Last Updated on March 27, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
Outdoor lighting does more than just help you find your keys at night.
After testing hundreds of options in all weather conditions, we've discovered that strategic lighting completely transforms how homes look and feel after sunset.
It highlights architectural details that disappear in darkness and creates inviting outdoor spaces extending your living area beyond your walls.
Most homes rely on a single porch light, which creates harsh shadows and leaves beautiful landscaping invisible after dark.
The right lighting plan changes everything; it illuminates pathways for safety, spotlights trees, and garden features, and washes your home's facade with subtle light that creates dramatic depth.
This guide features our most impactful outdoor lighting solutions for every area of your property - from path lights that blend seamlessly into landscaping to architectural spotlights that showcase your home's best features.
Whether you're looking for simple solar options or planning a comprehensive lighting design, we've gathered weatherproof solutions that enhance beauty and security.
Ready to make your home the most impressive one on the block after sunset?
Let's light it up!
We can enhance our outdoor spaces with various outdoor lights that provide functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Wall sconces offer a versatile, stylish lighting solution for your home's exterior.
Mounted directly to your house's exterior walls, these fixtures provide focused illumination while adding architectural interest to your façade.
We offer wall sconces in various styles, from sleek modern designs to classic lantern-inspired options that complement any home aesthetic.
These fixtures work particularly well flanking entryways, garage doors, and along patios where they create ambient light without consuming valuable floor or table space.
Cordless lamps offer unmatched lighting flexibility for outdoor spaces, eliminating the need for nearby power outlets or unsightly cords.
These battery-powered fixtures come in various styles, from tabletop models perfect for dining areas to statement floor lamps that define conversation spaces on patios and decks.
They adapt to any outdoor gathering with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries providing hours of illumination on a single charge and multiple brightness settings.
Their weather-resistant construction ensures durability while sophisticated designs complement your outdoor décor.
We often use wall-mounted lights to add elegance and security to our home's exterior. Outdoor wall lights, like sconces and lamps, come in various designs to match our style.
They effectively illuminate front porches, patios, and outdoor living areas while providing ambient lighting for nighttime gatherings.
We love pathway lights because they illuminate walkways and ensure safe navigation.
These fixtures come in various styles, including solar-powered lights, which make installation effortless and eco-friendly.
Path lights guide guests along our pathways and add charm to our landscape lighting.
We adore outdoor string lights for creating a magical atmosphere in our backyard or patio. These versatile lights come in different styles, including traditional bulbs and modern LED options.
Outdoor string lights enhance the ambiance during gatherings, making our outdoor areas feel welcoming and festive.
We commonly use spotlights to highlight specific features, like trees, sculptures, or architectural elements. These outdoor lights are perfect for focusing light where we want it.
Spotlights are an excellent option for enhancing landscaping or creating dramatic effects, and they are also an excellent option for showcasing our favorite outdoor decor.
Floodlights are essential for illuminating larger areas and enhancing security around our homes. They provide powerful, broad illumination and are often equipped with motion sensors for added safety.
Floodlights protect our outdoor spaces and create a welcoming environment for evening activities.
Solar-powered lights are excellent for eco-conscious homeowners. These fixtures utilize sunlight to generate energy, making them cost-effective and low-maintenance.
We can place solar lanterns or path lights along walkways, ensuring safety and charm at night. With no wiring needed, installation is a breeze, allowing us to enhance our outdoor decor effortlessly.
LED lights are one of the best outdoor lighting choices for energy efficiency.
These durable fixtures consume significantly less power than traditional bulbs, providing long-lasting illumination for our patios and front porches.
We can opt for LED pathway lights or outdoor wall lights, enjoying both ambient lighting and savings on our electricity bills.
Plus, their longevity means fewer replacements, making them a smart investment in our landscape lighting solutions.
Here are our top picks for outdoor lights to enhance your home's exterior and outdoor spaces this year.
Transform your home's exterior with premium outdoor lighting solutions, available now in the Light HouseCo online store.
These designs blend style, durability, and exceptional illumination.
The Ellijay 1-Light Outdoor Wall Lantern combines rustic charm with modern aesthetics.
This weatherproof wall light fixture is perfect for the front porch or patio. Its clear glass allows a warm LED bulb to shine, illuminating walkways and enhancing ambient lighting around outdoor areas.
This versatile sconce is an excellent option for adding character and security to your home. It measures 9 inches in width and 19 inches in height, accommodating three bulbs.
This fixture is suitable for enhancing the ambiance of outdoor spaces.
The Belmont Outdoor Wall Lantern features a classic design that complements any outdoor decor.
This outdoor wall light is easy to install and uses energy-efficient LEDs. Its durable construction makes it stand up to the elements while enhancing your landscape lighting.
The sleek silhouette brightens pathways and adds a timeless accent to your entrance or backyard. It measures 12 inches in width, 13 inches in height, and extends 13 inches from the wall.
This fixture accommodates one standard-size 60-watt bulb and is Dark sky-friendly, directing light downward to minimize light pollution.
The Boone 1-Light Outdoor Wall Lantern is a stylish, minimalist fixture that suits various outdoor spaces. This outdoor light is designed to withstand harsh weather and offers both functionality and elegance.
Its illuminated LED bulb delivers bright light, which is ideal for illuminating walkways and patios. This lantern is smart for anyone looking to elevate their home's curb appeal.
It measures 15.25 inches in height, 6.25 inches in width, and extends 6.5 inches from the wall. The fixture uses one standard-size bulb with a maximum of 60 watts.
The Mica 1-Light Outdoor Wall Lantern offers a unique artisan rust finish that brings warmth and personality to your outdoor areas.
It measures 11 inches in height and width, extending 12.5 inches from the wall, and requires one 60-watt standard-size bulb.
The Dunnmore 1-Light Outdoor Wall Lantern boasts a contemporary design with a touch of elegance. This wall light is perfect for modern patios and features a durable, weatherproof construction.
Its integrated LED ensures bright, reliable illumination for your front porch or backyard. This fixture enhances safety and offers a sleek outdoor decor that’s easy to install.
It measures 17.75 inches in height and 8.25 inches in width and requires one 100-watt medium-base A19 incandescent bulb.
Motion sensor lights are great options for enhancing security. They illuminate pathways and entrances when movement is detected, providing light where it’s needed most.
They save energy by turning it off automatically after a set period. We can install these outdoor wall lights on our front porch or backyard to increase safety at night.
Timers and dimmers offer adjustable lighting control. With these features, we can set our lights to turn on at specific times, ensuring our outdoor spaces are well-lit when needed.
Dimming lights allow us to create a cozy ambiance while still enhancing security. This flexibility makes them an essential part of our best outdoor lighting solutions.
Choosing the right outdoor lights can truly transform our home's exterior. By enhancing safety and creating inviting spaces, we can enjoy year-round.
We elevate both our curb appeal and our outdoor experience.
Whether we opt for stylish wall lanterns or charming string lights, each choice contributes to a warm atmosphere perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings.
Energy-efficient options like solar lights and LEDs save on costs and embrace sustainability.
As we look to illuminate our outdoor spaces, let’s remember the importance of thoughtful placement and quality fixtures.
By investing in the best outdoor lights, we’re not just lighting up our home but creating a welcoming environment that reflects our style and values.
