Best 10 Outdoor Wall Lights

Are you looking to get the best outside wall lights to transform your home? Maybe you want to go on holiday and need something that illuminates your home when you are away? Well, there is something for you! 

Wall lighting is no longer as dull as it used to be, with incandescent bulbs and basic lamp systems. Thanks to innovations, you now have an extensive list of choices, from solar-powered lights to elegant designs and different colour lights that set your home apart. Highlight your sitting area and that new sofa set you got and have more fun outside once the sun has set. 

Find the best option for you to brighten your spaces!

Why do you need Outdoor Wall Lights?

Are outdoor wall lights worth it if you already have the necessary bulbs in place? That's the biggest concern for anyone considering making a purchase. And despite having all those light bulbs outdoors, we recommend sprucing up the home with garden wall lights. 

For starters, they are excellent at dashing your garden's or patio's ambience. Some wall lights can also double as ceiling lights! Any outdoor space with wall lights has a charming and warm look that unlighted areas lack. Also, it doesn't hurt to add extra visibility to your outdoor space. This makes it safer for you and everyone else to walk outdoors comfortably without the fear of running or stumbling into items.  Curious about how to install them correctly? We can show you the right way to install outdoor lights in order to make the most out of it. But first, let’s pick them! 

What should you look for when buying Outdoor Wall Lights?

Outdoor lights come in different styles, sizes, and various features; knowing what to expect gives you an upper hand at choosing the best lights that suit your needs. Here is what you should look for:

1. Material & Finishing 

There are several materials, with the most common ones being aluminium, stainless steel, copper, brass and plastic. Aluminium is strong and affordable but is prone to oxidation and fading. If you live in coastal regions, your lights will rust sooner due to the salty air. 

Your best option would be copper, as it is non-corrosive. It also has excellent thermal conductivity, and like wine, it gets better with age. Copper items always develop a patina that makes the copper more attractive as it ages. An alternative to copper would be brass, which holds up well in coastal regions and other areas and develops a patina. 

Stainless steel material is excellent for a contemporary look. However, it is a high-maintenance choice as you have to keep cleaning it to ensure it doesn't rust. Lights made from plastic are the most affordable but lack aesthetics. As such, they do better as outdoor security lights. Unfortunately, the material tends to degrade with time. 

Speaking of degrading, if settling for any metallic material, it is best to go for one with a powder coating. This finishing offers an extra layer of protection against elements like water, air, and temperature changes. Ultimately, your lights will have a longer and more appealing look. 

2. Type of Bulb 

There are generally four types of bulbs, with different energy usage, price points, shape and lifespan. Halogen bulbs have a filament that uses halogen gas for the light, which is usually bright. The amount of light is also moderate, higher than LEDs and CFLs but lower than incandescent counterparts. They come in a floodlight-like shape, are pretty affordable but not durable. You can expect to replace these within a year or so. 

The incandescent bulbs use a wire filament that electric current runs through, and they are less energy efficient. While their initial cost is much lower, they are not long-lasting, with most people replacing theirs within a year due to the 1,000-hour lifespan. 

The third option is the CFL (compact fluorescent lamps). The design is quite different from others; it is spiral, meaning the electric current runs through a tube with mercury and argon vapours. They are more energy-efficient and durable than the previous two options, with most lasting up to 10 years. 

But for a more energy-efficient option, LED bulbs are the best option. They also have a longer lifespan, up to 20 years, but will cost you more money. However, considering that these can last for decades plus the efficiency and low maintenance costs, the significant upfront cost could be worth it. 

3. Installation 

Can you install the lights by yourself, or do you need the help of an electrician? Some lights are easy to install by yourself, especially if you are a DIYer and have the necessary tools. Still, read the manufacturer's installation guide to maximise your safety.  

4. Smart Features 

Think of added features like timers, motion sensors and photocell sensors. These not only make the lights a little bit more efficient but also makes operating them a bliss. For instance, motion-sensing lights will light up automatically when they detect any movement. They are ideal for your security. Photocell sensors will go on or off automatically during dusk or dawn, with no input from you whatsoever. You can be assured of not wasting energy if you forget to turn off the light in the morning. 

The same applies to lights with timers, which allow you to program lighting periods—staying out too late or travelling for an extended period? No worries— set the timer and let the lights give the illusion that someone is home. 

5. Brightness 

Look for the lumens (lm) on the product description to see how bright the bulb in the light is. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. But that's not the only thing that affects the brightness of the light. You also need to consider its colour, where lights with a cool tone are brighter than those with a warm tone. For these, look for any Kelvin (K) indication, which shows where the lights are on the temperature scale. Cooler lights have a higher Kelvin, with the highest point being 6,500K. Warm lights have a lower Kelvin, and the lowest one is 2,000K.  

Types of Outdoor Wall Lights

There are 3 main types of outdoor lights. Whatever type is best for you will depend on the purpose and mounting style. 

• Flush Mount Lights 

Are you looking for a modern and sleek look with your outdoor lights? Maybe you have little space or need something for your staircase where the lights retain a slim profile. These are the best choice because they are a bit compact. They also attach to walls without leaving any space between the light and the wall. 

• Semi-Flush Mounting Lights

Unlike the flush mounts that leave no space, semi-flush mounts will have a base for attaching to the wall, and the piece holding the light bulb remains outward. This leaves a space between the light and the wall, giving your space an ornate feeling and look. They are also larger than their counterparts and would be best for larger areas. Semi-flush mount lights come in various designs, giving you a wide range of choices, from wall sconce to lantern wall lights.  

• Floodlights 

If you are not after aesthetics and are leaning more on getting lights for security, these are the best choice. They are super bright and use bulbs with high intensity. 

What power supply should you use for Outdoor Wall Lights?

Outdoor lighting could be powered from your mains supply or by solar. While lights that use mains power supply are the most reliable options, especially if you live in areas with minimal sunshine throughout the year, solar lights are much more affordable. These will save you from an additional cost on your power bill, are more energy-efficient and require little maintenance. 

You also have to consider where you are installing the lights. Is it along the walls with proximity to a mains supply? If yes, are you ready for the additional cost in your bill? You might also have to get a professional expert to help you with the installation, which is also an added cost. But, if the lighting area does not have any mains supply, like the fence, a solar-powered light is the best option. 

How much should you spend on Outdoor Wall Lights?

Fortunately, outdoor wall lights are generally affordable. The most affordable one will go for as low as £12, while expensive ones go as high as £70. To make the best choice, apart from your budget needs, you also need to consider what else is available at that price point. 

Some lights come as a pack of 2 or more, while others have powerful solar batteries that run for longer than others. You also need to think about where you want to install the lights and whether your choice of lights is suitable for that location.

Closure

Of course, we have toiled to do all the necessary research, so you don't have to sweat through this shopping. Our goal is for you to get the best, and our top 10 picks offer just that, regardless of your budget or lighting needs. 

Most importantly, our buying guide is here to provide all the required information to choose outdoor wall lights that meet your personal needs. So, what are you waiting for? Spruce up your outdoor ambience today & enjoy each moment you spent in your garden!