fixtures depends on your design preferences and the aesthetic you want to achieve.