Understanding wet and damp ratings
This is the first thing to check, before anything else. Every outdoor lighting fixture carries either a damp or a wet location rating. A damp rating suits spots shielded from direct rain — under a covered porch, a roof overhang or an enclosed veranda. A wet rating handles direct water exposure: rain, snow, sprinklers. When in doubt for a south-facing wall or an open walkway, always go with a wet rating.
Types of outdoor lighting fixtures and their uses
Outdoor wall lights and sconces
Outdoor wall lights frame a door, brighten a dark corner and make a façade feel welcoming. They come in several looks: the lantern with metal lines and glass panels for a classic feel, the up/down sconce that throws light both ways for a graphic pattern on the wall, and the barn light with a wide downward shade for farmhouse style. Our Mica, Vesta, Mavis, Lund, Vista, Lenox, Brentwood, Amelia, Granville, Gannon and Barn Light sconces cover these directions.
Outdoor ceiling fixtures and pendants
Under a porch, a covered veranda or a patio ceiling, a flush mount like the Trenton casts general light downward. For a low ceiling, choose a semi-flush hugging the surface; for generous height over an outdoor dining table, a pendant makes a focal point.
Bollards and pathway lighting
The bollard installs at ground level along paths and planting beds. Taller than a low path light and shorter than a post light, it guides footsteps and highlights the landscape. Our Evans, Glen, Hanover, Alden, Blaine and Chadworth bollards fill this role, with diffuse light that marks the way without glare.
Step lights and recessed units
To make a staircase or deck safe, step lights like the Sonic and Newport recess into the riser or wall and light the tread without a blinding point source. The 4-in Pivot directional and 4-in Versa modular recessed units add an adjustable accent under a roof overhang.
Garden lanterns
The IOL12, Night Sky and Treehouse outdoor lanterns play decor as much as function: ambient light for the patio, entry or garden.
Sizing an outdoor wall light
Simple rule for a sconce beside a door: aim for a height roughly one-third to one-quarter the door's height. For a standard 80-in (2 m) door, a 20 to 27-in (51 to 69 cm) fixture stays in scale. On a large garage wall or a double door, size up or double the fixtures. For mounting height, centre the light source around 66 in (168 cm) off the ground, about eye level.
Colour temperature and rendering
For residential outdoor lighting, stay in warm white, 2700 to 3000 K: it flatters façades, brick and wood and creates a welcoming mood. A high CRI renders the true colours of your garden and materials. Save cooler white for security floodlights where visibility is all that matters.
Finish, materials and durability
Our winters, road salt and humidity put fixtures to the test. Look for powder-coated aluminum, stainless steel or brass, which resist corrosion. Near the river or salt water, be extra careful about the finish. Integrated LED, standard on most of our models, delivers long life and low draw, which cuts down on maintenance at height.
Security lighting and motion sensors
Floodlights mounted up high with a motion sensor cover a wide area and deter intruders. Pair them with a timer or a smart-home system to automate dusk-to-dawn operation.