The right outdoor lighting should brighten your exterior spaces while being built to withstand the elements. Our collection features outdoor wall sconces, outdoor flush mount lights, and other exterior fixtures designed for conditions such as rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Options are available for covered porches, patio walls, entryways, breezeways, and more.

For areas exposed directly to rain, select a fixture rated for wet locations. Covered areas with limited exposure may require a different rating, depending on the environment.

Outdoor Wall Sconces for Entryways and Porches

An outdoor wall sconce mounted beside a front door or along a porch wall gives visitors light to see the entrance and gives anyone arriving after dark somewhere to aim a key. Placed at a height a little above eye level, a sconce throws light down and out instead of straight into the eyes of someone standing near it.

Weather rating matters most here. A sconce rated for damp locations can handle humidity and indirect moisture, which suits a covered porch, while a wet-rated fixture is built for direct rain and is the safer choice for anything mounted somewhere fully exposed to the elements.

Outdoor Flush Mounts for Covered Spaces

An outdoor flush mount light is installed close to a porch ceiling, covered entryway, or overhang, keeping the fixture protected from strong winds and safely above head height. Its low-profile design makes it a practical choice for breezeways, carports, and other sheltered outdoor areas where a hanging light could sway or catch gusts.

Since the fixture sits close to the mounting surface, moisture and condensation can collect more easily outdoors. Choosing a wet-rated or damp-rated outdoor light

Matching the Fixture to the Exposure

Not every spot on the outside of a house sees the same weather. A wall under a deep porch roof rarely takes direct rain, while a sconce on an open patio wall or a post light near a walkway can face rain, snow, and full sun depending on the season.

Damp-rated fixtures are built for covered areas with high humidity but no direct water contact. Wet-rated fixtures go a step further and hold up under direct rain, sprinkler spray, or snow, which makes them the right choice for anything mounted somewhere fully open to the sky.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Fixture

Start with how exposed the mounting spot actually is. A deep covered porch calls for a damp-rated fixture at minimum, while an open wall, a post near a driveway, or anything under an overhang shallower than the wall itself needs a wet-rated fixture instead.

Next, think about the light itself. An outdoor wall sconce near a door works well for task light, seeing the lock, greeting a visitor, while a broader flush mount or lantern suits a patio or porch that needs more general ambient light to sit or move around safely.

Finally, consider the finish. Metals like brass, bronze, and black hold up differently depending on climate, coastal air tends to be harder on unprotected metal than inland air, so a fixture with a sealed or coated finish will generally age better outdoors than one built for indoor use.

FAQ 

What is the difference between damp-rated and wet-rated outdoor lighting? 

A damp-rated fixture is built for humidity and indirect moisture, such as a covered porch, but it isn't designed for direct water contact. A wet-rated fixture is sealed to withstand direct rain, snow, or sprinkler spray, which makes it the correct choice for any fixture mounted somewhere fully exposed to the weather.

Can indoor light fixtures be used outdoors? 

No. Indoor fixtures aren't sealed against moisture and corrosion, so using one outdoors, even under a covered porch, risks electrical failure and rust over time. Only fixtures labeled damp-rated or wet-rated are built to handle outdoor conditions safely.

Where should an outdoor wall sconce be placed next to a front door? 

An outdoor wall sconce is typically mounted around 66 to 72 inches from the ground, roughly at or slightly above eye level, on one or both sides of the door. This height throws light down toward the entrance without shining directly into a visitor's eyes.

Are outdoor flush mounts a good choice for covered porches? 

Yes. An outdoor flush mount sits tight against the ceiling, which keeps it protected from wind and out of the way on a porch with foot traffic underneath. It's a common choice for covered entryways, breezeways, and carports where a hanging fixture would be more exposed.

Do outdoor light fixtures need a specific bulb type? 

Most outdoor fixtures accept standard LED bulbs, but the fixture's own rating, not the bulb, determines whether it's safe for the location. Check that the fixture itself is damp- or wet-rated for the spot, and use a bulb rated for outdoor temperature swings if the fixture is fully exposed to the weather.