How to Choose Outdoor Wall Lights
How to Choose Outdoor Wall Lights
Outdoor wall lights bring a welcoming glow to your entryway, walkways and other exterior areas. They can be layered with other types of lighting for functionality and to add ambiance.
Choose from a variety of finish options to match your home decor. Bronze offers a dark, matte look while gold and chrome offer a brighter sheen that complements modern styles.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to the size, style and finish you choose for your outdoor wall lighting, consider energy efficiency. LED bulbs use 10 times less energy than their traditional incandescent counterparts, and they light up wider areas with a brighter beam. Some outdoor wall lighting options even carry the ENERGY STAR label to ensure you are getting a quality product that will help reduce your electricity bills.
Additionally, you can also find electrical wall lights that are powered by solar panels to provide a mains-free option for your lighting needs. Consider how much sunlight you get on your property, as this will determine if solar-powered lighting is right for you.
Choosing the best outdoor wall lighting for your home is a great way to make it feel safe and inviting after dark. By focusing on these 5 key factors, you can narrow down your options to find the perfect fixtures for your home. This will help you create a beautiful, well-lit space that will be perfect for entertaining and relaxing after the sun goes down.
Beam Spread
A light’s beam spread refers to the width of its light, and can impact your landscape lighting design. For example, a wide beam spread is great for wash lighting (lighting large areas or objects that are low-to-the-ground), while a narrow beam spread is perfect for spotlighting trees or other focal points.
A fixture’s brightness is also important and is measured in lumens, with higher numbers indicating brighter bulbs. Additionally, the color of a bulb can influence its brightness with warmer-toned bulbs appearing more yellow while cooler-toned bulbs appear bluer.
Having the right outdoor wall lights can make your home feel safe and inviting after dark. Choose fixtures that offer features you want, such as a dusk-to-dawn sensor to automatically turn your lights on at night and off during the day or a motion sensor for added security. Also look for finishes that are easy to clean and resistant to rust or corrosion, as well as smart home compatibility for convenient control options. These extras can help you save energy and keep your landscape looking its best.
Wattage
From rustic outdoor barn lights designed to flank a front door to sleek, modern-looking LED sconces that look at home on an entryway wall, there are plenty of choices when it comes to outdoor wall lighting. Some of the MEISUN FACTORY lighting manufacturer most important considerations include wattage, bulb type and color temperature, and features like motion sensor or dimming capabilities.
While wattage tells you how much energy the fixture consumes, it doesn’t tell you very much about brightness. To get that information, you need to look at lumen specifications.
Lights with low wattage tend to have a warmer, more subtle light. They are great for illuminating garden areas, driveways and paths around your home. Lights with high wattage are often used in commercial settings. They are incredibly bright, which makes them ideal for lighting large areas like parking lots and pedestrian zones.
Some outdoor wall lights come with a shade that helps diffuse the light and reduce the chance of blinding passersby. Others do not, outdoor wall lights so make sure you consider this aspect when choosing a fixture. Also, be sure to choose a light rated for damp or wet locations depending on the climate where you live.
Style
There are several styles to choose from when choosing outdoor wall lights, including flush mounts that sit flat against the wall and lanterns with metal-framed glass. Depending on where you plan to install your lighting and what look you’re going for, these options can make a big difference in how the fixture looks.
You can also find outdoor wall lighting that’s recessed into the walls of your home, which is great for creating an ambient glow near doorways and walkways. Other wall-mounted options include flood lights that can brighten large areas and spotlights designed to highlight architectural or landscape features.
You’ll need to decide what kind of bulb you want and whether it needs to be dimmable. Energy-efficient LED bulbs have become more popular in recent years, and they offer a more cost-effective option than halogen lights. Other features to consider are motion sensors, dusk to dawn settings and light colors. Warmer colors create a cozy ambience, while cool whites are more effective for tasks in garages or workshops.
Safety
Outdoor wall lights help to deter thieves and trespassers by illuminating the area around your property. This type of lighting also prevents tripping hazards by shining brightly on the floor. In addition, commercial outdoor wall lighting can be used to alert customers of any tripping hazards or other potential dangers in a location.
When shopping for an outdoor light fixture, consider the size and material of the fixture and how it will be installed in your home. It’s important to make sure that your lighting meets ADA guidelines and is easy to self-install. Some products come with installation instructions and videos to assist you in the process.
In addition, the type of bulb you choose can have an impact on how your light performs. Look for LED bulbs that offer a long lifespan and low energy consumption. You may also want to research bulbs that have been found to attract fewer insects than others. It is also essential to look for a waterproof rating when purchasing a lighting fixture for the outdoors. Ideally, you’ll want to select a wet rated fixture that can be placed in areas that will experience direct contact with rain and other precipitation.