Good outdoor lighting is about more than just style; it’s about safety and creating a welcoming first impression. A single light can cast harsh shadows, leaving dark spots near your entryway or on your patio. This is where choosing a 2 pack outdoor wall lights makes a huge difference. By flanking your door or garage, you create even, balanced illumination that enhances visibility and security for you and your guests. It’s a practical choice that also happens to look fantastic, adding a sense of symmetry and polish that instantly improves your home’s curb appeal and provides peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
- Buy in pairs for a balanced look and better safety: A matching set of lights frames your entryway, creating a polished, symmetrical look. This approach also casts broader, more even light, which gets rid of unsafe shadows by your door or on pathways.
- Match your lights to your home's style and climate: Select fixtures made from durable, weather-resistant materials like aluminum to ensure they last through Canadian seasons. The design should complement your home’s architecture, whether modern or traditional, to create a cohesive look.
- Look for features that add convenience and value: Smart features like dusk-to-dawn sensors and motion detectors add security with zero effort. Choosing fixtures with integrated LEDs will save you money on your hydro bill and spare you the hassle of changing bulbs frequently.
Why Buy Outdoor Wall Lights in Pairs?
When you’re updating your home’s exterior, it’s easy to think of an outdoor wall light as a single purchase. But more often than not, buying them in pairs is the smarter move. Think of it like buying earrings—one is fine, but two create a complete, polished look that feels intentional. Opting for a pair of outdoor wall lights delivers a powerful combination of style, safety, and value that a single fixture just can’t match. From framing your front door to flanking a garage or lighting up a patio, two lights work together to create balance and harmony. This simple choice can instantly make your home feel more put-together and welcoming, adding significant curb appeal without a massive renovation.
It’s one of the easiest ways to make a big impact. Before you start shopping, it’s helpful to understand just how much of a difference a pair can make. A single light can sometimes look like an afterthought, but a pair looks like a deliberate design choice. They work in tandem to not only illuminate your space but also to define it, creating a sense of arrival at your front door or a cozy atmosphere on your back deck. Let’s look at why two is almost always better than one when it comes to your outdoor lighting.
Create a Balanced, Symmetrical Look
Symmetry is a foundational principle of design for a reason: it’s pleasing to the eye. Placing a wall light on either side of your front door, garage, or a large window creates an immediate sense of balance and grandeur. This symmetrical arrangement frames the entryway, drawing the eye to your front door and making your home feel more inviting. It’s a classic technique that adds a touch of elegance and highlights your home’s best architectural features, giving your exterior a cohesive and professionally designed appearance. A well-chosen pair of lights can transform a simple entrance into a statement.
Improve Safety and Illumination
Two lights are better than one for casting even, consistent light across a space. A single light can create harsh shadows and dark spots, which can be a safety hazard on walkways or near stairs. By installing a pair of lights, you get broader, more balanced illumination that enhances visibility and security. This helps deter potential intruders by leaving fewer places to hide and ensures you and your guests can safely find your way to the door after dark. The result is a warm, welcoming glow that also provides practical peace of mind, making your home’s exterior both beautiful and functional.
Get More Value and an Easier Install
From a practical standpoint, buying outdoor wall lights in a two-pack is often more cost-effective. Many manufacturers and retailers offer bundled pricing, giving you better value than purchasing two separate fixtures. This can be a budget-friendly way to achieve a high-end, cohesive look without breaking the bank. It also simplifies the shopping process. You get two perfectly matched lights in one box, ensuring your fixtures are identical in finish, size, and style. This takes the guesswork out of finding a perfect match and makes creating a unified design that much easier when it comes time for installation.
What to Look For in Outdoor Wall Lights
Choosing the right outdoor wall lights goes beyond just picking a pretty fixture. You’re looking for a blend of style, safety, and durability that can stand up to Canadian weather. Getting it right means your home will not only look more inviting but will also be safer and more secure. Think about what you need each light to do—should it brightly illuminate your front door, or cast a soft, ambient glow on your back patio? Considering these key factors will help you find the perfect pair of outdoor wall lights that you’ll love for years to come.
