Outdoor Wall Lighting

Of the many types of outdoor lighting available, outdoor wall lighting has the most built-in look.  Because it hooks in directly with the wiring in the home or the garage, there are no cables or wires to try to hide or bury.  And since you can choose it in so many different styles it can blend seamlessly with your outdoor décor, making it look like it’s been there since the structure was built.

Because wall lighting will be hooked directly into the house current, you should always have a contractor or electrician install your outdoor wall lighting. The current will have to be shut off, and a hole will have to be drilled where the wires can be pulled out and worked with.  They’ll also have to use a waterproof gasket when installing the outdoor wall lighting because of the potential for shock involved.

Low voltage outdoor wall lighting is available, and while it’s easy for you to install and doesn’t carry the potential hazards that working with high voltage does, it also can be tricky to make it look like it belongs. You’ll have to find a place for the transformer, then run the cable from the transformer to the light, and that’s unattractive unless you have a way to disguise it, like a hollow column leading up to the light that appears to be there for effect but is really just to hide cords. It’s an option for the do-it-yourselfer, though, and can be less expensive.

If you already have outdoor wall lighting and simply wish to change the sconce, the procedure is less involved, but still carries the heavy risk of shock.  And with 120 volts, that shock can be deadly, so it’s best to still call an electrician to handle the change for you.  Then you won’t have to worry about installation and can focus all your energy on choosing the type of outdoor wall lighting that’s right for you and your space.
Outdoor wall lighting provides extra security for the home and makes your outdoor spaces more accessible and enjoyable at night, but it can also add beauty to your home.  You can choose rather plain-looking wall sconces or you can find very ornate ones. Even if nothing else on the outside of your home is particularly detailed, a wall sconce with wrought iron curves and designs will give your entryway a special look.

If you have statuary or other items outside your home so that a style is already established, it’s not hard to find outdoor wall lighting in a style to match. The casings for these lights come in every style imaginable to match almost any type of decorating theme. There’s no need for your light to be merely functional when you can show off your style.  You can even choose a style that doesn’t match, to add a bit of unexpected interest. Often, outdoor wall lighting is one of the first things your visitors will notice, so use it to make a welcoming and bold statement.