Outdoor Wall Lights & Exterior Sconces

Find the Perfect Outdoor Wall Lights for Your Home

Outdoor lighting provides a myriad of benefits to your home's exterior, from the noticeable to the subtle. Among the variety of outdoor lighting styles is the outdoor wall light, or exterior sconce. These designs come in a wide selection of styles, from modern and mid-century to farmhouse and traditional, with finishes ranging from matte black to aged bronze and brushed nickel. Installing outdoor wall light designs near your front door or along a property wall is a surefire way to increase your home's curb appeal while providing functional security lighting that helps avoid accidents and lets you enjoy the night hours in comfort.

Benefits of Outdoor Wall Light Designs

Shine A Light for Security

Exterior wall lights can provide a measure of protection against home intruders. More light means a greater risk of detection, while also lending your home the high-end mystique of a lavish and well-protected estate. Pair your wall lights with outdoor security lighting for a comprehensive approach to protecting your property.

Enhance Your Home's Exterior

Outdoor wall lights are a great element to consider when putting together your home's overall design. With these fixtures, you can spotlight your most cherished and striking outdoor elements, like your landscape, entryways, and exterior living spaces. This will enhance your home's curb appeal and give it a more distinguished exterior. Consider coordinating your outdoor light sets for a polished, unified look across your home's facade.

Stay Well-Lit for Accessibility

Not everyone has the best vision at night. Installing outdoor wall light fixtures around your entryways, along the side of your home, and around your patio will help light the way to your home's most important outdoor areas. They'll also help prevent any potential trips or falls, making it easy for loved ones to take a nighttime stroll.

Key Features of Outdoor Wall Lights

Outdoor wall lighting shouldn't just be about its design, but also its functionality. Here are a few features we recommend looking for when shopping for your new set of outdoor wall lights.

Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights

Motion sensor outdoor lights are outdoor lights that include a sensor that detects motion in a certain range of the light. These motion-activated lights typically remain at around 25% brightness, then turn to 100% brightness when motion is detected. They usually include a switch allowing you to set a delay timer, controlling how long the light remains at full brightness after motion is detected. Browse our full selection of motion sensor outdoor wall lights to find the right fit for your home's security needs.

Dusk to Dawn Outdoor Wall Lights

Dusk to dawn outdoor wall lights are outdoor lighting fixtures that include a built-in photocell which detects natural, ambient light. When the sun sets, or the natural light is lowered from overcast weather, the photocell turns on the light. When the sun rises, the photocell detects the increase in light and turns off the outdoor light. This sort of automatic outdoor light is popular because it doesn't require you to monitor usage — you simply flip the switch to turn the light on, and the photocell does the rest. Explore our collection of dusk to dawn outdoor lights for worry-free exterior illumination.

LED Outdoor Wall Lights

LED lights provide energy-efficient outdoor lighting for your home's exterior walls, saving on energy costs by reducing the amount of electricity needed to illuminate your spaces. LED lighting on average uses 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights also have the added benefit of lasting longer than traditional lighting, with some designs being rated for up to 50,000 lifetime hours, as compared to the average of 1,200 lifetime hours of older incandescent bulbs. Shop our range of LED outdoor wall lights for the best energy savings without sacrificing style.

Smart Outdoor Wall Lights

Smart outdoor lighting systems connect to and are controlled by your smart devices, such as a smartphone, Alexa, or Google Home. These are different from Bluetooth controlled lights, which require close proximity. Smart outdoor lighting is operated from an app over Wi-Fi, and allows for a degree of customization and operation, along with scheduling and energy monitoring features. These systems allow you to operate your lights when away from home, or to set operating schedules for the different outdoor lights around your home — such as scheduling feature spotlights to come on later at night, or scheduling your driveway lights to come on earlier and stay on longer.

