Glare happens when light hits the eye in a harsh, uncontrolled manner. Instead of highlighting your garden path or illuminating your front door gently, it overpowers the senses. And while we may tolerate it in parking lots or street lighting, glare has no place in the personal sanctuaries we call home.
Think about your guests walking up your steps in the evening. Do they pause to admire your home’s charming façade, or do they look away, shielding their eyes? Does your porch feel like a warm retreat or a spotlight stage? These are emotional impressions that lighting directly influences.
The reasons can be various why your lights create glare, from the light fixture design, the bulb's lumens, to the height you installed the light, and even more you have not considered. For a long time, when I lived in LA, glare has been troubling me and my family, so we listed the reasons and solutions for future use. And now, we'd like to share them with you in the following.
Use wall fixtures with diffused lighting
Picture this: You’ve just finished dinner, and you're enjoying a quiet moment outside with your partner. The air is cool, the stars are out—and then, a piercing light from the wall beside you ruins the ambiance. This is why diffused lighting matters.
Diffused lighting is also called soft lighting. It doesn't come from a single harsh source because light has been scattered or spread out. If you still don't get it, let's say, it's the difference between staring at the sun (harsh, direct lighting) and standing under an overcast sky (soft, diffused light).
Glare happens when too much light hits a small spot in your field of vision (like looking directly at a bulb). Diffused lighting breaks that concentrated beam into many smaller rays, spreading brightness more evenly. This helps you see comfortably without squinting or eye strain.
Lights with frosted glass or built-in diffusers don’t scream; they whisper. They gently scatter light, softening its effect. Our Frosted Glass Outdoor Wall Lights offer a cozy, glare-free glow perfect for patios and porches.”
These fixtures aren’t just about visibility—they’re about comfort. A well-lit outdoor reading nook or a softly glowing front porch creates emotional warmth. These are the places where people pause, where families gather, where nights feel a little more magical.
Placement Is Everything: Light with Intention
Outdoor lighting isn’t just about wattage—it’s about storytelling. The angle, the height, the direction—all of it shapes the experience. A wall light mounted too high can cast shadows and create stark brightness; too low, and it might not serve its purpose. Ideally, lights should sit slightly above eye level and shine downward, like a gentle guide rather than an alarm.
Imagine hosting a garden dinner or birthday party. Light should set the stage, not steal the show. This is where motion-sensor wall sconces come into play. They remain dormant until needed, preserving the mood and reducing unnecessary brightness.
Enhance security and ambiance with our Motion Sensor Outdoor Wall Lights, designed for smart functionality and stylish appeal.”
Poor fixture design (Exposed Light Source)
Check if the light fixture shields the bulb well. If not, the light shines directly into your eyes instead of being directed downward or diffused, with an unpleasant feeling coming. The most-seen example is bare-bulb sconces, a wall light where the bulb itself is completely exposed, without any shade, diffuser or cover. Not poor fixture design and beautiful in design photos, but they're often harsh in real life unless carefully placed or dimmed.
If your current bulb is clear or exposed, replace it with a frosted, opal, or “soft-white” bulb — these diffuse the light before it leaves the fixture. Maybe you don't like changing the bulb or it still doesn't work in eliminating the glare too much, then add a frosted glass panel, acrylic diffuser, or metal shade insert inside or around the bulb area. The diffuser will scatter light and hides the direct view of the bulb.
Choosing the Right Light Temperature
You wouldn’t wear sunglasses at night, right? So why would your garden be lit like a sports arena?
Many homeowners unknowingly install high-lumen, cold white bulbs that give off a sterile, almost clinical glare. But outdoor lighting should feel more like moonlight—not a stadium floodlight.
The best approach is to choose LED bulbs under 3000K for a warm, human-centric glow. These are especially effective in small areas like entryways or near garden benches. They create intimacy without sacrificing visibility. People don’t just see—they feel the difference.
Pair your fixtures with our Warm White LED Bulbs to reduce glare and elevate comfort.
The Power of Indirect Light
Direct light is harsh; indirect light is poetic. One of the most underused lighting techniques outdoors is reflection—bouncing light off walls, stones, or even decorative panels. The result is depth, texture, and a touch of magic.
Instead of pointing a light directly at your seating area, why not mount a fixture behind a trellis or column, letting it wash softly across the space? It makes all the difference during outdoor meals or evening unwinding.
Explore our Adjustable Wall Sconces for creative light projection that highlights beauty, not brightness.
Technology That Works For You
We live in a world where lighting doesn’t have to be static. Smart systems now let you set schedules, dim lights with your phone, or shift ambiance based on the moment. Hosting friends? Turn up the brightness. Late-night wind-down? Lower the intensity.
These systems are not only luxurious—they’re functional. They help you avoid unnecessary brightness, reduce energy costs, and provide complete control.
Upgrade your exterior with our Smart Outdoor Wall Lighting Systems—because great lighting should be as responsive as you are.
Bringing It All Together
Avoiding glare from outdoor wall lights isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about enhancing everyday life. It's about creating outdoor spaces that invite people in, make them feel safe, and offer them comfort. It’s about making your home feel like a place where the light doesn’t just shine—it embraces.
Every lighting decision is a lifestyle choice. Whether it's a quiet evening on the deck, welcoming guests to a celebration, or simply enjoying the stars from your backyard, the right lighting makes the moment.
So don’t settle for blinding brightness. Choose intentional design. Choose comfort. Choose lights that respect the night and celebrate your space.
Explore our full range of anti-glare outdoor wall lights, and reimagine your exterior the way it was meant to feel—beautiful, functional, and perfectly lit.
