What are the best outdoor lights for the front of a house?

Outdoor wall lights are a great starting point, providing welcoming illumination for front doors, steps, and entryways. Choose classic lanterns for traditional homes or clean-lined cylinders and geometric designs for modern architecture. As a general rule, select a single wall light about one-third the height of your front door, or slightly smaller fixtures when installing a pair. Add a hanging light for a covered porch or coordinating post lights to illuminate longer walkways and driveways.

What are the best outdoor wall lights for a patio?

Choose outdoor wall lights with warm white illumination (2700K–3000K) to create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. Downward-facing lights or fixtures with frosted glass help reduce glare in seating and dining areas. Space lights approximately 8–10 feet apart as a starting point, adjusting for brightness and patio size. Choose wet-rated fixtures for areas exposed to rain or damp-rated lights for covered patios.

How do I choose high-quality outdoor wall lights that last?

Look for durable, weather-resistant materials, protective finishes, and a wet rating for areas exposed to rain. Powder-coated metal and well-sealed glass help fixtures withstand the elements. For homes near the ocean, choose outdoor wall lights with a coastal-suitable finish designed to resist corrosion from salt air.

What size outdoor wall light should I put by my front door?

About one-third the height of the door. For a standard 80-inch door, that's 24 to 27 inches for one light, or 18 to 22 inches each for a pair. Most people buy too small, because a light looks bigger in the box than on the house.

How high should I mount an outdoor wall light?

Mount outdoor wall lights with the center of the fixture approximately 66–72 inches above the ground. Adjust the height based on the size of the light, your door's proportions, and your home's architecture.

What is the difference between wet-rated and damp-rated?

Wet-rated lights can take direct rain and snow, so use them on any wall exposed to the weather. Damp-rated lights handle moisture but not direct water, so use them under a covered porch or deep overhang.

Lantern or modern outdoor wall light: which suits my house?

Outdoor lanterns complement traditional, Colonial, farmhouse, Tudor, and other classic architectural styles. Clean-lined cylinders, geometric shapes, and integrated LED wall lights work beautifully with modern and contemporary homes. For transitional exteriors, choose a streamlined lantern with clear glass and a matte black or bronze finish to balance classic character with modern simplicity.

Are LED outdoor wall lights better than ones that take a bulb?

Integrated LED outdoor wall lights offer energy-efficient illumination without the need to replace bulbs. Fixtures that use standard bulbs give you more flexibility to choose the brightness, color temperature, and even dusk-to-dawn functionality with compatible LED bulbs. Both styles can offer long-lasting performance, so the best choice depends on your preferences.

Where can I buy modern outdoor wall lights online?

Lights.com carries 286 outdoor wall lights, from small 9-inch cylinders to 27-inch lanterns, starting around $150. Every one is listed with its size and wet or damp rating, so you can match it to your door before you buy.