How many lumens do I need for outdoor wall lights?

The number of lumens needed for outdoor wall lights depends on the specific area you are illuminating. For entryways and porches, 100-400 lumens is typically sufficient, while garden paths might require 100-300 lumens per light. Driveways and parking areas might need 300-700 lumens to ensure proper visibility.

What is the difference between lumens and LUX in outdoor lighting?

Lumens measure the total light output from a fixture, indicating how bright the light will appear. LUX, on the other hand, measures the amount of light that falls on a specific area. LUX takes into account both the lumens and the distance from the light source, making it a more precise measure for lighting specific areas.

Why is light pollution a concern with outdoor wall lights?

Light pollution occurs when outdoor lighting is too bright or poorly directed, spilling light into the night sky or neighboring properties. This can obscure your view of the stars and disturb wildlife or neighbors. Using the right lumen level and proper fixture placement can help minimize light pollution.

How can I prevent glare from outdoor wall lights?

To prevent glare, choose fixtures with frosted glass shade or sconces that direct the light downward and upward. Using lights with lower lumens or incorporating dimmers can also reduce glare and create a more comfortable lighting environment.

What colour temperature is best for outdoor wall lights?

The best colour temperature for outdoor wall lights is typically in the warm white range (2700K-3000K). This temperature creates a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, especially for entryways, porches, and outdoor entertaining areas. Cooler temperatures (4000K-5000K) can be used for security purposes but may create a harsher lighting environment.

How Bright Should Outdoor Wall Lights Be? A Complete Guide

Too much light in your outdoor space can create light pollution, blocking your view of the starry sky, while too little lighting on your outdoor walls can pose a tripping hazard.

Striking the right balance is crucial, and that's where outdoor wall lights come into play.

Outdoor wall lights serve more than just a functional purpose—they enhance your home's safety, security, and overall aesthetics. From guiding your guests safely along pathways to creating a welcoming ambience at your front door, the proper outdoor lighting can transform your exterior space.

This guide will help you determine the optimal brightness, measured in lumens and lux, for various outdoor environments. By understanding the importance of proper illumination, you'll be able to choose outdoor lighting that is both effective and beautifully integrated into your landscape.

We'll cover everything from garden paths and driveways to patios and entryways, ensuring your outdoor lighting project perfectly balances functionality and ambience.

Understanding Different Standards for Measuring Brightness

An exterior wall light with black metallic frame with warm led bulb.

Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source.

In simpler terms, lumens indicate how bright a light fixture will appear to the human eye. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. This measurement has become the standard for assessing brightness, particularly with the rise of energy-efficient LED lights, which can produce much light with minimal energy consumption.

LUX is another term that is closely related to lumens.

While lumens measure the total light output, LUX measures the light that falls on a specific area. Essentially, LUX indicates how much light is hitting a surface, such as your driveway or garden path, and it is influenced by both the lumens of the light source and the distance from that source.

Lumens vs. Watts

For many years, people gauged the brightness of a light bulb by its wattage. However, watts measure energy consumption, not necessarily brightness. The misconception arises because, in traditional incandescent bulbs, higher wattage typically meant more light.

For example, a 60-watt incandescent bulb was standard for many indoor fixtures, producing about 800 lumens.

With modern lighting, particularly with LED technology, wattage is no longer a reliable brightness indicator. LED lights consume much less energy (watts) while producing a high output of light (lumens).

For instance, an LED bulb that uses just 10 watts might produce the same 800 lumens as a 60-watt incandescent bulb.

To put it into perspective, imagine two light sources:

a) Light A: A 60-watt incandescent bulb producing 800 lumens.

b) Light B: A 10-watt LED bulb also produces 800 lumens.

Both lights emit the same brightness, but Light B uses significantly less energy, making it more efficient.

LUX can further help understand this difference. If you place both bulbs 2 meters above a surface:

a) Light A (60-watt incandescent): Due to its inefficiency, much energy is lost as heat, and fewer lumens translate to usable light. It might produce a certain LUX on the surface.

b) Light B (10-watt LED): This light is more efficient and directs more of its lumens toward illuminating the surface, potentially resulting in a higher LUX, even though both bulbs have the same lumens.

