How To Install Outdoor Wall Lighting

Adding exterior lighting will improve your home’s appearance and overall safety. This post will go over the outdoor wall lighting installation process.

Outdoor Wall Lighting Types

Any light fixture that you choose to attach to a wall is considered a sconce. Sconces provide reliable illumination and can boost the overall beauty of your home’s exterior. One thing to consider before adding outdoor lighting is whether you should choose solar, electric or battery-powered sources.

There are three main types of exterior lighting:

• Electric Sconces.
• Solar Sconces.
• Battery-Powered Sconces. 

Electric sconces will be hardwired into the home’s electrical system, controlled by a light switch. Anyone looking for reliable and year-round lighting should opt for electric. Solar sconces are an environmentally-friendly option. These are cost-effective and quite easy to install. Most models use a light sensor to turn the lights on automatically at sunset. Battery-powered sconces are the answer for homeowners looking to add lighting without drilling holes into their siding.

Outdoor Wall Lighting Styles

There are hundreds of styles of sconces to choose from and this can seem overwhelming for many homeowners. Consider your home’s exterior materials and colors, plus your landscaping before choosing a style.

Here are the most common outdoor wall sconce styles:

• Flush Wall Sconces.
• Hanging Lanterns.
• Torch Lights.
• Pendant Lights. 

Flush wall sconces allow light to shine either vertically or horizontally, lighting up the surrounding area. Hanging lanterns can be found in countless finishes and styles, known to enhance all architectural tastes. Torch lights are an option becoming more and more popular. These lights are made to resemble old-fashioned torches you would be likely to find in a castle. Pendant lights provide a great mix of classic and stylish.

How To Install Electric Outdoor Sconce Lighting

After you have chosen your lights and their desired location, it’s time for the installation process. The installation steps below will focus on outdoor wall lights since battery-powered and solar lights require very little setup.

The installation of sconces always calls for the help of a certified electrician. Electricians can install wiring for exterior wall sconce lighting fixtures in several different ways. For instance, a professional may add a light fixture mid-circuit by splicing wires and adding another junction box. If there is already a nearby light in place, the new light can be pigtailed into the existing light fixture box.

Installation is quite easy when replacing old outdoor wall sconces. Just simply turn off the circuit breaker that delivers power to the fixture, then disconnect the old one, followed by reversing the same steps to install the new fixture.