Best Exterior Garage Lights: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2024!

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Exterior garage lights may seem an afterthought, a purely practical aspect of home security. But, it is not merely about illuminating a space; it’s about crafting an inviting ambiance and enhancing your home’s curb appeal. 

The right choice of exterior garage lights, one that is well thought out, can make all the difference between an ordinary house and a home that is the epitome of architectural styling.

A coordinated lighting style for your home’s frontage – including the front door, porch, garage, driveway, and front yard – weaves a cohesive and enchanting visual narrative. Your home gets bathed in a welcoming glow and the architectural beauty gets highlighted!

This buyer’s guide is tailored for a discerning demographic, residing in suburban towns. They have homes they are proud of and are passionate about improving it all the time. I believe you will find this article highly informative and inspirational!

Understanding Exterior Lighting

When choosing exterior garage lights, it helps to understand the various types of outdoor lights available and the key features to consider.

Types of Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lighting is crucial not only for safety and security but also for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home. Each type of outdoor light serves a specific purpose, and understanding their unique features is key to making informed decisions.

Outdoor Wall Lights

Outdoor wall lights are mounted directly onto exterior walls, providing both functional and decorative lighting. These fixtures are ideal for illuminating entryways, pathways, and patios.

They come in various styles, from traditional lanterns to modern designs, ensuring they complement the architecture of your home while enhancing safety and visibility.

Outdoor Pendant Lights

Outdoor pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling, offering focused illumination with a touch of elegance. These fixtures are perfect for covered porches, patios, and entrances.

Available in various designs, from industrial to rustic, outdoor pendant lights add character and warmth to your outdoor spaces while providing functional lighting.

Outdoor Hanging Lights

Outdoor hanging lights are versatile fixtures that can be used in various outdoor settings, from covered patios to gazebos. These lights typically hang from chains or rods, offering both ambient and task lighting.

They create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making them ideal for outdoor dining areas or lounging spaces.

Outdoor Ceiling Lights

Outdoor ceiling lights are flush-mounted or semi-flush fixtures attached to the ceiling of covered outdoor areas. These lights are designed to provide even, ambient lighting in spaces like porches, verandas, and entryways.

They are available in a range of styles, ensuring a seamless integration with your home’s exterior design while providing practical illumination.

Outdoor Chandelier

Outdoor chandeliers bring a touch of indoor elegance to outdoor spaces. Typically used in covered areas like porches or pergolas, these multi-light fixtures create a statement while providing ample lighting.

Outdoor chandeliers are designed to withstand the elements, combining durability with sophisticated design, making them ideal for enhancing outdoor entertaining areas.

Outdoor Post Lights

Outdoor post lights are freestanding fixtures mounted on poles, often used to line driveways, walkways, or garden paths. They provide both functional and decorative lighting, enhancing the security and aesthetics of your property.

Available in various heights and styles, outdoor post lights can complement traditional or contemporary landscapes, creating a well-lit and welcoming environment.

Key Features to Consider

The following key features are important when selecting exterior garage lights:

Brightness (lumens)

Lumens measure the amount of light emitted by a fixture. For exterior garage lights, aim for 700-1300 lumens to ensure sufficient illumination. Higher lumens provide brighter light, which enhances visibility and security around your garage

Energy Efficiency

Choose energy-efficient LED lights, as far as possible. You can even consider solar-powered options, for the driveway and front yard, to reduce electricity consumption and lower utility bills. 

Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that the lights meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Exterior garage lights need to withstand harsh weather conditions. Choose fixtures made from durable materials such as stainless steel or aluminum with weather-resistant coatings.

Ensure they have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of at least IP44, which indicates protection against dust and water.

Style and Design

The exterior garage lights must complement your home’s architecture. Whether you prefer modern, traditional, or rustic designs, select fixtures that enhance your home’s curb appeal while providing functional lighting.

Ease of Installation

Consider the ease of installation when choosing exterior garage lights. Some fixtures may require professional installation, while others are DIY-friendly.

Solar-powered lights are typically easier to install since they don’t require wiring. Be sure to have the necessary tools and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a safe installation.

Choosing the Right Light for Your Home

Assessing Your Needs

Security vs Aesthetics

When selecting exterior garage lights, it’s crucial to balance security and aesthetics.

Security lights like floodlights and motion-sensor lights deter intruders and enhance safety. Aesthetic lights such as wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted fixtures boost your home’s curb appeal.

For the best results, have a mix of both types.

Lighting for Pathways and Driveways

Proper lighting for pathways and driveways ensures safe navigation while improving curb appeal.

Pathway lights are used to illuminate walkways and driveway edges, while floodlights or wall-mounted lights provide broader coverage, ensuring visibility and safety for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Highlighting Architectural Features

Exterior garage lights must be used creatively to accentuate your home’s architectural details. 

Wall-mounted lights can be used to highlight garage doors, columns, or other design elements. Uplighting or downlighting techniques create dramatic effects, adding depth and character to your home’s exterior. 

Select fixtures that complement your home’s style for a cohesive look.

Matching Lights to Architectural Styles

Modern

Modern exterior garage lights feature clean lines, minimalistic designs, and materials, like stainless steel and glass. 

Look for sleek, geometric shapes and integrated LED technology. These lights suit contemporary homes with their streamlined appearance and efficient functionality.

Traditional

Traditional garage lights showcase classic designs with ornate details, inspired by historical styles. 

Typically, made from materials, like brass, bronze, or wrought iron, these lights often feature lantern shapes or frosted glass, adding timeless elegance to homes with traditional or colonial architecture.

