Outdoor Wall Lights

For outdoor wall lights, the ideal brightness depends on how you use the space. For general ambience or pathway lighting, 200–400 lumens is usually enough to create a welcoming glow without glare. For security or brighter illumination around entrances, 700–1,200 lumens offers clearer visibility. Choosing LED fittings with a focused beam helps direct light exactly where it’s needed while avoiding light spill. Selecting the right brightness ensures your exterior wall lights provide safe, effective and attractive lighting around your home.

For outside wall lamps, the ideal mounting height is typically 1.7–2.0 metres from the ground. This places the light high enough to spread illumination evenly across pathways, patios or entrances without causing glare at eye level. Mounting too low can create harsh shadows, while positioning the fitting too high reduces useful light on the ground. Keeping your exterior wall lamps within this recommended height range ensures safe, effective and attractive lighting around your home.

Yes — most outside wall lights can be connected to movement sensors and daylight sensors, as long as the fittings and drivers are compatible. A PIR sensor will switch the lights on automatically when motion is detected, improving security and convenience. A daylight sensor ensures the lights only operate when natural light levels drop, helping reduce energy use. Many LED outdoor wall lights work seamlessly with standalone sensors or integrated control units. Using sensors gives you smarter, more efficient control over your outdoor wall lights.

For exterior wall lights, the recommended minimum IP rating is IP44, which protects against rain and splashes from any direction. This is suitable for most sheltered or partially covered areas. If the lights are exposed to heavy weather, wind driven rain or close to the ground, choosing IP65 offers stronger protection against water jets and dust. Selecting the right IP rating ensures your outdoor wall lamps remain safe, durable and reliable throughout the year, even in harsher UK weather conditions.

For homes with security cameras, outside wall lights work best in a 4000K neutral white colour temperature. This cleaner, brighter light helps cameras capture clearer detail, improves facial recognition and reduces colour distortion in recordings. Warm white lighting can look attractive but may introduce yellow tones that affect image clarity. Neutral white provides balanced illumination without glare, ensuring your exterior wall lamps support both visibility and effective camera performance.

For outdoor wall lights, a good rule of thumb is to space them 2–3 metres apart, depending on how bright the fittings are and how much coverage you want. Closer spacing creates a continuous wash of light for pathways or patios, while wider spacing works well for general ambience. Make sure each light’s beam overlaps slightly to avoid dark patches. Proper spacing ensures your exterior wall lights provide even, attractive illumination and enhance both safety and kerb appeal.