Outdoor lighting is essential for enhancing your home’s aesthetics, safety, and security. However, many homeowners make mistakes when selecting outdoor wall lights, leading to poor illumination, high maintenance costs, or even safety hazards. Choosing the wrong exterior wall lights can result in ineffective lighting that fails to meet your needs.
To help you make an informed decision, here are the common mistakes to avoid when choosing lights for outdoor walls—and how to pick the perfect ones for your home.
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Outdoor Wall Lights
One of the biggest mistakes is selecting the wrong type of outdoor wall lights for your space. Different areas require different types of lighting—what works for a garden pathway may not be suitable for a patio or front entrance.
What to Do Instead:
✔ For security: Use motion-sensor exterior wall lights to deter intruders.
✔ For ambiance: Choose warm LED lights for outdoor walls to create a cozy atmosphere.
✔ For pathways & entrances: Opt for bright, weatherproof wall sconces that improve visibility.
2. Ignoring the IP Rating (Waterproofing and Weather Resistance)
Not all lights for outdoor walls are designed to withstand harsh weather. A common mistake is installing indoor-rated lights outdoors, leading to damage from rain, dust, or extreme temperatures.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Look for IP-rated exterior wall lights—IP65 or higher ensures dust and water resistance.
✔ Choose corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or brass.
✔ If in coastal areas, avoid iron or low-quality metal fixtures that rust easily.
3. Using the Wrong Bulb Type and Wattage
Many people install low-wattage bulbs that don’t provide enough brightness, or high-wattage bulbs that waste energy and cause glare. Using outdated incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs also leads to high electricity bills and frequent replacements.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Choose LED outdoor wall lights for energy efficiency and longevity.
✔ Pick bulbs with 800-1,500 lumens for ideal brightness.
✔ Use warm white (2700K-3000K) for ambiance and cool white (4000K-6000K) for security and visibility.
4. Poor Placement of Outdoor Wall Lights
Placing exterior wall lights too high, too low, or too far apart can reduce their effectiveness. Poor placement can create shadows, uneven lighting, or glare that affects the overall look and safety of your outdoor space.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Install wall lights at eye level (about 5-6 feet from the ground) for balanced illumination.
✔ For entryways and patios, place two wall lights on either side of doors for symmetry.
✔ Avoid excessive spacing—install lights every 8-10 feet along walls for uniform brightness.
5. Overlooking Motion Sensors and Smart Features
Many homeowners miss out on motion-sensor lights, thinking they are only for security. However, smart exterior wall lights with motion detection or timers enhance convenience and energy savings.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Install motion-sensor outdoor wall lights for driveways and entryways.
✔ Choose smart lighting that allows you to control brightness remotely via apps.
✔ Use dusk-to-dawn sensors so lights automatically turn on at night and off in the morning.
6. Forgetting About the Power Source and Wiring
A frequent mistake is choosing hardwired outdoor wall lights when a solar-powered or battery-operated option might be more suitable. Additionally, many people overload circuits, leading to flickering lights or power issues.
What to Do Instead:
✔ If installing multiple lights, use a dedicated outdoor circuit to avoid voltage drops.
✔ Consider solar-powered exterior wall lights for energy efficiency and easy installation.
✔ Hire an electrician if you’re unsure about wiring or placement.
7. Ignoring Style and Aesthetics
Many homeowners focus solely on brightness and functionality, ignoring the design of their outdoor wall lights. Mismatched styles can make your home’s exterior look cluttered or outdated.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Match your lights for outdoor walls with your home’s architecture (modern, rustic, or traditional).
✔ Choose finishes that complement your outdoor décor, such as black metal, bronze, or wooden accents.
✔ Consider lantern-style wall lights for classic appeal or sleek LED fixtures for a contemporary look.
8. Not Considering Light Pollution and Glare
Some outdoor lights cause excessive glare, making it uncomfortable for you and your neighbors. Incorrectly positioned exterior wall lights can also create light pollution, which disrupts night vision.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Use downward-facing lights to minimize glare.
✔ Choose fixtures with shields or frosted glass for softer illumination.
✔ Opt for warm white LEDs instead of overly bright, harsh blue lights.
9. Neglecting Maintenance and Upkeep
Outdoor lights are exposed to dust, dirt, and weather conditions, yet many people forget to clean or maintain them, leading to dim lighting and reduced lifespan.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Clean light fixtures every few months to remove dirt and debris.
✔ Replace burnt-out bulbs immediately to ensure consistent brightness.
✔ Check wiring and connections annually to prevent electrical issues.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right outdoor wall lights can dramatically improve the look, security, and functionality of your outdoor space. By avoiding common mistakes like poor placement, low-quality fixtures, or ignoring weather resistance, you can ensure long-lasting and effective illumination.
Whether you’re upgrading your exterior wall lights for safety, ambiance, or energy efficiency, Wooden Street offers a range of high-quality lights for outdoor walls to suit your needs. Explore our collection and brighten up your home today!
