How To Choose Exterior Lantern Lights for Your Home?

As homeowners continue to invest in outdoor living and curb appeal, exterior lantern lights have become one of the most searched and installed outdoor lighting solutions in recent years. In 2025, lantern-style exterior wall lights are no longer limited to traditional homes—they are increasingly used in modern, transitional, and commercial residential projects.

Choosing the right exterior lantern lights requires balancing aesthetics, performance, and long-term durability.

1. Why Exterior Lantern Lights Remain Popular in 2025

According to recent industry data, the global outdoor lighting market is expected to grow at a steady rate of over 7% annually, with residential exterior wall lighting accounting for a significant share. Among wall-mounted fixtures, exterior lantern lights remain popular due to their versatility and timeless design.

Consumers today are looking for lighting solutions that:

Enhance architectural character

Improve nighttime visibility and safety

Withstand long-term outdoor exposure

Reduce energy consumption

Lantern-style exterior lights meet all of these expectations when properly selected.

2. Understand Where and How Exterior Lantern Lights Will Be Used

Before choosing a fixture, it is important to define its primary application:

Entryways and Front Doors: Lantern lights create a welcoming focal point

Porches and Balconies: Soft, diffused lighting enhances comfort

Garage and Driveway Walls: Functional illumination improves safety

Garden Walls and Pathways: Decorative lighting adds visual depth

The installation location directly influences size, brightness, and mounting height.

3. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Exterior Lantern Lights

1) Waterproof Rating and Outdoor Protection

For reliable outdoor performance, a minimum IP65 rating is recommended.
This level of protection ensures resistance to dust, rain, and water splashes, making the fixture suitable for year-round outdoor use in various climates.

2) Material and Finish

High-quality exterior lantern lights are commonly made from:

Die-cast aluminum

Stainless steel

Powder-coated metal housings

These materials offer corrosion resistance and maintain appearance over time, even in humid or coastal environments.

3) LED Technology and Energy Efficiency

In 2025, LED exterior lantern lights dominate the market due to:

Energy savings of up to 80% compared to traditional bulbs

Lifespans exceeding 50,000 hours

Lower heat output and reduced maintenance

LED technology also allows for more compact designs while maintaining stable brightness.

4) Light Output and Color Temperature

For residential settings:

Warm white (2700K–3000K) creates a welcoming and classic atmosphere

Neutral white (4000K) suits contemporary or minimalist exteriors

Avoid excessive brightness; lantern lights are designed to provide ambient and functional illumination rather than harsh floodlighting.

5) Style Compatibility

Exterior lantern lights are available in various styles:

Traditional and vintage

Transitional

Modern lantern interpretations

Selecting a design that complements the home’s architecture ensures visual consistency and enhances overall curb appeal.

4. Design and Lighting Trends Influencing Lantern Lights

Industry trends show that homeowners increasingly prefer:

Clean lantern silhouettes with simplified detailing

Dark finishes such as matte black or dark bronze

Integrated LED light sources for low maintenance

These trends reflect a shift toward lighting that combines classic form with modern performance.

5. Manufacturer Perspective: Industry Experience from Kors Lighting

With more than 18 years of experience, Kors Lighting Co., Ltd., founded in 2007 in Guangdong, China, has supplied exterior lantern lights and outdoor wall lighting to global residential and commercial markets.

The company has supported over 50,000 outdoor lighting projects, offering:

In-house metal fabrication and powder-coating facilities

Strict quality control and international certifications

Fast OEM/ODM services, including 2-day design proposals and 7-day sample production

This manufacturing background reflects the industry’s emphasis on durability, efficiency, and adaptable exterior lighting design.

6. Final Thoughts

Choosing the right exterior lantern lights involves more than selecting a decorative fixture. Waterproof protection, material quality, LED performance, and architectural compatibility all play essential roles in long-term satisfaction.

As outdoor lighting continues to shape how homes are experienced after dark, exterior lantern lights remain a reliable and stylish solution—bridging traditional charm with modern lighting technology.