Brightness and Lumens
When you're shopping, you'll see brightness measured in lumens, not watts. Lumens tell you how much light a bulb produces—the higher the number, the brighter the light. For outdoor spaces, you want enough light to see clearly without it feeling like a stadium. For a welcoming entryway, look for around 700-900 lumens to ensure you can find your keys and greet guests safely. For accent lighting on a porch or patio where you want a softer ambiance, something in the 300-500 lumen range is usually perfect. It’s all about creating layers of light that are both functional and beautiful.
Durability and Weather-Resistance
Your outdoor lights need to be tough. They’ll face everything from summer sun and rain to winter snow and ice, so durability is non-negotiable. Look for fixtures made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials like aluminum that won't rust or corrode. It’s also critical to check the fixture’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which tells you how well it’s sealed against moisture and debris. For most wall-mounted applications, a "wet-rated" light is your best bet, as it’s designed to handle direct exposure to rain and snow, ensuring both safety and a long lifespan for your investment.
Style and Design
This is the fun part! The style of your outdoor lights should feel like a natural extension of your home's architecture and your personal taste. Whether your home is a sleek modern build, a classic brick colonial, or a cozy craftsman, there’s a light to match. Consider the finish—matte black offers a contemporary look, while bronze or brass can add a touch of traditional warmth. The design itself, from minimalist sconces to ornate lanterns, can dramatically shape your home’s curb appeal. Think of your lights as the finishing touch that ties your entire exterior décor together.
Energy-Saving LED Technology
Opting for fixtures with integrated LED technology is one of the smartest choices you can make. LEDs are incredibly energy-efficient, using significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, which means you’ll see savings on your hydro bill. They also have an impressively long lifespan—many last for tens of thousands of hours. This means you won’t be climbing a ladder to change bulbs every year. Plus, LEDs provide clear, consistent light and are available in various color temperatures, from warm and cozy to cool and crisp, giving you full control over the mood.
Smart Features and Motion Sensors
Modern outdoor lighting offers some amazing hands-off features that add convenience and security. Dusk-to-dawn sensors are a popular choice, automatically turning your lights on as the sun sets and off in the morning, so your home is always well-lit when it needs to be. For an extra layer of security, look for lights with built-in motion sensors. These fixtures light up when they detect movement, which is great for illuminating pathways as you approach and deterring unwanted visitors. These smart features make your lighting work for you, providing peace of mind with zero effort.
Our Favourite Brands for Outdoor Wall Lights
When you start shopping for outdoor lighting, the number of brands can feel a bit overwhelming. How do you know which ones offer the best quality, the most durable materials, or the style that will perfectly complement your home? To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of our favourite
Each brand has its own unique strengths. Some are masters of classic, timeless design, while others push the boundaries with modern aesthetics and smart technology. Some focus on creating incredibly durable fixtures that can stand up to the harshest Canadian winters, while others are known for their decorative flair and craftsmanship. Think of this as your curated guide to the best in the business. We carry many of these top-tier brands because we believe in offering you a selection that is not only beautiful but also built to last, ensuring your home’s exterior is safe, welcoming, and stylish for years to come.
Canada Light Shop
We’ll start close to home. We’ve spent years curating a collection of outdoor lighting that meets the specific needs and styles of Canadian homes. Our selection focuses on fixtures that blend durability with sophisticated design, ensuring they can handle our diverse climate without compromising on aesthetics. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern sconce for a downtown home or a rustic fixture for a country property, our collection is designed to offer high-quality, stylish solutions. Plus, our team is always here to provide expert advice to help you find the perfect pair for your space.
Hampton Bay
Hampton Bay is a household name for a reason. They excel at creating classic, American-style lighting that feels both familiar and elegant. If you're looking for reliable, attractive fixtures that won't go out of style, this is a fantastic brand to consider. Their designs are often straightforward and functional, making them an easy choice for enhancing your home's curb appeal. Hampton Bay is particularly great for those who appreciate traditional designs and want a dependable light that provides excellent illumination without being overly complicated.
FAISHILAN
For those prioritizing durability, FAISHILAN is a brand that stands out. They specialize in outdoor wall sconces crafted from high-strength aluminum, making them exceptionally weather-resistant, anti-corrosive, and rust-proof. This focus on robust materials means their fixtures are built for longevity, which is a huge plus for any outdoor installation. Their designs often lean modern, with popular up-and-down lighting styles that create dramatic effects on exterior walls. If you want a light that is as tough as it is stylish, FAISHILAN is an excellent choice.
