Outdoor wall lights are designed for direct installation on the house facade. They are used to illuminate entrance doors, terraces, balconies, and longer sections of walls. Unlike garden post lights or floodlights, they work with light in close relation to the wall – either lighting the area in front of the house or highlighting the facade itself with targeted effects.
In this category, you’ll find practical outdoor wall-mounted lights for safe navigation as well as decorative outdoor facade lighting that creates light effects directed upward, downward, or both. Well-designed outdoor wall lighting significantly enhances the overall nighttime appearance of your home.
Common uses for outdoor wall lights
- beside entrance doors
- above garage doors
- along pathways around the house
- on terraces or balconies
- on blank walls as architectural accents
At entrances, it’s common to install two outdoor wall lights at the same height to ensure even illumination without harsh shadows. Along longer walls, multiple fixtures are combined as systematic wall-mounted outdoor lighting.
Mounting height is usually between 160–190 cm at entrances and about 200 cm along walkways.
If you’re planning new outdoor facade lighting, it’s best to arrange electrical wiring before the final plastering. Retrofitted cables often remain visible on the facade.
Quick guide: How to choose the right outdoor wall light
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Small entrance without roof overhang – choose higher IP rating (minimum IP54) and diffuse light.
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Dark facade – require higher output or narrower beam to avoid losing the effect.
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Only need ambient lighting – 300–500 lm and one-way wall-mounted outdoor lights are sufficient.
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Highlight architecture – UP/DOWN models with narrower beams create stronger light contrasts.
Main types by light direction
Emit light both upward and downward, producing distinctive light cones.
Among the most popular outdoor LED facade lights, they combine energy efficiency with striking visual effects.
Used where outdoor facade lights need to emphasize material texture and architectural details. For these models, beam angle matters more than overall brightness.
Emit light in a single direction—usually downward.
Ideal for spaces where outdoor wall lights primarily illuminate the area below (entrance, walkway, house number).
Often combined in groups for functional outdoor wall lighting along paths.
Allow you to adjust the beam angle as needed.
Perfect for highlighting specific details—such as an architectural feature or greenery near the facade.
Used when standard outdoor wall lights cannot cover a precise direction.
The light source is hidden, and light reflects off the wall.
This results in soft, even facade illumination without harsh shadows.
Ideal for terraces, balconies, and grand entrances prioritizing visual comfort.
Key technical parameters for outdoor wall lighting
IP rating for outdoor wall lights
The minimum for outdoor wall lights is IP44. Such wall lights for outdoor use resist rain and normal moisture.
For fully exposed spots without roof coverage—typically gable walls or open facades—we recommend IP54 to IP65. This protects not only against water but also against dust and wind.
Light output for outdoor facade lighting
The right brightness depends on the role of the outdoor facade lights:
- entrance area: 300–600 lm
- long facade sections: 600–1200 lm per fixture
If you’re focusing on facade lighting alone, such as with UP/DOWN models, beam angle is more important than maximum lumens. A strong but widely dispersed light won’t create the same effect as a narrower, precisely directed beam.
Light source: outdoor LED wall fixtures vs. bulb sockets
A common choice is an outdoor LED wall light with an integrated module. This type is typical for modern wall-mounted outdoor lighting and architectural facade solutions.
Models with sockets (GU10, E27) allow bulb replacement and adjustment of intensity and color. This is useful where you want flexibility for future changes without replacing the whole fixture.
Common mistakes when choosing outdoor facade lighting
The most common error is choosing based on appearance without considering light distribution.
A striking design can be undermined if the fixture has too wide a beam angle or unsuitable brightness, leading to glare and uneven wall effects.
Other frequent mistakes include:
- choosing too cool light color (4000 K or higher), which highlights plaster imperfections
- insufficient number of fixtures on longer facades – one powerful light cannot replace a regular rhythm
- incorrect mounting height causing glare when approaching or viewed from inside
Real-world example:
For a modern new build with a dark facade, the client wanted a strong effect and adequate entrance lighting. Initially, powerful UP/DOWN outdoor facade lights with wide beams were chosen. The facade was overlit, yet the area in front of the door remained dark.
The solution was to separate functions: a dedicated outdoor wall light for full entrance lighting and lower-output decorative fixtures just for facade effects. This created balanced outdoor wall lighting fulfilling both functions without compromise.
Outdoor wall lights with sensors
For entrances and less trafficked areas, outdoor wall lights with motion sensors are suitable.
Alternatively, outdoor wall lights with sensors turn on automatically when movement is detected.
This improves security and reduces unnecessary night-time lighting. For purely architectural facade lights, sensors are usually not used.
Typical practical solutions
For family homes, a proven setup includes:
- 2× outdoor wall lights at the entrance
- 1× outdoor wall lamp above the garage
- 2–4× outdoor facade lights along the side wall
This creates even outdoor facade lighting that is both functional and visually balanced.
Pro tip:
When choosing an outdoor wall lamp, consider both brightness and light color. Around 3000 K offers a natural look on most materials. Cooler tones can accentuate plaster imperfections.
For multiple fixtures on one wall, maintain regular spacing. For facade lights, symmetry matters more than fixture shape.
Choose outdoor wall lights based on whether you want to illuminate paths, highlight architecture, or react to motion. For dramatic effects, check out Up/Down Outdoor Wall Lights. For targeted accent lighting, see Adjustable Wall Lights, and for purely functional lighting, One-Way Wall Lights. If you prefer soft, diffused light without glare, consider Outdoor Indirect Lights. The right choice ensures safe movement around your home and balanced facade illumination.
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