Vintage outdoor lighting

A vintage outdoor light comes down to three things: where it goes (facade, terrace, poolside), its protection rating (IP44 on a sheltered wall, IP65 where water jets hit) and the size of the lantern. This collection brings together wall lights and wall lanterns in metal and glass, with an E27 socket, in black, bronze, brown or silver.

Where should you install a vintage outdoor light?

Mount it on a facade, on either side of a door, or on the side wall of a terrace. The models in this collection are wall lights and lanterns fixed at height: the light runs down the wall instead of shining straight at the ground. As a rule, you place one on each side of an entrance, at eye level or slightly above.

Vintage outdoor lights on an entrance facade

On a narrow pillar, a compact lantern fits without sticking out past the wall. The CharmeRétro square glazed lantern measures 22 cm, in metal, glass and aluminium, with a black, bronze or silver finish that picks up the door or guttering. For a different silhouette, look at outdoor lighting with a cleaner line.

Vintage outdoor lights on a terrace or near a pool

Where water sprays, the protection rating matters more than the style. The Hylo is rated IP65 in metal, glass and iron, in bronze or black, and covers 43 cm across. On a covered terrace, IP44 is enough, and a post model to line a path completes the setup.

How do you choose between a square lantern, a cylindrical lantern and an oval wall light?

The format depends on the width of the wall and the light you want. A 22 cm square glazed lantern fits a narrow pillar, a 105 cm cylindrical lantern marks an entrance, a 43 by 24 cm oval wall light covers a wider stretch of wall. Look at the projection as much as the height.

Square or cylindrical lantern for a facade

The square shape frames corners and stone walls. The Altheon lantern, cylindrical, in aluminium, metal and frosted glass, reaches 105 cm: it is visible from a distance and lights downwards over a 17.7 cm diameter. Frosted glass softens the bright point, which helps when the bulb is visible.

Oval wall light and curved glass on a wide wall

On a wide facade or a gable end, the oval fills the space without overloading it. The Hylo measures 43 cm wide by 24 cm high with a 16 cm projection, with curved glass in metal and iron. Curved glass spreads light more widely than flat glazing. For a smoother look, compare outdoor lighting with contemporary lines.

IP44 or IP65: which protection rating for an outdoor light?

IP44 protects against water spray and solid objects over 1 mm, which is enough on a sheltered wall. IP65 withstands water jets and is essential on an open terrace or near a pool. In this collection, the wall lights are mostly IP44, with the Hylo oval wall light at IP65.

What an IP44 handles on a sheltered facade

An IP44 takes driving rain pushed by the wind and run-off down the wall: it is the usual level for a wall light placed under a roof overhang or between two windows. It does not withstand immersion or a direct jet. Check that water does not pool on the top cover.

When to choose IP65 near a pool or an open terrace

Under a pool jet, spray and hose cleaning mean moving up to IP65. The Hylo, in metal, glass and iron, handles that over 43 by 24 cm. To complete the pool surround, browse lighting the area around a pool.

Which socket and bulb for an outdoor lantern?

The whole selection uses the E27 socket, the standard screw fitting: you choose the bulb, including a low-energy LED. Some models state a maximum output of 60 W, worth checking before buying the bulb. Part of the selection is also available in LED technology.

Which socket for an outdoor lantern

E27 appears on all four models shown, from the Lantia brown lantern to the CharmeRétro. The maximum output is on the product page: the Lantia and the Altheon state 60 W. Stay below that ceiling, as it protects the cable insulation.

LED bulb or classic bulb outdoors

Outdoors, a screw LED holds its colour and uses less power, with instant start-up in cold weather. As a rule, aim for 2700 to 3000 K for a warm light that extends the vintage mood, 4000 K and above for a more neutral light over a walkway. A low-energy LED bulb suits the E27.

How do you install and maintain an outdoor wall light?

Fix the wall light to a sound surface, at eye level or just above, with a protected cable feed. The glass is cleaned with soapy water and a soft cloth, without abrasive products. Before winter, tighten the screws and check that water does not pool on the cover.

Fixing an outdoor wall light in the right place

Find where the conduits run before drilling, then align the housing level. On an old wall, a wooden shim or a backplate spreads the load. Projection matters: allow 16 cm for the Hylo, 24.4 cm for the Lantia, enough to keep a door from hitting it. For a fitting set into the wall, see recessed models.

Cleaning and winterising a metal and glass lantern

Metal and glass age well: a wash with lukewarm soapy water is enough, then dry with a cloth to avoid limescale marks. On a brown or bronze finish, avoid abrasive sponges. Checking the screws and seals in early autumn prevents water getting in.

Vintage outdoor light or modern outdoor light?

The vintage style plays on metal, glass and bronze, black or silver finishes, with lantern lines. The modern look goes for smoother volumes. The choice reads off the facade: stone, wood and old render call for a lantern, a recent facade for a model with clean lines.

Bronze and black finishes for an old facade

On stone, lime render or dark joinery, black and bronze blend in better than silver. The CharmeRétro comes in these three finishes, the Hylo in bronze and black, the Altheon and the Lantia in brown. Look at a copper light with a warm patina if wood dominates.

Moving to contemporary without breaking the whole

A simple cylinder bridges both registers: it keeps the old material and the current line. That is the case with the Altheon and the Lantia, two cylinders in aluminium and glass. If you go for a tighter design, outdoor lighting with a cleaner line will keep things consistent, and the white version suits pale facades.

How do you match a vintage outdoor light with the decor inside the house?

Bring a colour already present outside back indoors: black on dark joinery, bronze on wood, silver on aluminium. Inside, the same register continues with smoked glass, copper or an LED light, so the house and its exterior tell the same story.

Vintage decor: colours and materials to pair

The materials in this selection are metal, glass, aluminium and iron, in black, bronze, brown and silver. Pick one outside, then vary it. A bronze and glass exterior pairs with beige tones or a greener range.

Carrying the style through indoors

The doorway is where the two meet: a bronze wall light outside, smoked glass inside. Look at using smoked glass indoors, an LED light for the living room or a model suited to a damp room to keep the thread from one end to the other.

Where can you see the models, what warranty and what budget?

The models are shown online with their dimensions, socket and protection rating. The warranty is two years on part of the selection and five years on the rest, depending on the model. Designix customer service answers before you order.

Original decor lighting: what sets a model apart

What changes from one model to the next is the shape and the material: flat glazing or curved glass, a short 31.5 cm cylinder or a long 105 cm one, aluminium or iron. These differences show on the facade and are felt in the weight. To move away from the lantern register, look at pieces with original character or an exceptional piece.

Lighting clearance sales in Lyon and ordering online

New arrivals and end-of-line models change, particularly in lighting clearance sales in Lyon: availability is shown on the product page at the time you order. Customer service answers before purchase, with secure payment, tracked delivery and returns. You can also compare with the full lighting catalogue.

Frequently asked questions

One last check before you confirm: measure the available wall width and note the protection rating the location demands. The CharmeRétro for a narrow, sheltered pillar, the Hylo for a wall exposed to water jets. Secure payment, tracked delivery, returns and Designix customer service for the rest.