This demonstrates why lumens, rather than watts, are the go-to metric for choosing the brightness of modern lighting fixtures, especially in outdoor lighting projects where energy efficiency and adequate illumination are crucial.

Outdoor Wall Light Brightness for Different Settings

1. Outdoor Wall Light Brightness for Entryways and Porches

A welcoming entryway or porch of a home during the evening. The scene should include a well-lit path, stairs, and a front door illuminated by stylish outdoor wall lights.

Lighting in entryways and porches should balance functionality and aesthetics. These are the first areas guests see when approaching your home, so the lighting must be inviting and practical.

The key is choosing lighting that provides enough brightness to ensure visibility while contributing to the overall aesthetic of your home's exterior.

For safety, the light should be bright enough to illuminate walkways, stairs, and door locks clearly. However, it should not be so intense that it causes glare or discomfort.

Recommended Lumens and LUX

A lumen range of 100-400 lumens per fixture is typically recommended for entryways and porches. This range provides adequate lighting for safety and visibility without overwhelming the space with too much brightness.

100-200 lumens: These are suitable for smaller porches or entryways where basic illumination is needed without overpowering the space.
200-400 lumens: These are ideal for larger entryways or when you need to highlight architectural details and create a more prominent lighting effect.

A good target range for LUX is 10-20 LUX at the ground level. This ensures that the area is well-lit for both functionality and visual appeal.

Considerations

a) Motion Sensors

Integrating motion sensors with your porch or entryway lights can enhance security and energy efficiency.

Lights with motion sensors will only activate when someone approaches, providing bright light when needed and conserving energy when unused.

This also reduces light pollution, as the lights are not constantly on.

b) Bulb type

Opt for LED bulbs, which generally offer higher lumens per watt than traditional bulbs, impacting the overall brightness.

c) Light Pollution

It's essential to consider the impact of your lighting on the surrounding environment.

Excessive brightness can contribute to light pollution, which affects the night sky and can be a nuisance to neighbours. Choosing lights with a lower lumen output or using fixtures with shields can help minimise this issue.

d) Colour Temperature

The colour temperature of your outdoor lighting plays a significant role in the ambience it creates.

For entryways and porches, a warm white light (2700K-3000K) is generally preferred. This temperature range creates a soft, inviting glow that enhances the welcoming feel of your home.

Avoid cool white lights (4000K-5000K) in these areas, as they can create a harsh, clinical appearance that is less inviting.

2. Outdoor Wall Light Brightness for Garden Paths and Walkways

Collage of a nighttime garden scene with wall lights mounted along a high garden wall, casting a bright and even glow onto the path, clearly defining the walkway.

Proper outdoor wall lighting along garden paths and walkways is essential for safety. These areas are often used after dark and must become hazardous without adequate lighting.

Bright light along pathways helps prevent accidents by clearly illuminating potential obstacles and guiding visitors safely to their destination.

A well-lit path ensures that everyone can navigate your outdoor space with confidence, reducing the risk of trips and falls.

Recommended Lumens and LUX

The right balance of lumens and LUX is crucial to achieving both safety and aesthetic goals when lighting garden paths and walkways.

A range of 100-300 lumens per light is generally recommended for path lighting and step lights.

This brightness level provides sufficient illumination to guide people safely without overpowering the surrounding landscape.

100-150 lumens: This is suitable for shorter paths or areas that require softer lighting, such as a garden walkway that doesn't need intense brightness.
150-300 lumens are ideal for longer or broader paths where brighter illumination is needed to ensure safety and visibility.

Regarding LUX, aiming for 10-30 LUX on the path's surface is optimal. This provides a well-lit path that ensures safety while maintaining a pleasant visual experience.