Solar Powered Outdoor Wall Lights

Solar powered outdoor wall lights can provide several benefits over wired fixtures. First, solar outdoor wall lighting saves on energy costs by only requiring exposure to the sun to charge — no electricity required. And as they do not require a wired connection, no electrical installation is necessary, so they can be placed anywhere you can mount a fixture to the wall. Wired outdoor lights typically cost more to purchase and require installation, along with ongoing energy costs, but they deliver superior performance for longer, never running out of charge and lasting throughout the night. Consider pairing solar fixtures with LED outdoor wall lights in areas that need more reliable, consistent illumination.

Shop Outdoor Wall Lights by Style

Modern and Contemporary Outdoor Wall Lights

Modern outdoor lighting prioritizes clean, geometric shapes with sleek, bold lines and minimalist profiles. Matte black and brushed nickel finishes are the most common, with many new designs utilizing integrated LED modules and built-in LED arrays for energy efficiency. This style is best for modern homes and for highlighting architectural features. Browse our contemporary outdoor lighting collection to find the right modern fixture for your exterior.

Farmhouse and Rustic Outdoor Wall Lights

Farmhouse and rustic styles are very similar and often grouped together, but are not exactly the same. Outdoor lights in these styles favor designs inspired by barn lights and classic lantern styles. Aged bronze is a classic finish, with wood and weathered finishes and materials also being favorable for the more rustic-inspired fixtures. Outdoor wall lights in farmhouse and rustic styles are at home in country homes and coastal cottages. Explore our farmhouse outdoor lighting and barn light collections for that warm, classic look.

Traditional Outdoor Wall Lights

Traditional outdoor wall lights resemble lantern styles, with elegant scrollwork and ornate details. Traditional style outdoor lights come in a variety of finishes, with oil-rubbed bronze and antique brass being popular, and tend to use traditional bulbs rather than LED modules. Due to their ornate design and appeal, traditional outdoor wall lights are perfectly paired with colonial and craftsman style homes. View our full selection of traditional outdoor wall lights for timeless curb appeal.

Industrial Outdoor Wall Lights

Strong lines, sturdy metals, and minimalist embellishments are all hallmarks of industrial style designs. These outdoor wall lights take their inspiration from factories and utilitarian spaces, with exposed bulbs and cage designs drawing attention. Metal is the most common material, with clear glass shades when shades are used. Industrial outdoor wall light designs are great for urban or loft-style homes. Shop our industrial barn lights and outdoor fixtures for that bold, utilitarian look.

Choose the Right Outdoor Wall Lights by Location

Like lighting a stage play, where you place your exterior lights is important. Install them in the wrong spot, and you'll likely have a permanent eyesore attached to the side of your house. As we've already covered choosing the right exterior wall lights, here are the places we recommend installing your outdoor wall lights.

Front Door & Entryway Lighting

Outdoor wall lights are the perfect way to welcome you, and your guests, home. Place a matching pair on either side of your front door to add curb appeal, elevate home style, and provide a welcoming glow. They are also the perfect option for illuminating other entrances to your home.

• Install outdoor wall lights at eye-level near doors and entrances, around five to six feet from the ground.
• For a single sconce light, place the fixture on the same side as the doorknob, so you can get good illumination when locking or unlocking your door.
• For a set of lights, flank the door with a pair of wall lights, placing each fixture around six to twelve feet from the door jambs.

Garage Outdoor Wall Lights

Installing outdoor wall lights around your garage is an easy way to disguise security lighting with style. The right light can help prevent accidents when driving in or out of your garage, while providing illumination down the driveway. Consider our motion sensor wall lights for effortless, automatic garage illumination.

• Mount lights on each side of the garage door.
• Add another light for each additional garage door — for example, on a double garage, place one light to the left of the first door, another between the two doors, and a third to the right of the second door.

Patio and Deck Outdoor Wall Lights

Enjoy the nighttime hours on your patio or deck with the right illumination. Selecting lower-brightness outdoor wall lights with warm light colors creates the perfect mood to enjoy a comfortable evening outdoors.

