10 Best porch lights that will illuminate your door

Outdoor lighting can have a massive impact. It can create an inviting welcome and the perfect goodbye for guests. But trying to find the best porch lights for your entryway can be tricky.

 

The right lighting can help to lengthen summer evenings and keep the fun going, and even stop intruders in their step.

 

Assuming the cabling is already in place, updating your porch light is a simple way to refresh an entrance. Luckily, the market is full of a multitude of affordable porch lights.

 

While you might want to get a pro in if there’s no cabling, change an existing lamp is pretty straight-forward.

 

Rather than comparing 10 similar styles of outdoor lights, we’ve selected a range of the best porch lights currently on the market.

 

 

* Prices correct at time of publishing

 

 

Nordlux Blokhus Outdoor Wall Light

 

Description

Our bonus is the Nordlux Blokhus Outdoor Wall Light and it’s also the most expensive. It’ll set you back and is suitable for use in any garden lighting application.

 

This lamp was designed in Scandinavian from the finest quality copper and glass. The modern design draws its influence from classic light fixtures yet feels contemporary.

 

As the lamp is made from solid, unlacquered copper, the shiny, bright finish will quickly oxidize upon exposure to a softer, duller colour. And like with all outdoor copper products, the Nordlux lamp will, over time, acquire a green patina.

 

Rated IP54, this lamp is weatherproof and is guaranteed for up to 15 years against corrosion.

 

This wall light is complete with a built-in movement sensor, which can detect movement within 8 metres and a 100-degree angle.

 

The PIR is preset at 15 lux (dusk) and when triggered switches on the light for approx. 90 seconds. If triggered within this period another 1 minute is added to time already run.

 

There’s also a manual override, which when activated switches the light on for 5 hours.

 

 

Conclusion

While we choose the most expensive Nordlux Blokhus Outdoor Wall Light, cheaper models are available. In addition to the copper, Galvanized Steel and Stainless Steel models are available and both cost around the £75 mark.

 

For the expensive price tag, this lamp is well-built from high-quality materials and has a guarantee to match. It also has advanced features such as manual override and a PIR sensor. Although, you do have to supply your own bulb!

 

We think the Nordlux Blokhus would suit a range of properties from modern new builds to older dwellings in need of new twist. Add sophistication to your home! 9/10

 

 

 

Integral LED Curve Wall Light

 

Description

Combining a striking design with energy efficient LED bulb, the Integral LED Curve Wall Light is worth the affordable price.

 

Let’s start with the body. It’s manufactured from die-cast aluminium and completed with powder coated finish. This coating protects the lamp from the elements and means it’s weatherproof and hard-wearing.

 

The LED bulb gives off more than enough light while being extremely energy efficient. Plus as a bulb is supplied, there’s no need to purchase one.

 

The light uses a PIR sensor to detect movement and turns the light on. This makes the lamp ideal for safety and security.

 

The Integral LED Curve Wall Light comes with a 3-year Warranty and is CE and RoHS certified.

 

 

Conclusion

At £35, the Integral LED Curve Wall Light is a sleek lamp designed to use little electricity.

 

Of course, using LEDs means once it dies, you have to replace the entire unit. However, it should provide 25,000 hours of light before going dark once and for all.

 

The PIR sensor, while incorporated into the design, actually has a good range and width. So whether you’re trying to provide a warm welcome or a deterrent, the Integral LED Curve Wall Light reacts quickly to movement.

 

Some won’t like the design, but we love it and would consider it if updating our one. 9/10

 

 

 

QAZQA Modern Square Wall Lamp

 

Description

As a new interpretation on a classic design, the QAZQA Rotterdam Modern Square Wall Lamp is a fantastic addition to any home.

 

Designed in the Netherlands, the QAZQA Rotterdam is simple and sleek. The lamp features a subtle interplay of glass and black powder coat steel.

 

The glass panels on the four sides and top mean this lamp is bright. It’s superb for creating a warm welcome yet is a superb addition to your home security basics.

 

The Rotterdam does not come with a bulb. However, it takes 1 x E27 and suitable for both LED and halogen.

 

There’s no control on the QAZQA Rotterdam, so you’ll need to wire it to a switch which is easily accessible or a plug with a timer.

 

 

Conclusion

While the QAZQA Rotterdam lacks the sophistication of some of the others in our list, it’s by far the most iconic. As it lacks sensors or day/night timing, installation and set up is very easy.

 

We would recommend wiring it into a timed plug, so it automatically turns on and off. Also if you buy the QAZQA Rotterdam remember to purchase a bulb! It does work with both standard and dimmable LED bulbs. 9/10

 

 

 

Philips MyGarden Creek Outdoor Wall Light

 

Description

The Philips MyGarden Creek Outdoor Wall Light is another modern take on classic design and is affordable. It’s available in black and white. We’ve chosen the white for this review.

