An outdoor wall light gives your facade, patio, or entrance a warm and inviting
ambiance. However, outdoor lighting has different requirements than indoor lighting.
Rain, wind, frost, and insects — your outdoor lamp needs to be robust. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know before buying an outdoor wall light.
The most important factor: the IP rating
IP stands for Ingress Protection — an international standard indicating how well a
lamp is protected against dust and water. For outdoor lighting, this is the most important
specification to pay attention to.
The IP rating consists of two digits:
First digit (0-6): protection against dust
Second digit (0-9): protection against water
What IP rating do you need outdoors?
Location
Minimum IP rating:
Covered veranda or carport: IP44
Facade or entrance (open air): IP44 – IP54
Fully exposed to rain: IP55 – IP65
Close to water or sprinklers: IP65 or higher
IP44 is the most common rating for outdoor wall lights and is sufficient for most situations in Belgium and the Netherlands. The lamp is then protected against splashing water from all sides.
What styles are available for outdoor wall lights?
- Industrial and modern, Sleek metal lamps in black or anthracite. Suitable for modern homes with a clean facade. Often combined with an E27 fitting for a powerful beam of light.
- Lantern style, Classic and timeless. Reminiscent of old street lamps. Ideal for older homes or country styles.
- Minimalist spotlights, Small, directed wall spotlights that illuminate the facade or a path. Perfect if you want focused light without a prominent fixture.
- Stainless steel or aluminum, Durable materials that do not rust and require little maintenance. Ideal for coastal areas or places with a lot of precipitation.
Where do you hang an outdoor wall light?
- Next to the front door The most classic spot. Hang the lamp at eye level — about 1.80 to 2.00 meters above the ground. This illuminates visitors' faces and provides a sense of security.
- On the facade For atmospheric lighting along the facade, hang the lamp higher — at 2.20 to 2.50 meters. This casts a beautiful light pattern on the wall.
- Next to the garage door Two symmetrical lamps on either side of the garage door give a neat, tidy appearance.
- On the patio or veranda Here you choose for ambiance. Do not hang the lamp too high — 2.00 to 2.20 meters is ideal for a cozy light atmosphere on the patio.
What light do you choose for outdoors?
- Warm white (2700K – 3000K) Cozy and inviting. Ideal for the entrance and the patio. Gives a warm orange glow.
- Neutral white (4000K) Bright and functional. Suitable for the garage or a driveway where you want good visibility.
- Cool white (5000K – 6500K) Bright and sharp. Rarely used for residential homes, more for commercial applications.
- For most homes, warm white (2700K) is the best choice outdoors — it provides a safe yet cozy feeling.
LED or traditional?
Always choose LED for outdoor lighting. Reasons:
Energy efficient: LED consumes up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs
Long life: LED lamps last 15,000 to 25,000 hours — hardly any replacement needed
Resistant to temperature fluctuations: LED performs well in both cold and heat
Low heat generation: less attractive to insects
Useful extra features
Motion sensor The light turns on when someone approaches. Ideal for safety and energy saving. Make sure the sensor also has an IP44 rating or higher.
Twilight switch (day/night sensor) The light turns on automatically at dusk and off at sunrise. Useful if you want the light to stay on every evening.
Dimmable Less common outdoors, but can be beautiful for ambient lighting on the patio.
Smart lamp (smart) Controllable via app or voice assistant. Set timers, choose the color temperature, or switch on remotely.
Installation: DIY or electrician?
Outdoor lighting requires waterproof connections. In Belgium, it is legally mandatory to have outdoor electrical installations performed or checked by a certified electrician — especially if there is no existing outdoor socket.
Are you replacing an existing outdoor lamp at the same spot? In most cases, you can do this yourself, provided you switch off the power via the fuse box.
When in doubt: always call a professional.
Maintenance of your outdoor wall light
Clean annually with a damp cloth — salt, dust, and cobwebs affect the finish
Check the seal after winter — rubber gaskets can dry out
Replace the light source if the lamp becomes less bright — even LED lamps lose intensity after years
Buy an outdoor wall light at Eriks-shop
At Eriks-shop, you will find a wide range of outdoor wall lights — from sleek modern to classic lantern models, all with the correct IP rating for outdoor use. Whether you are looking for ambient lighting for your patio or a functional lamp next to your front door: we have the right lamp for every facade.
View our collection of outdoor lighting at: Eriks-shop.com
Not sure which lamp suits your facade? Send us a photo and we will be happy to advise you