A wall light by the patio door is often the main light for the patio itself. Most outdoor wall lights are hardwired to a junction box, so the safety listing and the wet or damp location rating matter, and the installation should follow local electrical code.
We compared wall lights on stated safety listing and location rating, bulb socket and maximum wattage, size, materials and installation notes, and included one solar sconce for walls with no wiring. Browse more in the Outdoor Lighting category, or add ambient light with our guide to Best Outdoor String Lights.
Our Top Picks
| Pick | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Designers Fountain Preston 8 Inch Wall Light |
| Best for Modern | LEONLITE 12" Up and Down Cylinder Wall Light (2 Pack) |
| Best for Smart | Govee Outdoor UpDown Smart Wall Light (2 Pack) |
| Best for Pair | KDG Outdoor Wall Lights with Wave Glass (Set of 2) |
| Best for Large Lantern | DEWENWILS 17.7" Outdoor Wall Lantern |
| Best for No-Wiring Option | GBEAST Solar Up Down Wall Sconce (4 Pack) |
Pros
- Wet-location listing stated
- Compact, classic shape
- Dimmable with compatible bulb
Cons
- Small for a large wall
- Single fixture per box
- No rating data available to us
Designers Fountain's Preston is a compact steel lantern with clear glass, a black finish treated against pitting and corrosion, and a cULus listing for wet locations. It takes one E26 bulb up to 60W, dims with a compatible dimmer and bulb, and installs on a standard junction box. It measures 4.75 inches wide by 8 inches high and projects 5.75 inches from the wall, with a 1-year warranty.
A simple, properly listed fixture from an established brand.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Turn off power at the breaker before any work, follow local electrical code and the maker's instructions, and hire a licensed electrician if you are not qualified. Use a bulb at or under the fixture's maximum wattage.
Pros
- Clean modern up and down look
- ETL and wet location stated
- 3-year guarantee
Cons
- Junction box not included
- Up/down light is decorative more than task
- No rating data available to us
LEONLITE's 12-inch cylinder throws light up and down the wall from an aluminum body with a frosted texture. The maker states an ETL listing, wet or damp location use and a UL-recognized socket for E26 bulbs up to 60W. Installation is three steps onto a junction box (not included), and LEONLITE offers a 3-year guarantee.
The best-documented modern pair here.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Turn off power at the breaker before any work, follow local electrical code and the maker's instructions, and hire a licensed electrician if you are not qualified. Use a bulb at or under the fixture's maximum wattage.
Pros
- Bright, tunable white
- Smart home support
- Clear installation requirements
Cons
- Integrated LEDs, no bulb to replace
- Most expensive here
- No rating data available to us
Govee's smart sconce lists 1200 lumens of white light adjustable from 2700K to 6500K, plus color up and down and along the sides. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Matter and the Govee app, is rated IP66, and operates from -4 to 113°F. Govee states it must be hardwired to a junction box installed by a licensed electrician under local codes, and sealed with caulk on a flat wall.
The pick for smart control, installed properly.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Turn off power at the breaker before any work, follow local electrical code and the maker's instructions, and hire a licensed electrician if you are not qualified. Use a bulb at or under the fixture's maximum wattage.
Cons
- No rating data available to us
Die-cast metal lanterns with tempered wave glass, 6 by 9.75 by 7 inches, E26 sockets up to 60W and ETL certification, per the maker.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Turn off power at the breaker before any work, follow local electrical code and the maker's instructions, and hire a licensed electrician if you are not qualified. Use a bulb at or under the fixture's maximum wattage.
Cons
- No rating data available to us
A 17.7-inch die-cast aluminum lantern with water ripple glass and a sealed bottom; DEWENWILS suggests mounting at least 6 feet above the ground.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Turn off power at the breaker before any work, follow local electrical code and the maker's instructions, and hire a licensed electrician if you are not qualified. Use a bulb at or under the fixture's maximum wattage.
Cons
- No rating data available to us
Solar sconces with up and down light, warm to cool white or color modes, a 1500mAh battery and IP67, for walls without wiring.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Turn off power at the breaker before any work, follow local electrical code and the maker's instructions, and hire a licensed electrician if you are not qualified. Use a bulb at or under the fixture's maximum wattage.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Power | Bulb | Listed Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designers Fountain Preston 8 Inch Wall Light | Best Overall | Hardwired 120V | 1 x E26, up to 60W | cULus wet location |
| LEONLITE 12" Up and Down Cylinder Wall Light (2 Pack) | Best Modern | Hardwired | E26, up to 60W | ETL, wet/damp |
| Govee Outdoor UpDown Smart Wall Light (2 Pack) | Best Smart | Hardwired | Integrated LED, 1200 lm | IP66 (maker) |
| KDG Outdoor Wall Lights with Wave Glass (Set of 2) | Best Pair for Patio Doors | Hardwired | E26, up to 60W | ETL (maker) |
| DEWENWILS 17.7" Outdoor Wall Lantern | Best Large Lantern | Hardwired | E26, up to 60W | IP65 (maker) |
| GBEAST Solar Up Down Wall Sconce (4 Pack) | Best No-Wiring Option | Solar | Integrated LED, 100 lm | IP67 (maker) |
Top 3 Outdoor Wall Lights Reviewed
#1 Designers Fountain Preston 8 Inch Wall Light: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
Designers Fountain's Preston is a compact steel lantern with clear glass, a black finish treated against pitting and corrosion, and a cULus listing for wet locations. It takes one E26 bulb up to 60W, dims with a compatible dimmer and bulb, and installs on a standard junction box. It measures 4.75 inches wide by 8 inches high and projects 5.75 inches from the wall, with a 1-year warranty.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Power: hardwired, 120V
- Bulb: 1 x E26, up to 60W, not included
- Listing: cULus, wet location (maker)
- Material: steel, clear glass
- Size: 4.75 W x 8 H in, 5.75 in from wall
- Warranty: 1 year (maker)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wet-location listing stated | Small for a large wall |
| Compact, classic shape | Single fixture per box |
| Dimmable with compatible bulb | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Beside a patio door or on an exposed back wall.
