{"title":"Outdoor bulkhead lights","description":"\u003cp\u003eChoose the outdoor bulkhead light according to where it will be installed before looking at its style: near a door, a fixed model mounted at eye level; on a terrace, a diffusing glass that lights the wall; along a path, a version with a sensor. An outdoor bulkhead light is a closed wall-mounted fixture whose glass protects the light source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"definition\"\u003eWhat is an outdoor bulkhead light and what light does it give?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn outdoor bulkhead light is a closed wall-mounted fixture whose glass protects the light source. It spreads a soft light downwards and onto the wall, without glare. Two families exist: E27 socket versions, where you choose the bulb, or integrated LED versions, where the colour temperature is fixed at the factory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor bulkhead light: a closed wall light, not just a bare point of light\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe housing, called the body, is screwed to the wall and closed over clear, frosted or tempered glass. The name comes from the porthole of a ship, hence this round or square protruding shape that reveals the source without exposing it. This closure changes everything outdoors: water and dust stay outside, the bulb works sheltered. A bare point of light, by contrast, ages badly and causes glare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor bulkhead light: what light in practice?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light comes out filtered by the glass, so it is softer than an exposed bulb. It washes the wall on which the bulkhead light is mounted and falls back towards the ground, drawing a useful cone for walking without throwing a beam into your eyes. That is the effect sought on a facade. Browse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/hublots\"\u003ethe Designix bulkhead light range\u003c\/a\u003e to compare shapes before deciding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"emplacement\"\u003eWhere to install an outdoor bulkhead light: facade, terrace, entrance?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNear a door, the bulkhead light helps you see where you are walking: it is mounted at eye level, to the side, to avoid glare. On a terrace, it lights the wall and creates an atmosphere. On an exposed facade, a model with a high protection rating and well-sealed glass is preferable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLocation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePreferred version\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMounting\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePoint of vigilance\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHouse entrance, beside the door\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFixed bulkhead light, E27 socket or LED\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall-mounted, at eye level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGlare: offset the fixture from the walkway\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTerrace or garden wall\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBulkhead light with diffusing glass, low light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall-mounted on a solid wall\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAvoid light bouncing back into a window\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePath, driveway, garage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBulkhead light with motion sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall-mounted, aimed at the walkway\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSet the detection field away from the street\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFacade exposed to wind and rain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeatherproof bulkhead light, careful seals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall-mounted, under an overhang if possible\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCheck the glass seal and cable entry\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSheltered porch or canopy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSimple bulkhead light, no strong constraints\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall or ceiling mounted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChoose the bezel colour to match the surface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn a facade battered by rain, compare \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hublots-etanches\"\u003eweatherproof bulkhead lights for exposed facades\u003c\/a\u003e before making your choice. An entrance is often treated with two wall lights, one on each side, rather than a single one in the centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ampoule\"\u003eWhich E27 bulb should you choose for an outdoor bulkhead light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a bulkhead light with an E27 socket, choose an E27 bulb intended for outdoor or damp rooms, and check that it fits inside the body once the glass is closed. Colour temperature sets the atmosphere: warm white for an entrance, a more neutral white for a walkway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCriterion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to look for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhy it matters\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBase\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eE27, without an adapter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe only base the bulkhead light socket accepts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutdoor or damp use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMentioned on the bulb packaging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAn indoor bulb performs poorly behind closed glass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColour temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarm white or more neutral white\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChanges the entrance atmosphere, not the consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSize\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShape that fits under the closed glass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAn oversized bulb prevents closing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiffusing rather than directional\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAvoids a glaring point in a closed volume\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor E27 bulb: the criteria that matter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA warm white, around 2700 to 3000 kelvins, warms a stone or wooden facade and stays restful in the evening. A more neutral white, around 4000 kelvins, makes colours easier to read near a utility room or garage. These ranges are general lighting references, not data from our models: check the packaging of the bulb you buy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIntegrated LED or E27 socket: which to choose?