• Position wall lights so that the tops of each fixture are at eye-level to help avoid glare.
• Evenly space multiple lights to ensure balanced exposure.

Walkway and Path Lighting

For walkways and paths near your home's exterior, outdoor wall lights provide ambient illumination to help you see where you're going without interfering with nighttime charm. You may also want to consider outdoor post lights for longer walkways and driveways.

• Space lights every six to ten feet apart to guide foot traffic safely toward the walkway's destination.
• Install lights around five feet above the ground to maintain consistent glow and glare control.

Understanding Outdoor Wall Lighting Ratings & Durability

Wet vs. Damp Rated Outdoor Lights

There are three ratings to keep an eye out for when selecting your outdoor lights: damp location rated, wet location rated, and marine grade. Dry location rated is reserved for indoor lights, so avoid those when purchasing outdoor wall light options.

• Damp location rated outdoor lights are designed for indirect rain and weather and should be installed in covered outdoor areas — this includes outdoor hanging lights, outdoor ceiling lights, and some outdoor wall lights.
• Wet location rated designs can withstand direct rain and do not need to be located in a covered outdoor location — this includes landscape lighting, post lighting, other outdoor wall lights, and more.
• Marine grade is a special designation for outdoor lighting made from rust-resistant materials and finishes, built for humid environments with saltwater exposure. All marine grade lights are wet location rated, but not all wet location rated items are marine grade.

Materials and Weather Resistance

Outdoor lighting designs are built from a variety of materials, from lightweight options meant for covered outdoor use, to weather-resistant materials for coastal areas.

• Brass outdoor lighting options are some of the longest lasting and best-looking fixtures available, developing a beautiful patina over time.
• Aluminum is more lightweight and usually comes in a powder-coated finish, which creates a corrosion-resistant construction.
• Stainless steel is the most modern option and is rust resistant, making it great for coastal environments with saltwater exposure.
• Cast metal options, such as cast aluminum, are some of the sturdiest outdoor lighting designs, constructed by pouring molten metal into a mold to create a solid piece.

Dark Sky Friendly Outdoor Lights

Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from the levels that occur naturally. Light pollution is the reason why those in more urban areas are unable to see the night sky clearly, and it affects many animals that are active at night. Dark Sky friendly fixtures direct light downwards towards the ground or are shielded to keep illumination contained in a specific area. Setting your outdoor lights on timers and choosing lights in warmer tones are also beneficial practices.

Installation & Placement Guide

Hardwired fixtures such as wall lights typically require professional outdoor lighting installation, although you can install them yourself with the proper knowledge, instructions, and experience. If you are ever in doubt about installing outdoor lighting yourself, always default to talking to a licensed electrician in your area.

• Always ensure electricity has been turned off to the junction area where you will be installing your outdoor wall lights, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• In general, outdoor wall lighting should be installed 5½ to 6 feet above the ground, keeping the source of light around eye level.
• Depending on the brightness, outdoor wall lights are best spaced 8 to 10 feet apart, with more trafficked areas requiring a higher density of light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best height to mount outdoor wall lights?

For most outdoor wall lights, mount them so the center of the fixture is between 66 and 72 inches from the ground — roughly at eye level. This height provides optimal illumination without creating glare. For flanking a front door, position lights 6–12 inches from the door jamb. For garage doors, maintain consistent heights across all fixtures. Taller entryways may require slightly higher placement (up to 75–78 inches), but never mount lights so high that they create shadows or insufficient ground-level lighting.

What's the difference between wet-rated and damp-rated outdoor lights?

Wet-rated outdoor wall lights are certified for direct exposure to rain, snow, and harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for fully exposed areas like open patios, unprotected walls, and locations without overhangs. Damp-rated fixtures are designed for covered outdoor spaces where they may encounter moisture and humidity but won't be directly exposed to water — perfect for covered porches, gazebos, and areas under eaves. Always check the UL or ETL rating on your fixture, and when in doubt, choose wet-rated for maximum durability and weather protection.

