Collection: Modern Outdoor Lighting

Choosing a particular light depends on the purpose for which you plan to use the light. For instance, if you’re trying to keep unwanted guests out, motion sensing lights can scare off animals or human prowlers. If you’re trying to showcase the beauty of your property, you can’t go wrong with outdoor wall lights or wall sconces. Another point to consider is how many lights you use (since having multiple light fixtures makes it easier to disperse the light so no one fixture is too bright).

Whichever lights you choose, make sure that you are aware of any city regulations or homeowner’s association guidelines that may restrict the type or brightness of the lighting options you have to choose from.

Of the four types of light bulbs you can use for the outdoors, LED lights are your best bet for a number of reasons:

1. They don’t heat up nearly as much as fluorescent, incandescent or halogen lights (which nearly entirely prevents the risk of a fire hazard for your house)
2. They last far longer than all other bulbs
3. They’re more energy efficient
4. They’re environmentally friendly

Just like the other lighting options, LED lights do have some cons: these bulbs are expensive and their light is emitted in one direction, not everywhere, as is the case with incandescent lights. That said, we consider these points a bit moot considering that a) the over-time savings of energy-efficiency will make the price worth it and b) lenses can help diffuse the light in more directions than one.

This varies greatly depending on what purpose the outdoor wall lights are serving. For example, if the lights are meant merely as decoration, you could use anywhere from 50 to 200 lumens. If, however, you’re looking to illuminate an area for work, solely using a wall light, you might need anywhere from 200 to 700 lumens. To give you an idea, flood lights are generally 700 lumens because they’re meant to expose dark areas to the light.

The other variable is personal preference. Some like to have more light in general while others are more comfortable with the ambiance created by lower lighting. Oftentimes, wall lights themselves—as well as the texture they accent—are more appealing with a lower lighting setting. If you find yourself stuck deciding, try a smart-enabled dimmable option.