How to Choose the Right Outdoor Wall Light

Upgrading your home's exterior with the right outdoor wall light can be a game-changer. Not only does it accentuate your house's architectural features, but it also enhances security, safety, and overall curb appeal. However, choosing the perfect outdoor wall light involves more than just picking a design that catches your eye. It's about finding a fixture that complements your home's style, provides adequate lighting, and suits the local weather conditions.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of choosing the perfect outdoor wall light to illuminate your home exterior.

Understanding UL Ratings

Before diving into specifics, it's essential to understand the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) ratings for outdoor lighting fixtures. These ratings indicate the type of environment where a fixture can be safely installed.

Wet-Rated Outdoor Lights

These fixtures are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice. They're also resistant to salty coastal breezes. Ideal places for wet-rated fixtures include exposed decks, verandas, lanais, gazebos, or pergolas.

Damp-Rated Outdoor Lights

These fixtures are suitable for covered outdoor locations with no direct exposure to water, rain, or snow. They're perfect for moist and damp areas like bathrooms, carports, covered patios, screened porches, or kitchens.

Choosing the Right Size

Getting the size right is crucial when choosing your outdoor wall light. An undersized light may not provide adequate illumination, while an oversized fixture might overwhelm your entryway.

Sizing for Door or Entryway

When choosing outdoor wall lights for a door or entryway, consider the height of the door or opening. If using a single light, select a piece approximately one-third the door's height. If two lights are used on either side of the door, opt for pieces one-quarter the door's height.

Sizing for Garage Door

Outdoor wall lights beside the garage door should be between one-quarter and one-third the garage door's height. This sizing ensures the lights don't upstage your entryway lights but still make their own statement.

Installation Tips

Proper installation of outdoor wall lights enhances their visual appeal and functionality. Here are some tips to help you get it right:

• Mount the fixtures slightly above eye-level, typically around 66 inches above the door's threshold.
• If the outlet box location is high on the wall, select different arm styles to position the light at the correct height.
• For post or fence-mounted lighting, visualize your home's front from the street perspective. If in doubt, go for a larger size.

Selecting the Style and Color

Matching your outdoor wall light with your home's architectural style and color palette is a smart move. Pay attention to your home's unique qualities and choose a fixture that complements them.

If your home features lots of curved accents, consider fixtures with similar curves. For a modern home with clean geometric lines, opt for fixtures with a similar aesthetic.

Considering Fixture Illumination

The degree of illumination produced by the fixture is another crucial factor. Consider the number and wattage of light bulbs the fixture requires and the type of glass it features. These aspects will determine how much light the fixture produces.

Ensuring the Right Mounting Height

The ideal vertical placement for outdoor wall lights is slightly above eye level and below the top of your front door. If your junction box is located high on the wall, select a fixture that falls below the junction box.