Garden & Outdoor Wall Lights & Lanterns

What IP rating do outdoor wall lights need to be?

For exterior wall lighting used in exposed outdoor environments, a minimum IP44 rating is required to protect against rain and splashing water from any direction. IP44 outdoor lights are suitable for the vast majority of outdoor wall applications including porch wall lights, garden wall lights and hotel and commercial building exteriors. For fittings that will be exposed to more direct water contact such as in uncovered car parks or coastal locations, a higher rating of IP65 is recommended. All of our wholesale outdoor wall lights carry the appropriate IP rating for safe exterior use and full product specifications are listed on each individual product page.

What style of outdoor wall light works best for a hotel entrance?

For hotel entrances, a statement exterior wall light that makes a strong first impression is always the right choice. Lantern style porch wall lights in a brushed brass or matte black finish are consistently popular for boutique and luxury hotels as they combine elegance with practicality and suit a wide range of architectural styles. For more contemporary hotel buildings, a sleek modern outdoor wall light in a geometric or minimal design creates a sophisticated exterior look that complements clean lined architecture beautifully. Pairing entrance wall lights with outdoor security lights ensures the approach to the building is both welcoming and well-lit after dark.

How high should outdoor wall lights be mounted?

As a general rule, exterior wall lighting works best when mounted at around 180 to 200cm from the ground, which keeps the light source above head height and ensures even illumination of the surrounding area without creating glare. For porch wall lights positioned either side of a door, mounting at around 150 to 170cm creates a welcoming, balanced look that frames the entrance effectively. For trade buyers fitting out multiple properties or a large development, agreeing a consistent mounting height across all exterior wall light positions during the specification stage ensures a uniform, professional finish throughout.

Can outdoor wall lights be used with solar or rechargeable options for hard to wire locations?

Yes, and this is an increasingly popular approach for trade buyers working on developments or commercial projects where running cables to specific locations would be costly or disruptive. Our outdoor rechargeable lights offer a completely wire free exterior lighting solution for locations where mains wiring isn't practical, while our solar lights range provides a self-sufficient, energy efficient alternative that requires no electrical connection at all. For a fully considered exterior scheme, combining mains powered outdoor wall lights with solar wall lights and rechargeable options gives you the flexibility to light every area of a property effectively regardless of access to power.

How do I choose between traditional and modern outdoor wall lights for a development?

The architectural style of the building should always be the primary guide when choosing between traditional and modern outdoor lights. Contemporary new build developments tend to suit sleek, geometric exterior wall lighting in matte black, anthracite or brushed stainless finishes, while period properties and traditionally styled buildings are better served by lantern style or coach light designs in antique brass, bronze or aged iron finishes. For mixed use or large scale residential developments where a consistent exterior look across multiple properties is important, choosing a versatile style that works across different plot types will save considerable specification time. Browse our full range of outdoor festoon lights and decking lights alongside our exterior wall lighting range to build a complete and cohesive outdoor lighting scheme.