Westinghouse
Westinghouse is a legacy brand with a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation across a wide range of home products, and their lighting is no exception. When you choose a Westinghouse fixture, you’re buying from a company known for its reliable engineering and functional design. Their outdoor wall lights often combine timeless appeal with practical features, making them a solid choice for homeowners who value performance and a name they can trust. They offer a variety of styles that can suit many different types of home architecture.
Globe Electric
If you’re drawn to modern design and energy-efficient technology, Globe Electric is a brand to watch. They are known for their innovative and often contemporary lighting solutions that can give a home’s exterior a fresh, updated look. Many of their fixtures incorporate energy-saving LED technology, which is great for both the environment and your electricity bill. Globe Electric is perfect for the homeowner who wants to make a style statement and embrace modern features in their outdoor lighting choices.
Kichler
Kichler is a favourite among interior designers and discerning homeowners, and for good reason. The brand is renowned for its high-quality construction and an incredibly wide range of stylish designs. Whether your home is traditional, transitional, or ultra-modern, you can likely find a Kichler fixture that fits perfectly. They pay close attention to detail and finish, resulting in lights that look and feel premium. Exploring the Kichler collection is a great way to see how quality craftsmanship can elevate your home's exterior.
Quoizel
Quoizel is a brand that beautifully merges artistry with functionality. Their outdoor lighting often features intricate details, beautiful glasswork, and elegant silhouettes that feel more like decorative art than simple fixtures. If you're looking to add a touch of grace and sophistication to your porch or patio, Quoizel offers stunning options that stand out for their craftsmanship. This brand is ideal for those who see lighting as a key decorative element and want something with a unique and memorable design.
Progress Lighting
As one of the largest residential lighting manufacturers, Progress Lighting has a vast and diverse catalog of outdoor fixtures. They are known for offering a great balance of style, quality, and value, making them a popular choice for a wide range of projects. Their collections span from classic to contemporary, ensuring there’s an option for nearly every taste and budget. Progress Lighting is a reliable go-to for finding well-made, attractive fixtures that deliver consistent performance and style.
WAC Lighting
WAC Lighting is at the forefront of lighting technology and modern design. This brand is recognized for its high-performance, energy-efficient LED fixtures and a commitment to responsible engineering. Their outdoor lights often feature sleek, minimalist designs that are perfect for contemporary and architectural homes. If you’re looking for cutting-edge technology, superior illumination, and a clean aesthetic, WAC Lighting is a premium choice. They are particularly strong in creating fixtures that enhance outdoor spaces with both beauty and effective, eco-friendly light.
Finding the Right Price Point for You
Let's talk about one of the most important factors in any home project: the budget. When you're shopping for outdoor wall lights, the price can range quite a bit, but the good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a beautiful and functional result. It’s all about understanding what you get at different price points so you can find the perfect match for your home’s needs and your wallet. Thinking about your budget first helps you narrow down the vast world of lighting and focus on the features that matter most to you, whether that's a simple, functional design or a show-stopping piece of art for your entryway.
Whether you're looking for a quick and affordable update or a long-term investment in your home's curb appeal, there's a pair of lights out there for you. The key is to see the price tag not just as a cost, but as an indicator of material quality, design complexity, and durability. A higher price often means more robust materials that can handle harsh weather, more intricate designs, and advanced features like built-in LEDs or smart technology. By exploring what's available in each tier, you can make a confident choice that you'll be happy with for years to come.
Budget-Friendly Finds (Under $50)
If you're looking for a simple, effective lighting solution without a big financial commitment, the under-$50 category is a great place to start. In this range, you'll typically find lights made from practical materials like durable plastics or basic metals with simple, classic designs. These fixtures are perfect for illuminating side doors, sheds, or back entryways where function is the top priority. While they may not offer the intricate designs or robust weather-resistance of higher-priced models, they get the job done and can still provide a clean, updated look for your home’s exterior on a tight budget.