Considerations

To achieve practical and aesthetically pleasing lighting along your garden paths and walkways, here are some expert tips:

a) Spacing

Lights should be spaced evenly along the path, typically 2-3 meters apart. This spacing helps ensure consistent illumination without creating overly bright or dark spots. The goal is to create a continuous flow of light that guides visitors along the path.

b) Dark surroundings

If your garden path and walkways are surrounded by dense vegetation and dark areas, you might need higher lumens or lux for better visibility.

c) Placement

Position lights on alternating sides of the path to create a more natural and balanced effect. This technique also helps reduce shadows and ensures the entire path is well-lit.

d) Avoiding Light Pollution

Consider using motion-sensor exterior security lights that activate only when someone is nearby. This will reduce the time lights are on and minimise light pollution.

3. Outdoor Wall Lights Brightness for Driveways and Parking Areas

A well-lit driveway and parking area at night with bright outdoor lights strategically placed along the driveway, illuminating the path for vehicles.

Driveways and parking areas are critical zones where proper lighting is essential for security and visibility.

Bright, well-placed outdoor lights in these areas deter potential intruders and ensure safe navigation for vehicles and pedestrians.

Clear visibility is also crucial, especially in areas where vehicles are manoeuvring or where obstacles or uneven surfaces may exist.

Recommended Lumens and LUX

Higher lumen levels are typically required for driveway and parking areas to ensure adequate illumination.

300-700 lumens per light are generally recommended for these spaces. This brightness level provides the necessary visibility for drivers and pedestrians, making it easier to see and avoid obstacles.

300-500 lumens: Suitable for shorter driveways or smaller parking areas where moderate brightness is needed.
500-700 lumens: These are ideal for longer driveways or larger parking areas that require more intense lighting to cover a broader area.

Aiming for 20-50 LUX on the ground surface is recommended in terms of LUX. This range ensures the area is well-lit without creating excessive glare or light spills, which could cause discomfort or hinder visibility.

Considerations

a) Focused Illumination

It's essential to ensure that the light focuses on the areas that need it most—the driveway and parking spaces.

Using fixtures with directed beams or shielding can help concentrate the light where it's needed while minimising spillover into other areas.

b) Avoiding Light Trespass

One key challenge in lighting driveways and parking areas is avoiding light trespass—unwanted light spilling into neighbouring properties. This can be particularly problematic in residential areas where excessive light can disturb neighbours or contribute to light pollution.

To prevent this, consider using outdoor wall lights with adjustable angles or integrated shields to direct light precisely where needed.

Additionally, motion sensor lights can be a good solution, as they only activate when movement is detected, reducing the lighting duration and the risk of light trespass.

4. Outdoor Wall Light Brightness for Outdoor Entertaining Areas Near Patio

An evening patio scene with outdoor wall lights casting a warm, inviting glow. The lights illuminate the space clearly for social gatherings while creating a cosy, relaxed atmosphere along with string lights.

Outdoor entertaining areas near patios require lighting that not only provides adequate illumination but also sets the right mood for social gatherings and relaxation.

The key to achieving this is selecting outdoor wall lights that balance functionality and ambience.

Proper lighting can transform your patio into a welcoming and cosy space, perfect for evening dinners, casual get-togethers, or unwinding after a long day.

Recommended Lumens and LUX

The ideal brightness for outdoor entertaining areas varies depending on the size of the space and the desired effect. For most patios, a range of 150-600 lumens per light is generally recommended:

150-300 lumens: This range is suitable for smaller, more intimate patio spaces that want soft, warm light. It creates a cosy atmosphere without being too overpowering.
300-600 lumens: This range offers enough brightness to ensure the space is well-lit and comfortable for larger patios or areas where more functional lighting is required, such as for dining or entertaining.

In terms of LUX, aim for 10-30 LUX on the patio's surface. This range provides a comfortable level of illumination that is neither too dim nor too harsh, creating the perfect setting for outdoor activities.

Considerations

a) Dimmers

Integrating dimmers into your outdoor lighting design allows you to adjust the brightness according to the occasion. Bright lighting can be helpful during lively gatherings, while dimmed lights can create a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere for quieter moments. Dimmers offer flexibility, making it easier to set the mood based on your needs.

b) Outdoor Layered Lighting

Consider pairing outdoor wall lights with other outdoor patio lighting options.

