In past times outdoor lighting was lanterns hanging on posts or attached to the wall that were lit by fire. These lights were portable if hanging and able to be taken from the wall and used to navigate through the darkness. As time progressed and electricity was discovered the outdoor wall light became a permanent fixture that was attached to the house, usually on the front porch. 

Leaving the light on for someone became a symbolic term for welcoming guests and the porch light would be left on in anticipation for the arrival of guests. This simple act of kindness became synonymous with feeling welcomed.

Today, the outdoor wall light has progressed to much more than a front porch fixture. There are many different types of wall lights and they are used for many different reasons. One is the motion detecting wall light. This light is usually attached to a wall that is in a remote part of the house or even near the garage or driveway. The light only comes on when motion is detected. This type of light is a source of both safety and security.

Spotlights and recessed lights can also be mounted on the exterior walls of the house and used to enhance the surrounding landscape and outside living areas. Recessed lighting can be soft and subtle adding an elegant touch the garden area that it surrounds while spotlights can be brighter and designed to focus on a particular area that is used for outdoor entertaining.

Because of the many different uses for outdoor wall lighting there are also many different styles available. Typically, wall lighting is chosen that best enhances the home’s exterior. There are styles that range from antique to ultra modern and available in practically any color the homeowner wants to use.

The initial design for outdoor wall lighting is often built into the house plans. Front and back porch lights are common design elements.  Adding more than these lights to the outdoor living area is often desired and become part of the outdoor design element rather than the architecture.

Outdoor wall lights play a large part in the overall landscape lighting of a home. They go beyond safety and security and provide a welcoming touch that greets friends and family as they arrive.

-Sharon Chapman