How to choose the right outdoor LED lights?

Sconces play an essential role in garden lighting. Practical, decorative and safe, they can be used to light an entrance, porch or terrace, or to enhance a facade. As a result, they can't be selected at random, and certain criteria such as style or wattage will be of paramount importance in choosing these lights.
So how do you choose the right outdoor LED wall lights ? What are the most important criteria to consider before buying? We explain it all in our guide.

The 4 essential questions to ask yourself when choosing your outdoor led wall lamps.

Will my sconce light a single area, or complement an existing lighting system? The answer to this question will first enable you to determine the lighting power required and the number of sconces to be used. It will also help you to choose the design of the lamp you prefer, so as to remain in the style of the lighting already present.

What atmosphere do I want to create? Do you want to create a warm atmosphere on a terrace, or light up a porch so you can easily find your keys after dark? This question is essential!

Is your sconce intended for security lighting? By answering this question, you'll be able to determine the best place for your light, near the front door or garage for example. You'll also find out if the motion detector option is right for your situation.

What kind of electrical installation do I have? This is a crucial question! You need to know whether you already have a 230V power supply to install your wall lights with ease. If not, you can opt for a solar lighting solution.

230V wall lights and solar-powered wall lights: what's the difference? 

Just a few months ago, we would have told you that the differences between these two lighting modes were significant, both in terms of style and power, and in terms of manufacturing quality. In fact, many first-price solar wall lamps on the Net are 100% plastic and have a very short lifespan. The same applies to the power of these lights. The majority of these solar wall lights produce very low levels of intensity, coupled with limited autonomy!

New Lumihome solar wall lamp: extended autonomy and a more efficient sensor for more reliable recharging 

But today, choosing solar from specialist brands can be a choice that makes sense! For example, Lumihome solar lamps feature patented technology that makes recharging easier, even on cloudy days. In fact, their new-generation mono-crystalline solar collector with UV amplifier offers users even greater comfort. But that's not all.

You also need to pay close attention to the quality of the built-in battery and the design of the sconce.

"In fact, too many solar wall lamps use poor quality batteries to increase the manufacturer's margin. At Lumihome, we've opted forsolar-powered LED wall lights with an ultra-powerful LI-ION battery that provides more efficient lighting for longer.

If, on the other hand, you'd like to opt for a 230V wall light, you'll be pleased to know that this solution also has a number of advantages. Choosing 230V LED wall lights means you no longer have to worry about their autonomy. You also get more power - up to 1,500 lumens for Lumihome's Pyramide range of wall lights, twice as much as a solar lighting solution.

So there's no ideal solution - it all depends on your needs!

New Pyramide 1500 lumen LED wall light: timeless design and enhanced performance!

Rising or falling wall lights?

When it comes to choosing the right outdoor sconce, the direction in which light is diffused is of paramount importance. They are generally installed 1.90 or even 2 meters above the ground, and to determine which solution is preferable, you'll need to estimate the free space above their mounting point.

Upward-facing sconces need a sufficiently large space above them to diffuse the light as well as possible. They are therefore not suitable for installation under balconies or near eaves.

Downward-looking sconces, on the other hand, look downwards. They are therefore more suitable for confined spaces, and help create an intimate atmosphere. They are therefore preferable if overhung by a feature such as a canopy or balcony. 

Use a sconce to secure the exterior of your home 

Choosing and cleverly installing exterior wall lights can be a challenge! They need to provide discreet, yet effective, wayfinding, while offering sufficient visibility at night to thwart attempted break-ins and intrusions.

That's why, at the front of the house, near a front door or garage door, we recommend lighting that is sufficiently powerful and dissuasive. You can also opt for outdoor LED wall lights with motion detectors. Lumihome models are particularly ingenious, as their intensity increases when movement is detected. "If you choose the Lumihome solar solution, their innovative technology will enable you to benefit from 8h standby lighting. What's more, you'll save yourself the hassle of connection work." Christophe Coelho

In any case, you should be aware that a wall light designed to secure the exterior of your home will inevitably require more powerful lighting than beaconing (at least 300 lumens). 

 

Choosing the right LED wall light for a terrace

Terrace lighting is first and foremost functional, allowing you to continue enjoying the outdoors after dark. For sharing a meal with family, chatting with friends or spending the evening alone, outdoor LED wall lights will have an essential place.

But these lights also serve as a decorative element for your outdoors. The luminous flux will highlight features such as the terrace or swimming pool, and add cachet to the architecture of your home.

Outdoor wall lights must therefore succeed in creating a light that is both direct but discreet, and warm but not blinding. To achieve this, you'll need to multiply the number of sconces, which will enable you to cleverly distribute the light produced, thus lowering the intensity of each bulb. Concentrating your lighting requirements on one or two sconces could result in overpowering lighting, which would be blinding and unpleasant for guests.
The difficulty lies in finding the right balance between practical lighting, so that you can continue to live on the terrace in the evening, and diffused, pleasant lighting, for a successful accent.

"Lumihome also offers wall lamps with integrated USB sockets. An ultra-practical detail in summer for using a connected speaker, or simply for recharging your phone."

Catherine Rochetaux

 

What is the protection factor? 

Outdoor LED sconces are designed for outdoor use, so they're built to withstand a wide range of climatic conditions. However, if you have any doubts about the waterproofness of your wall lamp, refer to its packaging. You'll find its protection rating represented by the letters IP, followed by two numbers. The first indicates the sconce's protection against solids, the second its protection against liquids. The higher the number, the more resistant and waterproof the luminaire. Your sconce won't necessarily be placed under cover! That's why we recommend a protection rating of 44 or higher. 

Highlight your garden in broad daylight 

Sconces are ideal for all the reasons we've just mentioned. However, they are also highly appreciated for their design aspect and the decorative touch they bring to exteriors. In fact, if they provide lighting at night, they should also be beautiful to look at during the day.

You can use them to structure your garden by adding vertical lines. For this, you'll appreciate the many Lumihome models, especially the Pyramide range. The brand also offers more stylized models inspired by art deco, such as the black Genova LED outdoor lamps.

For a successful accent, you need to choose a sconce style that blends in perfectly with that of your home. For facades, opt for discreet lighting solutions. If your interior is more contemporary, choose sober sconces with pure, linear shapes for your exteriors. You should also choose fixtures that match the color of your facade. For example, choose grey sconces for a concrete wall, and ochre or black lamps for a brick wall.

As for bulbs, don't hesitate to opt for a warm white if your facade is rather classic, and a cool white if it's modern or made of rubble stone.


Sconces are therefore ideal for highlighting exteriors, day and night. But making the right choice isn't easy, and there are many criteria to consider. So don't hesitate to follow our advice for successful lighting that will fully meet all your expectations!