Mid-Range Mainstays ($50-$150)
This price range is often the sweet spot for homeowners, offering a fantastic balance of style, durability, and cost. When you invest a bit more, you’ll find a wider variety of designs, from sleek modern sconces to more traditional lantern styles. The materials also get an upgrade, with options like powder-coated aluminum and sturdier glass that are built to withstand Canadian weather. You can discover many stylish lighting fixtures in this range that provide a significant step up in quality and curb appeal, making them a solid investment that will look great for years to come.
Premium Selections ($150+)
For those who view outdoor lighting as a key architectural feature, the premium tier offers exceptional quality and design. In this category, you’ll find fixtures crafted from high-end materials like solid brass, copper, and hand-blown glass. These lights are often created by top designer brands and serve as true statement pieces for your home's facade. Beyond their stunning looks, they boast superior construction and weather resistance for maximum longevity. Investing in a premium pair of lights is perfect for a grand front entrance or for homeowners who want to create a truly distinctive and high-end exterior aesthetic.
How to Install and Care for Your New Lights
Once you’ve chosen the perfect pair of outdoor wall lights, it’s time for installation. While many homeowners can handle this project themselves, remember that safety comes first. If you’re ever unsure about working with wiring, calling a professional electrician is always the best choice. For those ready to tackle it, here’s a straightforward guide to getting your new lights up and running.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you start, let’s get everything you need in one place. This simple step prevents you from running back and forth to the garage. You’ll likely need a screwdriver, a wire stripper, and a sturdy step ladder. Of course, you’ll also have your new light fixtures, along with the mounting brackets and electrical connectors that came in the box. Having all your tools ready makes the process much smoother and lets you focus on the task at hand.
Follow This Step-by-Step Installation
Ready to install? Just follow these steps carefully for a secure and correct installation.
- Turn Off the Power: This is the most important step. Go to your home’s circuit breaker and switch off the power to the area where you’ll be working.
- Remove the Old Fixture: If you’re replacing an old light, carefully unscrew it from the wall and disconnect the wires.
- Install the New Bracket: Secure the new mounting bracket to the junction box in the wall using the screws provided.
- Connect the Wires: Match the wires from your new fixture to the wires in the wall: black to black (live), white to white (neutral), and the copper or green wire to the ground wire.
- Attach the Fixture: Secure the new light fixture to the mounting bracket.
- Test Your Work: Turn the power back on and flip the switch. Your new lights should turn on perfectly.
Important Safety Tips
Working with electricity requires your full attention. Always put safety first with these essential tips. Make sure the power is completely off at the circuit breaker before you touch any wires. Use your step ladder on stable, level ground and avoid overreaching. If you feel uncertain at any point in the process or if the wiring looks different than you expected, please consult a professional electrician. It’s a small investment for your peace of mind and safety.
Keep Your Lights Clean
To keep your outdoor lights looking great and shining brightly, a little regular care goes a long way. About twice a year, wipe down the fixtures with a soft cloth and a bit of mild, soapy water to remove any dirt, dust, or cobwebs. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish. While you’re cleaning, take a moment to check for any signs of wear or damage and replace bulbs as needed. This simple routine ensures your home’s exterior always looks its best.
Use Strategic Lighting to Improve Your Home's Exterior
The right outdoor lighting does more than just light up your driveway. It’s one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s curb appeal, increase security, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere before anyone even steps through the door. Thinking strategically about where you place your lights and what style you choose can completely transform your home's exterior.
Find the Best Placement for Security and Style
The best placement for your outdoor lights balances safety with symmetry. Flanking your front door with a pair of wall lights is a classic choice that creates a welcoming entryway and ensures you can see who’s visiting. The same principle applies to garage doors and back patios. Placing lights at these key entry points illuminates your property, which can deter potential intruders. When choosing your fixtures, look for designs that are not only beautiful but also easy to install, giving you a simple yet powerful upgrade for your home’s exterior outdoor lighting.
Match Your Lights to Your Home's Architecture
Your light fixtures should feel like a natural extension of your home’s design. A sleek, minimalist sconce might look out of place on a rustic farmhouse, just as an ornate lantern could clash with a modern build. Take a moment to consider your home’s architectural style. Is it a contemporary design that would suit clean lines and geometric shapes? Or is it a traditional home that calls for a more classic, detailed fixture? Browsing different brands can help you find a style that complements your home’s character and creates a cohesive, polished look from the street.