Who Should Skip It
Large facades that need a bigger fixture.
Verdict
A simple, properly listed fixture from an established brand.
Designers Fountain Preston 8 Inch Wall Light
#2 LEONLITE 12" Up and Down Cylinder Wall Light (2 Pack): Best Modern
Why We Picked It
LEONLITE's 12-inch cylinder throws light up and down the wall from an aluminum body with a frosted texture. The maker states an ETL listing, wet or damp location use and a UL-recognized socket for E26 bulbs up to 60W. Installation is three steps onto a junction box (not included), and LEONLITE offers a 3-year guarantee.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Pack: 2
- Power: hardwired
- Bulb: E26, up to 60W, not included
- Listing: ETL, wet/damp locations (maker)
- Material: aluminum
- Guarantee: 3 years (maker)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clean modern up and down look | Junction box not included |
| ETL and wet location stated | Up/down light is decorative more than task |
| 3-year guarantee | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Modern homes and patio walls where you want a wall-wash effect.
Who Should Skip It
Traditional exteriors.
Verdict
The best-documented modern pair here.
LEONLITE 12″ Up and Down Cylinder Wall Light (2 Pack)
#3 Govee Outdoor UpDown Smart Wall Light (2 Pack): Best Smart
Why We Picked It
Govee's smart sconce lists 1200 lumens of white light adjustable from 2700K to 6500K, plus color up and down and along the sides. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Matter and the Govee app, is rated IP66, and operates from -4 to 113°F. Govee states it must be hardwired to a junction box installed by a licensed electrician under local codes, and sealed with caulk on a flat wall.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Pack: 2
- Output: 1200 lm white (maker)
- Color: 2700K to 6500K plus RGB
- Control: app, Alexa, Google, Matter
- Rating: IP66 (maker)
- Install: hardwired by a licensed electrician (maker)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bright, tunable white | Integrated LEDs, no bulb to replace |
| Smart home support | Most expensive here |
| Clear installation requirements | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Smart homes that want scheduled or color lighting on the patio wall.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone who wants a simple bulb fixture.
Verdict
The pick for smart control, installed properly.
Govee Outdoor UpDown Smart Wall Light (2 Pack)
Also on Our List
- KDG Outdoor Wall Lights with Wave Glass (Set of 2) (Best Pair for Patio Doors): Die-cast metal lanterns with tempered wave glass, 6 by 9.75 by 7 inches, E26 sockets up to 60W and ETL certification, per the maker.
- DEWENWILS 17.7″ Outdoor Wall Lantern (Best Large Lantern): A 17.7-inch die-cast aluminum lantern with water ripple glass and a sealed bottom; DEWENWILS suggests mounting at least 6 feet above the ground.
- GBEAST Solar Up Down Wall Sconce (4 Pack) (Best No-Wiring Option): Solar sconces with up and down light, warm to cool white or color modes, a 1500mAh battery and IP67, for walls without wiring.
How to Choose Outdoor Wall Lights
Wet or Damp Location
A fixture exposed to rain needs a wet location listing. Damp location fixtures belong under a roof or porch. Check the listing, not just the word waterproof.
Safety Listing
Look for UL, ETL or CSA (cULus) on the fixture. Several listings in this group state one; others do not.
Bulb and Brightness
E26 sockets let you choose the bulb, its color and brightness. Never exceed the fixture's maximum wattage. Integrated LED fixtures cannot take a new bulb.
Size and Height
Choose a fixture in proportion to the door and wall it sits beside; a small lantern can look lost on a large wall. Follow the maker's mounting height advice.
Installation
Hardwired fixtures connect to household power. Turn off the circuit at the breaker before any work, follow local electrical code, and hire a licensed electrician if you are not qualified. Seal the fixture to the wall as the maker instructs.
How We Evaluate Outdoor Wall Lights
For this guide we compared listings on stated safety listing and location rating, bulb socket and maximum wattage, integrated output where given, materials, size and installation notes. We read each maker's specifications. Most listings in this guide had no rating data in our product feed, so ratings did not decide the order. We did not handle or measure these products ourselves, every figure comes from the maker's listing, and we never repeat a weather, brightness or runtime claim as our own.
Variants of one listing count as a single product, and we would rather list a few strong picks than pad the list. Our full process is on the How We Review page.
FAQ
Can I install an outdoor wall light myself?
Hardwired fixtures connect to household wiring. Turn off power at the breaker and follow local code, and hire a licensed electrician if you are not qualified. Some makers, such as Govee, require one.
What does wet location rated mean?
It means the fixture is listed for places where water can fall directly on it. Damp location fixtures need some cover.
What bulb should I use?
Use the socket type and stay at or under the maximum wattage the fixture lists. An LED bulb of a lower wattage gives similar light with less heat.
Final Verdict
Designers Fountain's Preston is our top pick for its cULus wet location listing, compact size and simple install. LEONLITE's ETL-listed cylinders suit modern walls, and Govee is the smart choice when installed by an electrician.
KDG's pair suits patio doors, DEWENWILS is the large lantern option, and GBEAST's solar sconces work on walls without wiring.
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