String lights are an excellent choice for adding a decorative touch to patios. They provide a warm, diffused light that enhances the overall ambience of the space. Combined with outdoor wall lights, they contribute to a layered lighting effect that adds depth and dimension to the area.

This layered approach ensures that your patio is evenly lit without relying on a single light source, creating a more dynamic and visually appealing environment.

c) Colour Temperature

The colour temperature of your lighting is crucial in setting the right mood for your patio.

A warm white light (2700K-3000K) is generally preferred for outdoor entertaining areas. This colour temperature emits a soft, inviting glow that complements the natural surroundings and enhances the cosy atmosphere.

Cooler colour temperatures (4000K-5000K) should be avoided, as they can create a stark, uninviting environment less suitable for social gatherings.

5. Outdoor Wall Light Brightness for Gardens and Landscaping

A collage of two photos showcasing nighttime garden scene with outdoor wall lights strategically placed to highlight key elements like a decorative fountain, a tree, and a textured stone wall.

Outdoor landscape lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the beauty of your garden and landscaping, bringing out the best in plants, garden features, and architectural elements.

Outdoor wall lights can be strategically positioned to highlight these aspects, creating a stunning visual effect after dark.

Whether you want to illuminate a decorative fountain, accentuate a tree, or showcase the texture of a stone wall, the proper garden wall lighting can transform your garden into a captivating nighttime retreat.

Recommended Lumens and LUX

The brightness required for garden and landscape lighting can vary significantly depending on the specific features you wish to highlight and the desired ambience.

There is no exact number for how many lumens you would need, but a range of 50-300 lumens per light is generally suitable for most outdoor garden settings:

50-100 lumens: Ideal for providing a soft, subtle glow that gently illuminates pathways, smaller plants, or garden beds. This lower lumen range is perfect for creating ambience without overpowering the natural beauty of the garden.

100-200 lumens: Suitable for medium-sized features such as shrubs, flower beds, or small trees. This range offers enough brightness to accentuate these elements while still maintaining a harmonious balance with the surrounding environment.

200-300 lumens: Recommended for larger focal points, such as statues, fountains, or large trees. This higher lumen range provides the brightness needed to make these features stand out, especially when viewed from a distance.

In terms of LUX, aiming for 5-15 LUX on the surfaces of garden features is ideal. This range ensures that each element is sufficiently highlighted without creating excessive brightness that could detract from the overall aesthetic.

Considerations

a) Soft Glow

For areas where you want to create a serene, peaceful ambience, such as along garden paths or around flower beds, an outdoor light with lower lumens (50-100 lumens) will provide a gentle, soft glow.

This type of lighting helps to outline paths and borders without drawing too much attention, allowing the garden's natural beauty to shine through.

Soft lighting is particularly adequate in areas where you want to encourage relaxation and tranquillity, such as near seating areas or water features.

b) Bright Lights

In contrast, brighter wall lights with higher lumens (200-300 lumens) are more appropriate for highlighting critical features like architectural elements, large trees, or statues.

Bright lights can create dramatic effects by casting solid shadows and drawing attention to specific focal points.

This type of lighting is best used sparingly, focusing on one or two main elements to avoid overwhelming the garden with too much brightness.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the correct brightness for outdoor wall lights, remember balance is key.

Too much light can lead to light pollution, diminishing the beauty of the night sky, while insufficient lighting can create safety hazards around your home.

By understanding the importance of lumens and considering the specific needs of different outdoor areas, you can create a well-lit, safe, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.

Each outdoor environment has unique lighting requirements, from entryways to garden paths and driveways to patios. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of determining the appropriate brightness for various settings, ensuring that your outdoor wall lights serve both functional and decorative purposes.

Explore 7Pandas' collection of outdoor lights, designed to suit any outdoor lighting project, and find the perfect wall lights to elevate your outdoor space.