Create a Welcoming Ambiance
Beyond security, your outdoor lighting sets the mood for your entire home. The goal is to create an inviting glow that feels warm and welcoming. Consider fixtures that cast light both up and down the wall, creating a beautiful wash of light that adds depth and visual interest. The type of bulb you choose also matters—a warm white light often feels more welcoming than a cool, stark one. By carefully selecting your lights, you can enhance your home's ambiance and safety at the same time, making your outdoor space a true part of your overall home décor.
Where to Shop for Outdoor Wall Lights
Finding the perfect outdoor wall lights can feel like a bit of a treasure hunt. You can find great options in many places, from large online marketplaces to specialized boutiques. While big-box stores offer convenience, starting your search at a dedicated lighting retailer like Canada Light Shop gives you access to a curated selection of high-quality fixtures and expert advice you just can’t find elsewhere. We live and breathe lighting, so we can help you find a pair that not only looks fantastic but also performs beautifully for years. If you want to explore all your options, here are a few other reliable places to look.
Online Retailers: Amazon, Wayfair, and Home Depot
For sheer volume, it’s hard to beat the big online retailers. Marketplaces like Amazon and Wayfair are excellent for browsing thousands of styles from countless brands all at once. You can easily filter by price, customer rating, and features, which is helpful when you’re just starting to figure out what you like. Similarly, Home Depot’s website offers a huge inventory of outdoor wall lights that you can sort through from the comfort of your couch. These sites are great for comparison shopping and getting a sense of the market.
Your Local Home Improvement Stores
Sometimes you just need to see things in person. Visiting your local home improvement store, whether it’s a Home Depot, RONA, or Lowe’s, allows you to get a hands-on feel for the lights. You can accurately judge the scale, touch the materials, and see the finish under store lighting, which can prevent surprises when you unbox it at home. It’s also a great opportunity to pick up any installation supplies you might need, like wire connectors or mounting blocks, all in one trip.
Keep an Eye Out for Seasonal Sales
A little patience can go a long way for your wallet. Many retailers offer seasonal sales on outdoor items, especially in the spring as homeowners prepare for summer and in the fall as the days get shorter. Keep an eye out for promotions around holidays like Victoria Day or Canada Day. Signing up for newsletters from your favourite stores is a simple way to get notified about upcoming deals. This is a smart strategy to get premium lighting at a more accessible price point without compromising on quality.
What People Are Saying: Our Top-Rated Picks
Sometimes, the best way to narrow down your options is to see what other homeowners are loving. While we stand by every piece in our collection, looking at customer reviews and top-rated products can give you a great sense of what features really matter in the long run. It helps you move past the product photos and think about how a light will actually look and perform at your own home. When you see a pattern of people praising certain qualities—like durability, ease of installation, or a specific design element—it’s a good sign that you’re on the right track. We've sifted through feedback to find the common threads that lead to a five-star experience, helping you choose a pair of lights you'll be happy with for years to come.
Highly-Rated 2 Pack Outdoor Wall Lights
Across the board, the most highly-rated outdoor wall lights are the ones that blend timeless style with rugged construction. People consistently rave about fixtures that feel substantial and well-made, often highlighting sturdy, all-metal designs that can handle tough weather without rusting or fading. Classic lantern styles in matte black remain a crowd-pleaser for their versatility, fitting in with everything from modern farmhouses to traditional brick homes. At the same time, sleek, modern up-and-down lights are getting a lot of attention for the dramatic, architectural effect they create. The key takeaway is that top-rated lighting delivers on both form and function, proving to be a reliable and beautiful addition to an entryway or patio.
What Customers Love About Them
When you read through the reviews, a few key themes pop up again and again. Homeowners get excited when a light fixture exceeds their expectations on quality—one of the most common compliments is, "It's made with no cheap plastic." This focus on durable materials like die-cast aluminum ensures the lights not only look premium but also last for seasons to come. Another feature people love is versatility. A well-designed light that looks just as good flanking a garage as it does on a covered porch gets major points. Ultimately, customers are happiest when their new lights provide a tangible upgrade to their home's exterior, creating a warm, welcoming glow that complements their other furniture and décor.
