Outdoor Wall Lights

An outdoor wall light is a rain- and dust-protected fitting fixed to a facade, fence or terrace wall to light an entrance, steps or the wall itself. This category holds 150 products from 1 to 300 W, with luminous flux from 65 to 2263 lm, mostly in 3000K warm white and usually rated IP65 or IP54. They are made by Zambelis and TK Lighting, with housings mainly in aluminium and finishes in grey, anthracite, brown, white and black. They suit a front door, a garage facade, a terrace wall and outdoor steps.

How to choose an outdoor wall light

Light direction: down, up or both

Outdoor wall lights differ in where they send the light. Downlighters light the threshold, the steps and the door lock, which is why they are the usual choice by a door. Up-and-down lights draw two beams on the facade and highlight the wall more than the ground. Fittings with a frosted diffuser that spread light in all directions suit a terrace that needs general light. By an entrance, choose a model that throws its light downwards and does not dazzle visitors.

Mounting height by doors and steps

By an outside door the light is usually fixed at 1.8–2.2 m, just above eye level, and to the side of the door so it is not hidden when the door opens. Wide or double doors get a light on each side at the same height. By a garage door the light usually goes above or beside it to light the driveway. Outdoor steps are better served by several smaller lights fitted lower than by one strong light high up, because they light each step more evenly.

IP65 or IP54

The most common rating in this category is IP65, followed by IP54, with some IP66 and IP44 models. An open wall that takes the rain, especially on the windward side of the house, calls for IP65 or IP66. By an entrance under a deep porch or on a terrace wall under a roof, IP54 is usually enough, and IP44 only suits fully sheltered spots. When installing, make sure the cable entry is sealed, otherwise water will get in through the fixing point even on a high-IP light.

Light source and colour temperature

Most outdoor wall lights have an integrated LED and give 3000K warm white; some are 2700K, and a few are 4000K, 6500K, RGB or RGBW. Some take replaceable E27, GU10 or G9 bulbs, in which case the bulb sets the colour and output. When comparing models, look at luminous flux in lumens: a few hundred lumens is usually enough by a door, while lighting a courtyard takes more. Step dimming or TRIAC dimming is available on only a few models.

PositionRecommended IPLight directionMounting height
Entrance under a deep porchIP54down1.8–2.2 m
Exposed entranceIP65down1.8–2.2 m
Facade accentIP65 or IP66up and downset by the facade height
Terrace wall under a roofIP44 or IP54diffusedabove seated head height
Garage doorIP65downabove or beside the door

For other spots around the house, see outdoor freestanding lights for paths, outdoor ceiling lights for porches and balconies, and spike lights for planting.

Frequently asked questions

How high should an outdoor light be mounted by a front door?

An outdoor light by a front door is usually mounted at 1.8–2.2 m, just above eye level, so it lights the threshold and the lock without dazzling visitors. Fix it to the side of the door, or on both sides at the same height, so the open door does not cover it.

What IP rating does an outdoor wall light need?

On an exposed facade wall an outdoor wall light usually needs IP65, as it is completely dust-tight and withstands water jets. Under a deep porch IP54 is enough. In this category IP65 is the most common rating, followed by IP54, and there are IP66 and IP44 models too.

How many lumens does an entrance light need?

A few hundred lumens is usually enough by an entrance: that is plenty to see the threshold, steps and lock. Higher-output lights are needed when the wall light also has to cover a courtyard or driveway. Outdoor wall lights in this category range from 65 to 2263 lm.

What colour temperature suits a front entrance?

Warm white of 2700–3000K is the usual choice by a front entrance, as it suits the facade finish and looks welcoming. Most outdoor wall lights in this category are 3000K, with some at 2700K. The few 4000K and 6500K models are better for utility areas where clear visibility matters most.

Are there outdoor wall lights with replaceable bulbs?

Yes, some outdoor wall lights take replaceable bulbs with an E27, GU10 or G9 base, although most have an integrated LED. With a replaceable bulb, the LED bulb you choose sets the colour and output; it must fit inside the diffuser and must not exceed the manufacturer’s maximum wattage.