13 Best Outdoor House Lights to Brighten Up Your Exterior

What could be more charming than a post light? They add elegance and personality to any exterior, while serving the functional purpose you need, too. This fixture from our collection checks all the boxes, balancing classic and contemporary style and casting a warm, ambient glow from its timeless filament bulb. It’s offered in antique bronze and textured black, so you can choose the finish that best fits your style.

The vintage look of Anthropologie’s Eloise lighting collection is beloved by many—and now, the brand has come out with an outdoor sconce that provides the same charming feel. The scalloped glass shade and intricate floral ornamentation on the medallion make this piece look absolutely one of a kind. 

This stunning Victorian-inspired set of sconces would do well to frame just about any entryway, but we especially love the look of them beside dark wood tones, vintage doors, and brick facades. Inspired by classic old-school street lamps, the Safavieh Dowell sconce combines a striking black finish with a seeded shade and ornate metalwork to bring a healthy dose of traditional style to your outdoor setup.

The Kennewick lantern from the Drew & Jonathan collection at Visual Comfort is an outdoor house light that’s made to weather the elements for years to come. In both its design and its construction, the wall-mounted lantern is the definition of high quality. A distressed seeded shade pairs with an antique bronze finish to give a timeless look to the piece, while the sturdy aluminum body will stand up to the harshest weather year-round.

Outdoor dining areas aren’t complete without some soft mood lighting. This beautiful wireless portable lantern would elevate any alfresco dinner party or s’mores night, and can easily blend into most designs. The warm white shade diffuses light to cast a warm, ambient glow that’ll make your backyard cozy as your indoor space.

For stunning path lighting, look no further than the Philips Capri. Without any mess of wires, the Capri can be installed quickly and with ease. Simply position it in a sunny area to charge during the day, and you’ll enjoy up to 10 hours of glow at night. With a sturdy, weather-resistant design and a sleek black silhouette, this is an outdoor light that will last for years to come—not just because of its style, but also its durability. 

Solar lights can be tough to get right, but over 9,000 5-star ratings back this option up. They have 8 LEDs per light (which is more than your standard 6) and last between 6-8 hours. Reviewers say they take just seconds to install, and emit a “really cozy, elegant glow.” And the price can’t be beat, either.

LED lights are popular for their energy-saving properties and long lifespan. These outdoor LED wall options are beloved for their easy install and their modern appearance. They illuminate at the top and bottom for extra brightness and are fully waterproof. Plus, they’re made of aluminum for durability, which reviewers love. “We’ve had them for about a year now and [they] have held up perfectly,” shares one satisfied customer.

When you need to illuminate dark backyards, side yards, or alleyways, a high-powered, waterproof flood light is key. This one comes with two adjustable heads, and features a sleek modern frame made from rust-resistant aluminum. “These lights are great!” writes one 5-star reviewer, “Blended in well with the gray exterior of my house and doesn’t draw attention to them when they’re not on. (They’re very useful but not a statement piece.) I paired them with Phillips Hue flood light bulbs and can control them from my phone.” Talk about a bright idea!

These durable outdoor house lights are a gorgeous way to elevate your front porch. We love the modern style, complete with fluted glass that comes in a clear or frosted finish. The metal canopy has an elegant brass finish and its contract-grade, too, so it’s as long-lasting as it is beautiful.

Front porches are charming all on their own, but lighting can help illuminate them for all-weather use and add an extra dose of style. These waterproof porch lights come in four different finishes (black, white, gold, and chocolate), and the clear beveled glass shade is a classic beauty. Reviewers share that this outdoor lighting is easy to install and built to last. They have a slim profile, too, so they’re easy to balance with other decorative elements.

Arrange this striking modern light along a walkway or at the edge of your garden for a statement piece the whole neighborhood will notice. It casts a warm glow and comes with a dimmer so you can adjust the light however you like. Oh, and it’s solar and micro-USB rechargeable for an eco-friendly touch.

Create an elegant entryway by hanging this pendant lantern on your covered porch, patio, or entryway. The sleek design includes clear glass, and a nostalgic filament bulb that casts a warm and inviting glow.