A Simple Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pair
Choosing outdoor wall lights can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. By breaking it down into a few key considerations, you can confidently select a pair that looks fantastic and serves its purpose perfectly. This simple three-step process—defining your needs, matching your home’s style, and choosing for long-term value—will help you narrow the choices and find the ideal fixtures to enhance your home's exterior.
Define Your Lighting Needs
Before you start browsing, think about what you want your lights to accomplish. Are you lighting up a dark entryway for safety, or creating a warm, welcoming glow on your front porch? Perhaps the goal is to highlight an architectural feature, like a stone facade. The function will guide your choice. For general safety, you’ll want brighter, more direct outdoor lighting, while creating ambiance calls for softer, diffused light. Knowing your primary goal makes it much easier to filter through the options and find a pair that does exactly what you need.
Match Lights to Your Home's Style
Your outdoor lights are like jewelry for your home—they should complement its style. Look at your home’s architecture: is it modern, traditional, or rustic? A sleek, minimalist sconce might look out of place on a classic colonial, just as an ornate lantern could clash with a contemporary design. The goal is harmony. Your lighting should feel like a natural extension of your home's aesthetic, tying into other exterior elements like your door hardware. When your lights match your home's style, they create a cohesive and polished look.
Think About Long-Term Value and Savings
It’s tempting to grab the cheapest option, but investing in quality outdoor lighting pays off. Look for fixtures made from durable, weather-resistant materials like die-cast aluminum or solid brass that can withstand harsh Canadian winters. High-quality construction means you won't be replacing your lights every few years. By choosing well-made products from reputable brands, you’re making a smart investment in your home’s beauty and safety. A quality pair of lights will look great and perform reliably for years, saving you time and money.
Related Articles
- LED Wall Pack Light Fixtures: The 2024 Buyer's Guide
- Outdoor Wall Sconce Lighting: A Pro's Guide
- Solar Powered Wall Mounted Lights: Ultimate Guide
- Find the Perfect Outdoor Wall Sconces for Sale
- Top 7 Energy-Efficient Lighting Options in 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my front door isn't centered? Should I still use a pair of lights? That's a great question, and a common design challenge. If your door is off-center, you can still create a beautiful, balanced look. Instead of flanking the door itself, think about balancing the entire front of your house. You could place one light next to the door and the second one on the other side of a prominent feature, like a large window, to create visual equilibrium. The goal is to make the arrangement feel intentional and harmonious with your home's overall architecture.
The post emphasizes buying in pairs. Does that mean all the lights on my house have to match? Not at all. While you want the lights framing a single feature like your front door to be a matching pair, it's perfectly fine to choose a different style for your back patio or side entrance. Think of it like decorating rooms in your house—you want a cohesive feel, but not everything has to be identical. A good approach is to stick with a consistent finish, like matte black or bronze, across all your fixtures to tie the different styles together.
My front porch is covered. Do I really need to buy a "wet-rated" light? Yes, it's still the safest choice. Even on a covered porch, wind can easily blow rain or snow sideways, directly onto your fixture. A "wet-rated" light is completely sealed to handle direct exposure to moisture, which protects the wiring and prevents safety hazards. A "damp-rated" light might be sufficient for a fully enclosed porch, but for any area that's even partially open to the elements, wet-rated gives you the best protection and peace of mind.
The article talks about brightness, but what about the color of the light? The color, or temperature, of the light makes a huge difference in creating ambiance. For a warm, welcoming glow that's inviting for entryways and patios, look for bulbs in the 2700K to 3000K range. This is often labeled as "warm white" or "soft white." Higher temperatures, like 4000K and above, produce a cooler, bluer light that can feel a bit stark for a home's exterior, though some people prefer it for very modern designs or for security-focused areas.
I want to add a second light by my door, but there's no wiring there. What are my options? This is a common situation, and you have a couple of solid options. The most professional solution is to hire a licensed electrician to run new wiring from an existing power source to the new location. This ensures everything is safe and up to code. If that's not in the budget, you could also look for high-quality solar-powered or battery-operated wall lights, though they may not offer the same brightness or reliability as a hardwired fixture.