Rustic

Rustic garage lights offer a warm, cozy feel with earthy tones and natural materials like wood, copper, or aged metal. Incorporating designs such as lanterns, cages, or vintage bulbs, these fixtures are ideal for farmhouse-style homes or properties with country charm.

Coastal

Coastal garage lights are designed to withstand harsh seaside conditions while reflecting a relaxed, beachy vibe. 

Using materials like galvanized steel, brass, or weathered wood, these lights often feature nautical elements like portholes or rope accents, perfect for homes with coastal or beach-inspired architecture.

Colonial

Colonial garage lights draw inspiration from early American architecture, using materials like brass, bronze, or wrought iron with clear or seeded glass panels. 

These fixtures typically have elegant, symmetrical designs and a polished finish, adding historical charm to homes with Colonial, Georgian, or Federal-style architecture.

Top Picks for Exterior Garage Lights

Modern Style

Here are my top 2 picks for exterior garage lights for a modern-style home:

1. Check Out Cerdeco Aluminum Modern Outdoor Wall Light

The Cerdeco Aluminum Modern Outdoor Wall Light features a sleek, matte black finish and an up-down light design. It is UL-listed, ensuring safety and quality.

Why it’s a great choice: Its minimalist design and high-quality construction make it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to enhance their garage’s contemporary aesthetic.

2. Check Out Globe Electric Light Outdoor Wall Sconce

The Globe Electric 44165 1-Light Outdoor Wall Sconce comes in a weatherproof black finish, offering a modern and stylish look. It is designed for outdoor use and provides focused illumination.

Why it’s a great choice: Its style, durability, and ease of installation make it a top pick for modern exterior garage lighting.

Traditional Style

Here are my top 2 picks for exterior garage lights for a traditional-style home:

1. Check Out Kichler Chesapeake 17″ Outdoor Wall Light

The Chesapeake Outdoor Wall Light in Black finish brings traditional appeal to your outdoor ensemble. Create welcoming warmth with a classic lantern design that adds a touch of colonial charm to a garage or porch with a traditional décor style.

Why it’s a great choice: Its classic timeless lantern design complements traditional architectural styles, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to a home’s exterior.

2. Check Out Diyel Gooseneck Barn Light Outdoor

The Diyel Gooseneck Barn Light features a vintage-inspired design, a gooseneck arm, and a large 16-inch dome. It comes in various finishes, including black and gold, and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Why it’s a great choice: Its combination of traditional barn light design, durability, and robust construction makes it a top pick for enhancing both the security and aesthetics of your garage.

Rustic Style

Here are my top 2 picks for exterior garage lights for a rustic-style home:

1. Check Out Westinghouse Canyon One-Light Outdoor Wall Fixture

Add rustic charm and warm, welcoming illumination to your outdoor space with the one-light Canyon lantern. The two-tone textured black and barnwood finish highlights the beauty of this traditional design. Featuring a clear, retro-shaped glass chimney at its center, the Canyon exudes vintage appeal.

Why it’s a great choice: Its combination of rustic aesthetics, durability, and bright illumination makes it an excellent choice for enhancing the exterior of a garage in a rustic or farmhouse-style home.

2. Check Out LONEDRUID Motion Sensor Outdoor LED Wall Light

The LONEDRUID 2 Pack Motion Sensor Outdoor LED Wall Light offers reliable and efficient lighting for your home, porch, garage, or farmhouse. This light fixture delivers outstanding performance and reliability with its durable construction and bright LED light source.

Why it’s a great choice: Its rustic design, practical features, and energy-efficient operation make it a top pick for homeowners seeking to combine farmhouse aesthetics with reliable performance.

Coastal Style

Here are my top 2 picks for exterior garage lights for a coastal-style home:

1. Check Out Kichler Seaside 16.5″ Outdoor Wall Light Brushed Nickel

The Kichler Seaside 16.5″ Outdoor Wall Light features a charming nautical design with a brushed nickel finish. The coastal-inspired look works well with beachside homes or properties with a seaside theme. Perfect at an entryway, patio, porch, or on either side of a garage door

Why it’s a great choice: The nautical aesthetics, durability, and bright illumination make it an excellent choice for enhancing the exterior of a coastal-style home and garage.

2. Check Out VAXCEL Chatham Burnished Bronze Coastal Outdoor Wall Lantern

The VAXCEL Chatham Outdoor Wall Light in brushed bronzed finish is sure to remind you of adventurous sea voyages of the past. The sleek and stylish coastal design is ideal for homes and garages built in the coastal architectural style

Why it’s a great choice: The elegant design, durable construction, and bronze finish make it a top pick for homeowners seeking to enhance their coastal-style garage with a touch of sophistication.

Colonial Style

Here are my top 2 picks for exterior garage lights for a colonial-style home:

1. Check Out Urban Ambiance Luxury Colonial Outdoor Wall Light

The Urban Ambiance Luxury Colonial Outdoor Wall Light is a large fixture in Tudor Style, with a high-end black silk finish and beveled glass. The round design is both beautiful and balanced, reflecting a classic style entrenched in tradition.

Why it’s a great choice: Superior workmanship backed by a 10-year electrical components warranty and a 3-year finish warranty (original purchaser), makes it an excellent choice for the exterior of a colonial-style house, porch, or garage.

2. Check Out Westinghouse Glenwillow Outdoor Wall Fixture

The Westinghouse Glenwillow One-Light LED Outdoor Wall Fixture is one of its kind. The eye-catching willow branch design is enhanced by a Victorian bronze finish with clear seeded glass. Its classic design complements colonial-style homes, adding a touch of vintage charm.

Why it’s a great choice: Its energy efficiency, classic design, and durable construction make it a top pick for homeowners seeking to enhance their colonial-style garage with a touch of elegance.

Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and useful.