A garden wall light lights a front door, the front of the house or a patio. As an outdoor wall light with integrated LED or a bulb, it is chosen first by its IP rating and exposure to rain.
Which IP rating for which position?
- Under cover, in a porch, under a canopy or on a covered patio: IP44, the rating of most of the wall lights here.
- Walls exposed to rain: IP65. IP54 models offer an intermediate level of protection, best kept for sheltered walls.
- Low walls, play areas or walkways: also check the IK rating, such as IK08, which measures impact resistance.
For the light itself, choose a warm white of 2,700 to 3,000 K, directed downwards so as not to dazzle passers-by or neighbours. Under a deep canopy, an outdoor ceiling light is a useful addition to the wall light.
Styles, materials and light sources
Modern lines sit alongside classic, rustic and country, industrial and vintage models, plus a few Art Deco wall lights. Metal dominates, often paired with a glass diffuser; there is also lighter plastic or acrylic, and a few models in stone or concrete.
Black and grey are the most common colours, followed by bronze, white and chrome. Most of these wall lights take a bulb, to be fitted with an LED; the others have integrated LEDs, featured in our LED outdoor lighting. A few models have a motion sensor. Bollards, lamp posts and floodlights complete the range in our outdoor lighting category.
Frequently asked questions about garden wall lights
Do I need a wall light on each side of the door?
For a double door or a wide entrance, two wall lights either side frame the doorway symmetrically. For a single door, one wall light is enough, fitted on the lock side so you can see your key. On a patio, spread the wall lights along the wall instead, above the areas where people walk.
Is a wall light with a sensor worth having?
For a front door, a path or a garage, it comes on as you arrive and switches itself off, without leaving the house lit up all night. Adjust the range so a car passing in the street does not set it off. With an LED source, it lights instantly, even when triggered often.
How do I wire an outdoor wall light on the front of the house?
Switch off the circuit at the consumer unit, then connect the wall light in a weatherproof junction box with a cable suitable for outdoor use. The circuit must be protected by a 30 mA RCD. For a new circuit or a wall that needs drilling, call in a qualified electrician; our guide how to install wall lights explains the steps.
Which colour of wall light suits the front of a house?
A black or grey wall light stands out clearly against pale render and suits a contemporary house. White blends into a white wall for a more discreet effect. Bronze and brown go well with stone, brick and rustic or country-style homes.
