Find wet-rated and damp-rated outdoor lights built to withstand weather while providing safety, security, and curb appeal.

Outdoor Wall Lights

Wall-mounted outdoor lights flank entries, illuminate doorways, and provide security lighting along home exteriors. These fixtures mount directly to siding, brick, or stucco surfaces.

Outdoor Wall Mount Sconces — Exterior sconces in traditional lantern, modern geometric, and Craftsman styles. Position 66-72 inches from ground level flanking front doors, garage entries, and patio access points.

Wall Light Applications

• Front door and entry illumination

• Garage door flanking

• Patio and deck perimeter

• Security lighting along home exterior

• Architectural accent lighting

Post Lights and Path Lights

Ground-mounted and post-mounted outdoor lights illuminate driveways, walkways, and landscape features while defining property boundaries and creating welcoming approaches.

Outdoor Post and Column Mount Fixtures and Path Lights — Post lanterns, pier mount fixtures, column lights, and low-voltage path lighting. Solid brass and copper options from Northeast Lantern and Brass Traditions resist corrosion in coastal and harsh weather environments.

Post and Path Light Applications

• Driveway entry columns

• Walkway and garden path illumination

• Gate and fence post mounting

• Landscape border definition

• Property entrance markers

Outdoor Hanging Lights

Hanging outdoor lights provide overhead illumination for covered porches, entryways, and outdoor living spaces with adequate ceiling height.

Outdoor Hanging Light Fixtures and Pendants — Suspended lanterns, outdoor pendants, and hanging fixtures for porches, pergolas, and covered patios. Ideal for spaces with 9+ foot ceilings where fixtures can hang without obstructing traffic.

Hanging Light Applications

• Covered front porch entries

• Pergola and gazebo illumination

• Outdoor dining areas

• Covered patio living spaces

• Breezeway and carport ceilings

Outdoor Ceiling Lights

Ceiling-mounted outdoor lights provide low-profile illumination for covered spaces with limited ceiling height.

Outdoor Ceiling Flush Mount Fixtures — Flush mount and semi-flush fixtures for porches, patios, garages, and breezeways. These outdoor ceiling lights sit close to the surface, maximizing headroom in spaces with 8-foot ceilings.

Ceiling Light Applications

• Low-clearance porch ceilings

• Garage and carport overhangs

• Soffit-mounted entry lighting

• Covered walkways and breezeways

• Outdoor utility areas

Outdoor Lights by Location

Featured Outdoor Lighting Brands

Northeast Lantern

Handcrafted in Maine using solid brass and copper construction. Colonial, Cape Cod, and farmhouse styles develop beautiful natural patinas while resisting coastal corrosion.

Brass Traditions

Specialty brass outdoor lights built for longevity in demanding weather conditions. Classic designs with superior corrosion resistance.

Arroyo Craftsman

Handmade Arts & Crafts outdoor fixtures featuring art glass and mica shades. Warm amber illumination for bungalows and Craftsman homes.

Hubbardton Forge

Hand-forged in Vermont since 1974. Wrought iron outdoor lights with organic curves and weather-resistant finishes.

Kuzco

Modern LED outdoor lights with architectural precision. Contemporary geometric designs in matte black and bronze finishes.

Weather Ratings for Outdoor Lights

Wet-Rated Fixtures Required for locations with direct exposure to rain, snow, and weather. All exposed outdoor lights for house exteriors need wet ratings.

Damp-Rated Fixtures Suitable for covered porches and protected areas where moisture exposure occurs but direct water contact does not.

Marine-Grade Options Solid brass and copper outdoor lights from Northeast Lantern and Brass Traditions excel in salt air coastal environments.

Materials and Finishes

Durable Outdoor Materials

• Solid brass: Corrosion-resistant, develops natural patina

• Solid copper: Superior coastal durability

• Cast aluminum: Lightweight with powder-coat protection

• Wrought iron: Artisan character with weather-resistant finishes

Popular Finishes

Matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass, polished brass, weathered copper, verdigris patina, and aged bronze

Outdoor Lighting Tips

Layered Approach: Combine wall sconces, post lights, path lights, and ceiling fixtures for comprehensive outdoor illumination that addresses safety, security, and ambiance.

Finish Coordination: Match outdoor light finishes with door hardware, house numbers, and mailboxes for cohesive curb appeal.

Dark Sky Compliance: Select downward-directed fixtures to reduce light pollution in communities with outdoor lighting ordinances.

LED Efficiency: Choose LED outdoor lights for 25,000-50,000 hour lifespans and reduced energy costs—especially important for security lights that operate extended hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor lights do I need for my house? 

Most homes benefit from wall sconces flanking the front door, post or path lights along walkways, and ceiling fixtures on covered porches. This combination provides entry illumination, safe navigation, and curb appeal.

Are all outdoor lights weather-resistant? 

Outdoor lights carry either wet-rated or damp-rated certifications. Wet-rated fixtures handle direct rain and snow exposure. Damp-rated fixtures suit covered areas protected from direct water contact.

How high should outdoor wall lights be mounted? 

Position outdoor wall sconces 66-72 inches from ground level. For doorway installations, choose fixtures approximately 1/4 to 1/3 the height of your door.

Do outdoor lights need special bulbs? 

Most outdoor lights accept standard E26 LED bulbs. LED options provide energy efficiency and long lifespans ideal for fixtures that operate many hours daily.