How do I choose the right size outdoor wall light for my front door?

A good rule of thumb is to select outdoor wall lights that are approximately ⅓ to ¼ the height of your door (including trim). For example, if your door is 96 inches tall, choose fixtures between 24–32 inches in height. Width should be proportional to the fixture's height and your wall space. If using a pair of fixtures, they should be identical in size and mounted at the same height for a balanced, symmetrical appearance.

What are motion sensor outdoor wall lights and when should I use them?

Motion sensor outdoor wall lights automatically turn on when they detect movement within their sensor range — typically 15–40 feet — and turn off after a preset time period, usually 1–10 minutes. They're ideal for security purposes, lighting driveways, side yards, and dark corners where you want automatic illumination without constantly running lights. Many modern fixtures offer adjustable sensitivity and timer settings. Browse our selection of motion sensor outdoor wall lights to find the perfect security solution.

How do dusk to dawn outdoor lights work?

Dusk to dawn outdoor wall lights feature built-in photocell sensors that automatically detect ambient light levels and turn the fixture on at sunset and off at sunrise without any manual operation or timers. The photocell senses when natural light drops below a certain threshold and activates the light, then turns it off when light levels increase in the morning. These fixtures are perfect for security lighting, entryway illumination, and any location where you want consistent automatic lighting. Explore our dusk to dawn outdoor lights for effortless, hands-free exterior lighting.

How many lumens do I need for outdoor wall lights?

For outdoor wall lights, 400–600 lumens per fixture is ideal for ambient lighting and creating a welcoming entrance. For task lighting (like illuminating house numbers or keyholes), 200–400 lumens per fixture is sufficient. Security lights and motion sensor fixtures should provide 700–1,300 lumens for adequate visibility. Pathway and accent lighting typically needs 100–200 lumens. Keep in mind that LED outdoor wall lights produce the same brightness with significantly lower wattage, making them the most cost-efficient choice.

What's the best finish for coastal outdoor wall lights?

For coastal environments with salt air and high humidity, choose outdoor wall lights with marine-grade finishes and corrosion-resistant materials. The best options include marine-grade stainless steel, solid brass with protective coatings, powder-coated aluminum, and weather-resistant composite materials. Popular coastal finish options include weathered bronze, antique brass, galvanized steel, and white or light-colored powder coats that resist UV fading.

What is the lifespan of LED outdoor wall lights?

LED outdoor wall lights typically last 25,000 to 50,000 hours, which translates to approximately 15–30 years of use based on an average of 5 hours of operation per day. This is significantly longer than traditional incandescent bulbs (1,000–2,000 hours) or CFL bulbs (8,000–15,000 hours). Many LED fixtures feature integrated LED modules that last the lifetime of the fixture, eliminating the need for bulb replacements entirely. Shop our full range of LED outdoor wall lights for the best long-term value.

What are Dark Sky certified outdoor lights and why should I consider them?

Dark Sky certified outdoor wall lights are approved by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) for minimizing light pollution while still providing adequate illumination. These fixtures direct light downward where it's needed rather than upward into the sky, reducing glare, light trespass onto neighboring properties, and the harmful effects of artificial light on wildlife and ecosystems. They are excellent for environmentally conscious homeowners, areas near wildlife habitats, and communities with light pollution ordinances.

How far apart should outdoor wall lights be spaced?

Spacing for outdoor wall lights depends on their purpose and location. For flanking entryways, position lights 6–12 inches from door jambs on each side. Along walkways or building sides, space lights 8–12 feet apart for consistent illumination without dark spots. For deck or patio perimeter lighting, 6–10 feet between fixtures creates comfortable ambient lighting. Consider fixture brightness when determining spacing — brighter fixtures can be spaced farther apart, while lower-lumen fixtures need closer placement. Overlap light patterns by about 30–40% to avoid dark gaps.