Best garden wall lights for form and function

Stylish and practical, garden wall lights are a versatile lighting option.

Garden Wall Lights

by Alex Boyd |
Updated on

When the sun sets, and your precious plants and flowers disappear into the shadows, the solution lies in the whimsical world of the best garden wall lights. Gardens are magical spaces, and if you get the garden lighting to work with you, that slice of nature right on your own doorstep needn't become inaccessible in darkness. These luminous wonders not only keep the darkness at bay but can also add a touch of enchantment to your outdoor haven while giving security and protection.

Gardens are like Mother Nature's canvas, a masterpiece that reveals its charm by day. But why should the enchantment fade after dark? While garden candles can provide an ambient glow on occasion, garden wall lights are a more permanent option, here to save the day (and night), illuminating your green sanctuary with style and flair.

Wall lights can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your garden, and they are also a very functional purchase, providing light for walkways, patios, decking, and other areas so you don't trip up a step or over a rogue plant pot.

Best garden wall lights at a glance:

Best set of solar security lights: Seklin Outdoor Solar Lights - View on Amazon UK
Best traditional looking mains powered light: CGC Black Outdoor Wall Lantern - View on Amazon UK
Best garden wall lights for saving energy: Philips myGarden Arbour LED Outdoor Wall Light - View on Amazon UK

There are many different types of garden wall lights available, so you're sure to find one that fits your style and needs. Here are a few of our favourites...

Best garden wall lights

Best set of solar security lights

This set of four LED lights has a fair bit going for it. There are 238 LEDs in each unit, and the illumination can be switched between three different levels. There are motion sensors to pick up movement and switch the lights on and an ultra-wide angle of 270°, giving a pretty good coverage. You get four lights in the set, so you will be able to flexibly illuminate various sections of your garden, and as they are solar-powered, you have no worries about power and cabling. Oh, and the price is pretty good too!

**Customer review: "**Lights were so easy to install. One screw and you're done! Placed two down the side of my house and they give off so much light. Got one in a slightly darker area over the door of my shed and it still charges brilliantly. Definitely recommend and especially for the price."

Pros

  • Good value
  • Customisable PIR sensors

Cons

  • Not suitable for continuous illumination
270-degree angle
IP65 rating
Three lighting modes

Best traditional-looking mains-powered light

This mains-powered lamp brings a traditional look and some old-fashioned charm to your outdoor lighting, although it does include some up-to-date tech. The CGC Black Outdoor Wall Lantern comes with a motion sensor so that your path will be illuminated as you arrive home in the dark, and it acts as a security feature to perhaps discourage unwanted visitors as well. You'll need a standard E27 bulb, but these are easily obtained and are available in different colour hues. Plus, it has an IP44 rating, which means you don't need to worry about it when it starts raining.

**Customer review: "**Lovely looking light. The fixings for the plastic could be better but it’s workable. Installed nicely though and works well. "

Pros

  • Traditional appearance
  • IP44 rated

Cons

  • Requires installation
IP44 rating
Mains-powered
Rust-proof

Best garden wall lights for saving energy

With LED technology integrated into a modern, contemporary construction, this light from Philips has been specifically designed for outdoor spaces. IP44 protection means you have no worries when it comes to the weather, and the Philips energy-saving LED consumes less power compared with traditional light sources, helping you to save money on your electricity bills. The light emitted is a warm, comforting light, suitable for illuminating garden areas or patios where you might socialise after dark – a much warmer tone than traditional security lights.

Customer review: "These are fantastic lights from Philips, and really look smart on the wall. We bought two of both the motion sensing lights for the front of the house and two without the motion that we have on a switch at the back. They manage to give out a really nice warm light that isn't harsh as a normal security light would be, however, they are bright enough (as a pair) to illuminate our entire driveway."

Pros

  • Warm light colour
  • Energy-saving LED technology

Cons

  • Not as bright as some security lights
IP44 rating
25,000-hour bulb life
Energy-saving

Best contemporary-looking solar-powered lights

Who said solar-powered lights had to look boring? This up-and-down lighter from Grantham in anthracite grey will look great in any contemporary surroundings. It's completely automatic – lighting up at dusk and turning off at dawn, so you can install it and then leave it to do its work. It has been designed for the British market, bearing in mind that the daylight hours can be short in winter. There is an optional power saving mode that gives a constant low-level light until the PIR detects motion when it illuminates at full power.

Customer review: "These lights were exactly what I was looking for a modern twist on an old-style home. They are the perfect size, I thought maybe they would be too big, especially having two but they are perfect."

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Power saving mode

Cons

  • Not as powerful as mains-powered lights
Motion-activated
100-degree detection angle
10-year bulb life

Best for striking appearance

With this style of light, you know that it will look good wherever you install it: patio, porch or garden. Its design will fit perfectly. It's constructed from rust-resistant stainless steel to maintain long-lasting looks. The IP44 weather rating means the British weather won't trouble it, and it accepts an E27 style bulb of which there are many different colour temperatures, allowing you flexibility over the type of illumination you need. The VidaXL Patio Wall Light is a mains-powered unit, but it is activated by the in-built motion sensor.

Customer review: "High-quality product, placed at the entrance of the house, perfect lighting and easy cleaning thanks to quality materials, has not changed over time. Great and has an effect on many of our guests."

Pros

  • Stainless steel construction
  • Great design

Cons

  • The bulb can be a little tricky to replace
IP44 rating
Rust-resistant
120-degree detection angle

Best for nautical-themed spaces

If you want a bright light in your garden, this is perfect for you. The Bow Oval Bulkhead Wall Light is a classic design, often used in maritime environments, due to its excellent weatherproof properties and its ability to emit a clear, bright light. This model has an IP64 rating, so will withstand just about any weather, and it comes in a selection of colours to suit your garden décor. If you have a nautical theme going on in your garden, or you like the rugged look, this is the perfect addition.

Customer review: "Very good lights. Stylish and affordable. Would recommend."

Pros

  • Great classic design
  • IP64 weather rating

Cons

  • Perhaps not suited to more sophisticated outdoor designs
IP64 rating
Matt finish
Glass construction

Best mains-powered contemporary design

The CGC Stainless Steel Silver Outdoor Wall Light is a stylish and contemporary-looking light that will fit right into any outdoor design situation. For the garden, patio, decking or porch, the stainless-steel body and polycarbonate diffuser will look great and provide stylish illumination, whether it's to light up your entertaining area or to improve nighttime security. There is an alternative angled design for an even more contemporary look, and you can purchase similarly styled 45cm or 100cm high post lights to complete your design. It's a mains-operated unit, IP54-rated and accepts a standard E27 bulb.

**Customer review: "**Easy to install, gives out a good light. A bit more modern than the Coach Light it replaced! Good value for money."

Pros

  • Contemporary design
  • Other matching lights are available

Cons

  • No motion detector
Mains-powered
Polycarbonate diffuser
IP54 rating

Tips for choosing wall lights for your garden:

Consider the size of your space: If you have a small garden, you'll want to choose smaller, more compact lights. If you have a larger garden, you can go with larger, more statement-making lights.

Think about the style of your home: Choose wall lights that complement the architecture and décor of your home.

Consider the purpose of the lights: Are you using them for security, ambience, or both? Choose lights that will meet your needs.

Don't forget about the weather: Make sure to choose wall lights that are weather-resistant and can withstand the elements.

Choose your power source: You can find wall lights that are solar- or mains-powered, and if you choose the latter, you'll need to ensure you have access to a power source.

With a little planning, you can choose the perfect wall lights to add light and style to your garden. So get started today!

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Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening, and music.

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