Watertight light fixtures

First check how exposed the wall is before looking at the shape: IP44 for a sheltered entrance, IP65 for a facade or terrace hit by rain, IP67 only in a highly exposed area. Then comes the light: warm white for a terrace, neutral or cool white for a path, staircase or facade that needs securing.

What is a waterproof light and what does the IP rating guarantee?

A waterproof light is protected against water and dust according to a two-digit IP rating: the first digit covers solids, the second liquids. IP44 resists splashes, IP65 water jets, IP67 temporary immersion. Outside these protections, no lamp is designed to operate underwater.

LED waterproof lights: how to read a protection rating

The first digit measures dust penetration, the second water penetration. In this selection, aluminium dominates and a glass or acrylic diffuser closes the assembly: it is the seal between the diffuser and the body that provides waterproofing, not the material alone. A wall light facing downwards sheds water better than a model open to the sky. To light a facade wall, an outdoor room and modern outdoor lights, choose first on this criterion, then on shape.

Are all waterproof lights really waterproof?

No. An IP44 handles splashes and suits a sheltered wall; an IP65 withstands driving rain and jets, but not immersion. Only an IP67 tolerates temporary immersion, for example at the edge of a pond. Actual protection also depends on the condition of the seals and the orientation of the light after installation.

Where to install waterproof lights: facade, terrace, entrance, bathroom or WC?

Outdoors is where they are most used: an exposed facade, terrace and entrance require at least IP65, while a sheltered wall is fine with IP44. In a bathroom, a globe wall light or protected spotlight works above the washbasin. For a WC or a hallway, a small wall format and soft light are enough.

Waterproof bathroom spotlights and WC lights

Above a washbasin, a compact IP44 or IP45 wall light does the job, such as the Applique Boule Salle de Bain Moderne Luminance (G4 socket, 31.5 x 12 cm), available in black and gold. In a WC or small hallway, a reduced format and soft light are better to avoid harsh shadows on a narrow wall. Designer bathroom lights play the same discreet-format card, and models designed for toilets stay within small-room dimensions. If the false ceiling allows, recessed spotlights complement the wall light without cluttering the wall.

Terrace and entrance lighting: which wall format?

On a highly exposed facade, an IP65 model lasts all year: the Éclairage Extérieur Mural Terrasse Lumina (32 cm, 4 to 12W depending on version) or the Lampe Extérieur avec Détecteur Design SécuriLuxe (IP65, 29 x 9 x 10 cm, 18W). To line a long path, an elongated adjustable model like the Luminaire Extérieur Moderne Éclat (IP67, 40 to 240 cm, dimmable) runs from 15 to 60W and installs as a linear fixture.

Warm white or cool white for an outdoor light?

Warm white, between 2700 and 3500 K, lights a terrace or entrance in a welcoming way. Neutral white, 3500 to 4500 K, remains readable on a path or staircase. Cool white, 4500 to 6500 K, highlights a facade and secures the surroundings, but hardens the mood near a table.

Warm white or cool white for a terrace?

Around a table or outdoor lounge, warm white makes materials feel warmer and is less tiring on the eyes in the evening. Cool white, on the other hand, marks contours more and suits a passage area or a gate. Many references in the selection offer both temperatures on the same wall light: the choice of bulb or setting decides, not the housing. The same logic applies indoors, where LED living room lighting is set warm for relaxation.

Is neutral white a good compromise for a facade?

Neutral white, around 4000 K, keeps a balanced rendering and casts few hard shadows: practical for a staircase, path or driveway where you want to see without glare. It is the most versatile temperature when the same wall light must serve both the entrance and the facade.

LED, E27, G9 or G4 socket: which to choose for a waterproof light?

Most models in the collection have an integrated LED: nothing to replace, but nothing to change either. E27 socket versions accept a standard bulb, easier to replace, while G9 and G4 fit small wall light formats. The choice therefore depends on the desired lifespan.

Replaceable bulb or integrated LED: what to choose?

Integrated LED simplifies maintenance and keeps a slim profile, useful on a flat wall light. An E27 bulb can be changed without dismantling the fixture: practical at an entrance where you want to adjust temperature or power later. The Luminaire Extérieur Japonnais ZenEclat and the Lampe Murale Vintage CharmeRétro run on E27; the Lampe Murale Extérieure Rectangle LuminEclat and the Lampe Extérieur avec Détecteur de Mouvement SensorLux are 18W integrated.