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn E27 socket lets you adjust the colour temperature after installation and replace the bulb if it burns out. Integrated LED removes that question, but the source cannot be replaced. If you no longer want to think about it, consider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hublots-led\"\u003eswitching to an integrated LED bulkhead light\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ip\"\u003eWeatherproof bulkhead light or simple outdoor bulkhead light: how to read the protection rating?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IP rating indicates resistance to dust and water. Under a canopy, a lightly protected model is enough; in full wind and driving rain, you need to aim higher. The number is not everything: also look at the glass seal, the cable entry and the closure of the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat the IP number really allows\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo digits are read from left to right: the first concerns solids (dust), the second liquids. The higher they are, the more the fixture withstands a harsh environment. A bulkhead light placed under a deep porch does not face the same splashes as a model screwed to a gable swept by rain. Only the model's data sheet states what is intended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe other sealing points to check\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dry, supple glass seal lying flat is worth more than a number printed on a box. The cable entry must be closed with a cable gland, and the closing screws tightened evenly, without forcing one side. For a damp wall or a seaside location, look at \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hublots-etanches\"\u003ea fixture well protected against humidity\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"installation\"\u003eHow to install an outdoor wall light on a terrace?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwitch off the circuit, locate the cable entry, drill according to the wall type and use suitable plugs. Connect, then close again keeping the glass seal flat, without pinching it. If the outdoor circuit does not yet exist, connection to the consumer unit must be entrusted to an electrician.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePreparing the wall and the mounting height\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocate the cable run before drilling, and choose a plug according to the surface: render on brick, wood, solid concrete. The height is set by use: at shoulder height to light a walkway, lower to wash a terrace wall. Hold the fixture in place dry, with the glass open, to check that the cable is not stretched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConnecting, closing and checking sealing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitch off the circuit breaker and check that there is no voltage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnect live, neutral and earth if the fixture has one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlide the seal in without deforming it, close without pinching any cable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRestore power and check that it lights up before nightfall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bulkhead light tilted slightly forward lets water run off instead of holding it. Take the time to compare shapes in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hublots\"\u003eall the bulkhead lights in the shop\u003c\/a\u003e before drilling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"detecteur\"\u003eBulkhead light with or without a motion sensor: which to choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fixed bulkhead light comes on when you switch it on; a bulkhead light with a sensor comes on when you pass and suits an entrance, a garage or a path. Dusk detection prevents it from switching on in broad daylight. Aim the detection field towards the traffic area, never towards the street.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat motion detection changes day to day\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou come home with your hands full, the light comes on by itself. On a driveway or in front of a garage, that is the real benefit: no more searching for the switch in the dark. In front of a terrace where you sit, a fixed model remains simpler, because a sensor switches off when you are still and comes back on at the slightest movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSensor alone or dusk sensor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dusk cell only switches on after nightfall, which saves unnecessary triggers in daylight. The motion sensor alone activates at every pass, even at noon. Combining both gives the most comfortable use on a path. See \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hublots-a-detecteur-de-mouvement\"\u003ea bulkhead light that comes on when you pass\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hublots-d-exterieur-a-detecteur-de-mouvement\"\u003eoutdoor models with detection\u003c\/a\u003e for a facade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"style\"\u003eWhich style and material for a bulkhead light that matches the facade?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst choose the shape, round or square, then the bezel colour: close to the joinery to stay discreet, sharply contrasting to make the fixture a feature. As for material, aluminium and stainless steel are easy to clean, brass changes patina over time and needs more attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAluminium, stainless steel, brass or glass: what it changes outdoors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainted aluminium holds its colour well and wipes clean with a cloth. Brushed stainless steel withstands salt air but shows fingerprints. Brass patinates and darkens, which appeals on an old facade but disappoints anyone wanting shine. ABS, lighter, suits sheltered use. The glass, clear or frosted, decides how soft the light is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBulkhead light colour and facade tone\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a light facade, a bezel in the joinery colour stays discreet, while a dark tone clearly outlines the fixture. The important thing is to commit: an almost identical tone that is not quite the same gives a failed match. Look at the colour of the surface in daylight before choosing. For other rooms, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eour lighting catalogue\u003c\/a\u003e follows the same logic of harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"entretien\"\u003eHow to maintain an outdoor bulkhead light and avoid mistakes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClean the glass with soapy water and a soft cloth, without abrasives, and check the seal once a year. Common mistakes: mounting the bulkhead light under a downpipe, pinching the cable when closing, or fitting a bulb too large for the body. A well-maintained model lights cleanly for