# Outdoor lighting guide: wall lanterns, post lights and hanging lanterns

> How to choose outdoor wall lanterns, hanging lanterns and post lights for Australian and NZ homes – sizing, placement, IP ratings, coastal conditions and bulbs.

- URL: https://timbo.com.au/guides/outdoor-lighting-guide
- Publisher: Timbo (https://timbo.com.au) – trade supplier of European oak floorboards to partners in Australia and New Zealand
- Last updated: 2026-10-14
- Contact (email only): partnerships@timbo.com.au

## Key facts

- Size a wall lantern at roughly one-quarter to one-third of the door height – about 50–70cm beside a standard 2040mm door.
- IP ratings describe protection against dust and water: IP44 resists splashing water; IP65 is dust-tight and resists water jets.
- Near the coast, salt air corrodes metal fittings faster – rinse fittings with fresh water and check finishes regularly.
- Warm-white bulbs (about 2700–3000K) suit traditional lanterns and timber facades.
- Fixed outdoor lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician in Australia and New Zealand.

## Choosing the right type

**Outdoor lighting** for homes falls into three main groups, and Timbo's range covers all three:

| Type | Where it goes | What it does | Timbo sizes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall lantern (sconce) | Beside front doors, garages, side gates | Welcome light, security, facade feature | 57–71.2cm |
| Hanging lantern | Porch, verandah or pergola ceilings | Overhead light for entries and outdoor rooms | 48–60.3cm |
| Post (pillar) light | Gate pillars, fence posts, driveways | Marks entries and paths | 50.8–72cm |

## Sizing: go bigger than you think

Outdoor lights look smaller from the street than they do in the box. A common rule is to choose a wall lantern about **one-quarter to one-third of the door height**. Beside a standard 2040mm Australian door that's about **50–70cm** – right in the range of Timbo's 57, 62, 70 and 71.2cm wall lanterns. For double doors or tall entries, go to the upper end.

For post lights, consider the pillar width and the distance from the street: a 63.5cm or 72cm lantern reads clearly on a brick gate pillar.

## Placement

1. **Front door:** a pair either side, centred slightly above eye level.
2. **Garage:** one lantern each side of the door, or between double doors.
3. **Paths and drives:** post lights at entries and turns rather than in a long line.
4. **Verandahs and pergolas:** a hanging lantern centred over the seating or entry.

## Weather, IP ratings and coastal homes

The **IP (Ingress Protection) rating** tells you how well a fitting keeps out dust and water. The first digit covers solids, the second water: **IP44** resists splashing water; **IP65** is dust-tight and protected against water jets. Covered entries are gentler on fittings than fully exposed walls.

Within a few kilometres of the coast, salt air accelerates corrosion. Aluminium resists rust, but finishes can still pit – rinse fittings with fresh water every few months and check seals and glass.

## Glass changes the mood

Timbo's lantern series use different glass: [Clear Water](https://timbo.com.au/collections/clear-water-lantern) (clear water-effect), [Champagne Water](https://timbo.com.au/collections/champagne-water-lantern) (warm golden), [Champagne Seeded](https://timbo.com.au/collections/champagne-seeded-lantern) (bubbled, sparkling), [Coffee Beveled](https://timbo.com.au/collections/coffee-beveled-lantern) (rich, traditional) and [White Frost](https://timbo.com.au/collections/white-frost-lantern) (soft and glare-free).

## Installation

In Australia and New Zealand, outdoor lights connected to mains wiring must be installed by a **licensed electrician**, who will also make sure the circuit is protected appropriately for outdoor use. Timbo supplies the fittings to partners and their electricians.

**Talk to the Timbo team:** Questions about specifications, stock or partnering? We reply during business hours, Monday to Friday. → https://timbo.com.au/pages/contact-us

## Sources

- IP code (ingress protection) – IEC 60529, summarised by the [International Electrotechnical Commission](https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings)
- Electrical work in Australia must be performed by licensed electricians – see state regulators, e.g. [Energy Safe Victoria](https://www.esv.vic.gov.au/)

## Photos

- ![Clear Water outdoor lantern](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/collection-clear-water-lantern.webp)

## Frequently asked questions

### How high should I mount an outdoor wall lantern?

A common guide is to centre the lantern slightly above eye level – roughly 1.7–1.9m from the ground beside a standard door – or about one-quarter of the way down from the top of the door. Your electrician will also consider the switch and wiring location.

### One lantern or two beside the front door?

Two lanterns either side of the door give the most balanced look. A single lantern works on the handle side of a narrow entry. Timbo outdoor styles are available singly or as pairs.

### What IP rating do I need?

Under a covered porch, a fitting rated for outdoor use with splash protection (around IP44) is usually enough. Fully exposed walls, posts and garden lights benefit from higher protection such as IP65. Check the rating with your supplier and electrician.

### Will aluminium lanterns rust near the beach?

Aluminium doesn't rust like steel, but salt air can still pit and dull finishes. Rinse coastal fittings with fresh water every few months and choose sheltered positions where possible.

### Which bulbs should I use?

LED bulbs in warm white (about 2700–3000K) give a welcoming glow and low running costs. Clear glass lanterns show the bulb, so a decorative filament-style LED looks best; frosted glass hides the bulb.

## Related pages

- [Outdoor lighting – lanterns, wall lights & post lights](https://timbo.com.au/collections/outdoor-lighting) – Vintage-style outdoor lighting from Timbo – aluminium and glass wall lanterns, hanging lanterns and post lights, 48cm to 72cm, singly or in pairs. Trade supply AU & NZ.
- [Clear Water Lantern](https://timbo.com.au/collections/clear-water-lantern) – The Clear Water Lantern series from Timbo – vintage-style aluminium and glass outdoor lanterns with clear water-effect glass. Enquire by email.
- [Lighting with oak floors: how to make European oak look its best](https://timbo.com.au/guides/lighting-and-oak-floors) – How lighting changes the look of European oak floorboards – warm vs cool light, reflections on herringbone, chandeliers over parquet and outdoor-to-indoor flow.