Small G9 and G4 sockets: for which wall lights?

These two sockets fit compact wall lights, the ones that must remain discreet on a bathroom wall or a small panel. G4 is the smallest and serves spheres and reduced globes, as on the Luminance wall light. Check the socket on the model sheet before buying a separate bulb.

How to install and maintain an outdoor waterproof light?

Mount a wall light at shoulder height to light the entrance without glare, and leave the diffuser facing down when exposed to rain. Wiring must be done with the power off. A soft cloth is enough for aluminium and glass; avoid abrasive products.

At what height should an outdoor wall light be mounted?

Around 1.60 to 1.80 m from the ground, the light illuminates the visitor's face instead of putting them in backlight. Near a door, offset the wall light to the handle side to avoid hand shadows. On a terrace, a low point near the ground lights the pathway; a higher point clears the wall.

Cleaning a waterproof light without damaging the seal

Switch off the circuit, dust with a soft cloth, then wipe the aluminium and glass with a damp cloth. On acrylic, forget solvents. After reassembly, check that the diffuser is properly clipped and the seal is not pinched: this detail preserves waterproofing over time.

Outdoor light with motion sensor: is it useful?

A sensor turns the light on when someone passes, securing an entrance or gate and avoiding continuous lighting. Sensor models in the collection combine IP65 and 18W, in warm, neutral or cool white. Choose them when traffic is occasional rather than continuous.

Sensor or dimmer: which is more convenient day to day?

A sensor suits an entrance, garage or gate where you only pass at certain times. A dimmer keeps control of intensity and suits a terrace where you stay: the Applique Murale Extérieur Urbano Brillante (IP44, 48W, 60 to 120 cm) and the Luminaire Éclat are equipped with one. Both approaches can coexist on the same facade.

Outdoor light with motion sensor: where to place it?

Directly above a passage and at a height that sweeps the desired area, without aiming at the street or neighbours' windows. The Applique Mural Extérieur avec Détecteur Sentinel (IP65, 26 x 12.5 cm) and the SécuriLuxe install near a door or gate, at 18W.

Modern, chic or original lights: which style for outdoors?

Contemporary style dominates the collection, with square lines, tubes and a few round or oval shapes. Black and white cover most options, gold adds a more dressed-up touch. An original light remains possible outdoors as long as its IP rating matches the wall's exposure.

Original decorative lights that hold up outdoors

Originality comes from shapes: slim tube, circle, assertive square. The ÉclatModerne (gold, IP65, 8 cm) plays minimalism, the Eclairage Extérieur Mural LED LuminoCercle (IP65, 10 cm, 12W) goes for round. To vary silhouettes, the selection of unique design creations offers other leads, to transpose outdoors only if the protection follows.

Chic lights: gold, black or white on a facade?

On a light wall, black draws the silhouette; on a dark wall, white or gold stands out more. The Applique Murale Extérieur Ronde Halo (IP65, gold, 17 x 10 cm) lights a well-kept entrance, while a black finish blends into the building. Gold remains a finishing detail: it changes nothing about the IP rating.

What budget and warranty should you plan for a waterproof light?

The collection ranges from affordable models to more dressed-up pieces, without budget depending on protection: a small square IP44 format sits alongside an IP65 wall light.

Luminaire clearance sale Lyon and tracked delivery

Bargains are often found in end-of-line items: the Yaro (IP44, 10 x 10 x 10 cm, 6W) is one example, low price and quick installation. The full range can be browsed remotely, with all Designix lights sorted by room and style, including our luminaire clearance sale Lyon offer.

2 or 3 year warranty: what it changes when choosing

The warranty covers manufacturing defects, not seal wear or breakage related to installation. Two years are enough for a standard entrance wall light; three years secure a more expensive or highly exposed model. Secure payment, tracked delivery, returns and Designix customer service frame the order.

Unsure about the rating or height? Tell us the wall exposure and the room: we will guide you towards a more dressed-up piece or a simple model depending on your needs.

Frequently asked questions

To complete an outdoor area, hallway or damp room, also browse well-designed kitchen lighting, modern kitchen lights and copper finishes if you are looking for a shade different from black and white.