 

Using high-quality aluminium for the frame, the interplay with the glass is pleasing. There are glass panels 4 sides, which spread the light over a wide area, making it perfect for welcoming visitors.

 

The Philips MyGarden Creek light is designed to be weather-proof and is certified as IP44. This means it will hold up under any and all weathers.

 

The motion sensor ensures you can you walk safely into your home yet saves energy. It will also protect your home from unwanted guests, by providing basic security.

 

Supplied without a bulb, it requires 60 W bulb on an E27 base.

 

 

Conclusion

As a brand well associated with the home, we had high hopes for the Philips MyGarden Creek Outdoor Wall Light. Thankfully, this light meets our expectations.

 

As you’ll get change from £30, it’s highly affordable and easy to install. Plus it’s available in both black and white.

 

Some users have reported that the sensor picks up any movement within a 15-metre range. So you might have to play with some masking tape if your front garden is on the small size.

 

However, the sensor works well and quickly triggers the light. Great for visitors and for deterring people. While you have to supply your own bulb, you can use LED. Just remember you have to remove the top to screw in the bulb.

 

Overall the Philips MyGarden Creek Outdoor Wall Light is affordable, well designed and features a classic design. 9/10

 

 

 

Steinel L585 S outdoor light

 

Description

Looking futuristic, The Steinel L585 S is available in black and white. Drawing inspiration from classic lamp designs, the Steinel L585 S has updated these for the 21st century. The plastic base provides the perfect contrast to the hand blown glass shade.

 

The sensor on the L 585 S has a 180° infrared motion detector and a maximum reach of 12 m. So, the Steinel L585 S only switches on when the light is actually needed.

 

As time and twilight threshold can be set using control dials, you can easily fine-tune the lamp’s performance. While bulbs are not included, it requires a 60-watt bulb on an E27 base.

 

 

Conclusion

Let’s start with the obvious, the Steinel L585 S has a marmite design. Some will love it, others will hate it. We get it and it’s fine. It’s good value for money and has some interesting features.

 

The sensor, for example, covers a wide area and is effective. Although, it’s not as wide as promised at 160 degrees (not the 180 degrees Steinel advertises).

 

It’s easy to install and can be set to automatically turn on at night. Two features we rate highly. We also like the black version just as much as the white. 9/10

 

 

 

Konstsmide Modena Up Outdoor Wall Light

 

Description

Sporting an industrial look, the Konstsmide 7303-750 Modena Up Outdoor Wall Light will look superb outside both modern and classic homes. Since the 1950s Konstsmide has been making outside lights. They are well known for producing easy to install, high-quality products.

 

The clear glass globe sits in a lacquered aluminium frame, which helps to project the light. The Konstsmide Modena is excellent as a porch light as well as for illuminating walkways.

 

Once mounted and powered, the Konstsmide 7303-750 Modena can be used with energy saving E27 style bulbs to make a LED light. You’ll need to supply the 60-watt bulb.

 

The casing is protection class IP44, which means it’s splashproof and designed for the outdoors. Also, the lamp carries an energy efficiency rating of A++ – E.

 

 

Conclusion

While there’s no controls or sensors, the Konstsmide 7303-750 Modena Up Outdoor Wall Light is a stylish design. As an affordable lamp, it’s highly energy efficient and splashproof.

 

You need to supply your own bulb and wire the lamp into timer socket. But that’s as complicated as installation gets. Overall, The Konstsmide 7303-750 Modena is well designed and will look stylish for years. 8/10

 

 

 

POWERMASTER Black Wall Lantern

 

Description

The POWERMASTER Black Wall Lantern sports the classic design we all know and love with it’s 6 sided waterproof design. It also incomes with a PIR sensor.

 

The clear glass panels soften the black powered coat Aluminium Body. As it features 6 glass sides, this lantern is excellent for illuminating doorways, porches and external walls.

 

While it doesn’t come with a bulb, the unit uses the common E27 fitting. It’s easy to install as it comes complete with fitting kit and instructions.

 

Once installed the POWERMASTER Wall Lantern can sense movement up to 8 metres away via a PIR. This sensor sits at a 120-degree angle and so senses movement from a wide field. On sensing movement, it provides up to 7 minutes of light.

 

There are two screw controls, one on each side of the PIR sensor. The first allows you to select the duration of time illuminated. Whereas the other selects from day and night or just night.

 

 

Conclusion

Sporting a classic design, overall the POWERMASTER Black Wall Lantern appears well made for the price.