years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCleaning the glass without scratching the finish\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA damp microfibre cloth is enough most of the time. Avoid abrasive sponges and solvent-based products that dull matt finishes. While cleaning, run your finger over the seal: if it is cracked or loose, it must be replaced before the rainy season. Tighten the screws if they have worked loose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThree mistakes to avoid during installation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bulkhead light placed right under a gutter receives all the water from the roof. A cable trapped in the seal opens a passage for humidity. A bulb that is too powerful or too large heats the body and prevents closing. For hassle-free use, look at \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hublots-led-a-detecteur-de-mouvement\"\u003ethe combined LED and motion sensor version\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt Designix, payment is secure, delivery is tracked and returns are possible, with a customer service team available to confirm a socket or protection rating choice before ordering. You can \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hublots\"\u003ediscover the available bulkhead lights\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hublots-a-detecteur-de-mouvement\"\u003esee the wall lights with sensor\u003c\/a\u003e, then \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eexplore all our lighting\u003c\/a\u003e to finish matching your facade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions about outdoor bulkhead lights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich outdoor E27 bulb should you choose for a bulkhead light?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eTake an E27 bulb marked for outdoor or damp rooms, and check that it fits under the glass once the bulkhead light is closed. A diffusing bulb avoids the glaring point. Colour temperature is chosen according to the desired atmosphere: warmer for an entrance, more neutral for a walkway.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow to install an outdoor wall light on a terrace?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eSwitch off the circuit, locate the cable entry and drill according to the wall type with suitable plugs. Connect, then close again keeping the glass seal flat, without pinching any cable. If the outdoor circuit does not exist, connection to the consumer unit is a job for an electrician.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the difference between a window and a bulkhead light?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eA window lets daylight into a room; a bulkhead light is a closed fixture, wall-mounted, that produces its own light. The confusion comes from the shape: the bulkhead light takes the round body and thick glass of the ship's porthole, but it lights instead of letting you see through.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat is another word for bulkhead light in lighting?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eDepending on the catalogue, the outdoor bulkhead light is also called a round outdoor wall light, a glass wall light, or a closed wall fixture. These terms refer to the same family: a housing fixed to the wall, closed by glass, with a light source inside. Bulkhead light remains the most common term.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs it \"the bulkhead light\" or \"the bulkhead light\"?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn English, the term is simply \"the bulkhead light\". The French question about elision does not apply. This rule concerns the fixture as well as the ship's porthole from which it takes its name.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs an outdoor bulkhead light affected by rain?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt depends on its protection rating and the quality of its seals. Under a canopy, a simple model is enough; on a facade in full wind, a better-protected version is needed, with a glass seal in good condition and a closed cable entry. Always check the model's data sheet before installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"Outdoor bulkhead lights: the guide to lighting a facade, terrace and entrance\",\"description\":\"Outdoor bulkhead lights: understand which model lights a facade, a terrace or an entrance, between LED bulkhead light, weatherproof version and motion sensor.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/hublots-d-exterieur\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"name\":\"Designix\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\"},\"speakable\":{\"@type\":\"SpeakableSpecification\",\"cssSelector\":[\"h1\",\"h2\"]}},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Lighting\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Bulkhead lights\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/hublots\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Outdoor bulkhead lights: the guide to lighting a facade, terrace and entrance\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/hublots-d-exterieur\"}]},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which outdoor E27 bulb should you choose for a bulkhead light?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Take an E27 bulb marked for outdoor or damp rooms, and check that it fits under the glass once the bulkhead light is closed. A diffusing bulb avoids the glaring point. Colour temperature is chosen according to the desired atmosphere: warmer for an entrance, more neutral for a walkway.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How to install an outdoor wall light on a terrace?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Switch off the circuit, locate the cable entry and drill according to the wall type with suitable plugs. Connect, then close again keeping the glass seal flat, without pinching any cable. If the outdoor circuit does not exist, connection to the consumer unit is a job for an electrician.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between a window and a bulkhead light?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A window lets daylight into a room; a bulkhead light is a closed fixture, wall-mounted, that produces its own light. 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Combine motion detection with a dusk cell so it does not light in broad daylight.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which bulkhead light colour for a light facade?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"On a light facade, a bezel in the joinery colour stays discreet, while a dark tone clearly outlines the fixture. The important thing is to commit: an almost identical tone that is not quite the same gives a failed match. Look at the colour of the surface in daylight before choosing.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/8598\/2228\/collections\/designix-entete-hublots-d-exterieur-v1.jpg?v=1791895387","url":"https:\/\/designix-lighting.com\/collections\/outdoor-bulkhead-lights.oembed","provider":"Designix","version":"1.0","type":"link"}