Since outdoor wall lighting contributes to the overall style of your home, it's also important to consider its aesthetic value. Below are some of the most common styles to look for:
Lantern
These are styles where the light hangs away from the wall itself. The bulb is usually encased in a traditional lantern style, hence the name. These look best in classic-styled homes, but you can find sparse, modern designs, too.
Barn light
Another main style is the bulb hanging down from a top casing that sits away from the wall. While many barn lights look great in rustic spaces, this style also comes in modern and sleek designs.
Armed sconce
These have an arm that's attached to a base, while the light itself extends outward. The light typically shines up or out, but not always. If you're looking for a more modern style, you'll want to look up outdoor lighting by the term armed sconce first. Armed sconces tend to be more geometric, modern and austere than classic lantern or barn light styles.
Flush mount
These are flat styles that sit on the ceiling so the bulb can shine downwards, but sometimes they are put on walls too. These work in a wide variety of styles since they look so timeless. There are designs, however, that follow a certain aesthetic.