 

You might want to build a cardboard template of the backplate as the wall fixing holes are on a diagonal, so are a little harder to align. If you’re replacing a plastic lamp then you’ll need to add an Earth connection as it’s made from Aluminium.

 

The PIR sensor is quite responsive and picks up movement from a good distance and wide angle. The control screws each side of the PIR are on the small size, so you might want to set them before installing. 8/10

 

 

 

Konstsmide Nemi Up Outdoor Wall Light

 

Description

One of the best porch lights we found is the Konstsmide 7321-250 Nemi Up Outdoor Wall Light. The white resin base compliments the clear glass globe.

 

A PIR sensor is located at the bottom and can detect movement from up to 10 metres and 140 degrees. Once activated, you can set the light on time from 5 seconds to 10 minutes.

 

No bulb is included and so you’ll need to buy a 60 W ES GLS lamp. The lamp carries an energy efficiency rating of A++ – E and is weatherproof as certified by protection class IP44.

 

This Konstsmide is an elegant wall lamp for outdoor use, which comes with a two-year warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a modern design with plenty of features, then consider the Konstsmide 7321-250 Nemi Up Outdoor Wall Light. While not the cheapest on our list, it does represent value for money.

 

The design is suitable for a range of properties. The PIR sensor will enable you to welcome guest and deter thieves. It has a wide range and the light is easy to program.

 

Overall the Konstsmide 7321-250 Nemi is a strong 8/10!

 

 

 

Bianco Curved ‘Grill’ Outdoor Wall Light

 

Description

The Bianco Curved ‘Grill’ Outdoor Wall Light is a fantastic modern design. The stainless steel body and grill ensure longevity through superior material choice. This stylish stainless-steel grill light has a curved shade and a frosted diffuser.

 

Requiring a single E27 bulb, this BIARD wall light uses a high-quality PIR sensor to switch itself on. This can detect movement from up to 3-6m away.

 

As IP44 rated product, water splashes won’t have any effect on this Biard light.

 

2 screws hold the front curved plate in place. The bulb sits in a back box, which has places for 4 screws. So you may need to drill some more holes in order to fully secure this in place.

 

This wall light is CE, RoHS and LVD certified and comes with a 3-year warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

At £32, the Bianco Curved ‘Grill’ Outdoor Wall Light Light has a modern design and comes with a 3-year warranty.

 

While it looks fantastic, it does suffer from a few design flaws. Firstly, the controls are hidden behind the grill – which requires un-screwing before you can access them.

 

For such a simple device, it’s quite difficult to install. Whoever designed it thought it would be a clever idea to mount the bulb in front of the chock-block that you wire the power to. By doing so you obscure the power connector.

 

The manual is quite poorly written and has nothing on the PIR settings. So you’ll have to play with it to find the right setting for you.

 

Overall, we love the design, hate the install, so our score is 7/10.

 

 

 

Konstsmide Modena Double Down Outdoor Wall Light

 

Description

With its ultra-modern design, the Konstsmide 7515-250 Modena Double Down Outdoor Wall Light will set you back £40. Available in matt white, matt black and raw galvanised steel.

 

Constructed from high-quality aluminium, this lamp is designed to illuminate the wall and features below. The case is splashproof and is rated IP44.

 

Using a single 35 W GU10 bulb (not included), this light carries an A++ – E energy efficiency rating. You can even use an energy saving GU10 bulb with the lamp to lessen your environmental impact.

 

With its double horizontal lens detail, this downlight washes the wall with warm white light and illuminates the area below.

 

As Konstsmide has been designing lighting for over 50 years, you know the Modena lamp has been influenced by real user and years of research.

 

 

Conclusion

While it looks sleek the Konstsmide 7515-250 Modena Double Down Outdoor Wall Light has some glaring faults.

 

Firstly, it doesn’t have a PIR sensor or even a day/night sitting, so unless you have the lamp on a plug, preferably with a timer, it will always be on. While this isn’t a big deal if you already have a home automation system, it’s bound to irritate some.

 

That said, we love the overall design and feel it would work for a range of situations. Even across styles, for example, using them on an 18th-century barn conversion. 7/10

 

 

 

What are the best porch lights?

With such a range of outdoor wall lights, it’s been a challenge to pick the best porch light. So here are our top picks.

 

If you have a limited budget then consider buying the Philips MyGarden Creek Outdoor Wall Light. It’s affordable and available in both black and white finishes.

 

We were impressed with the Integral LED Curve Wall Light, which is uses LEDs, has a PIR sensor and is easy to install.

 

While the QAZQA Rotterdam and Nordlux Blokhus Outdoor Wall Light are the most expensive on our list, both feature unique designs and features. So if you’re looking to make an investment then, spend the extra.