The Best Outdoor Pendant & Hanging Lights (2026)
Outdoor pendant and hanging lights add a designer touch and real, even light to a covered porch, patio, or pergola. The best ones are wet-rated or damp-rated LED fixtures, sized to the space they hang over and hung at the right height. Over a dining table, hang a single pendant about 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop; in a walkway, keep at least 7 feet of headroom. Below are our top picks and exactly how to choose and hang them.
In this article
- What to look for in an outdoor pendant
- What size and how low to hang it
- Our best outdoor pendant & hanging lights
- Where to use outdoor pendants
- Frequently asked questions
What to look for in an outdoor pendant
Three things matter most. First, the wet or damp rating: a wet-rated fixture can take direct rain and works in exposed spots, while a damp-rated one is for covered areas only. When in doubt, choose wet-rated. Second, LED with selectable color temperature: modern fixtures like the Alteck pendants are LED with 5-CCT switches, so you can dial the light from warm to cool and enjoy long life and low energy use. Third, size and finish that suit the space, with black and brass being the most versatile outdoor looks.
What size and how low to hang it
Match the pendant to what it lights. Over a dining table, a pendant roughly half to two-thirds the table's width looks balanced, hung about 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop so it lights faces without blocking them. Over an island or bar, the same height applies. In a walkway, entry, or anywhere people pass beneath, keep the bottom of the fixture at least 7 feet off the ground for clear headroom. For a long porch or pergola, space several pendants evenly rather than relying on one.
Our best outdoor pendant & hanging lights
Three wet-rated LED pendants that cover the most popular looks. Each links to its live product page for the current price.
A clean black wet-rated LED pendant with selectable color temperature, ideal over an entry or a small table.
A larger drum-style wet-rated LED pendant that throws even light over a dining table or island.
A compact brass wet-rated LED pendant that adds warmth to an entry, nook, or covered porch.
Where to use outdoor pendants
Pendants shine in covered, sheltered spots: over a patio or porch dining table, above a built-in bar or outdoor island, at a covered entry to welcome guests, or spaced along a pergola or covered walkway. In fully exposed locations, use a wet-rated fixture. For open areas without a ceiling to mount to, a post light or wall sconce is usually the better tool, and we cover those in the guides below.
Frequently asked questions
Can outdoor pendant lights get wet?
A wet-rated pendant can handle direct rain and exposed locations, while a damp-rated one should only go in covered areas like a porch ceiling. Check the rating before you buy, and choose wet-rated if the spot ever sees blowing rain.
How low should an outdoor pendant hang?
Over a table, hang the bottom of the pendant about 30 to 36 inches above the surface. Anywhere people walk beneath it, keep at least 7 feet of clearance so no one ducks.
What size outdoor pendant do I need?
Size it to what it lights. Over a table, aim for a pendant about half to two-thirds the table's width. For a large porch or pergola, use several evenly spaced pendants rather than one oversized fixture.
Are LED outdoor pendants better?
Yes. LED pendants use far less energy, last for years, and many (like the Alteck range) offer selectable color temperature so you can set a warm or cool look. They are the easy choice for outdoor use.
Can you put a pendant light on a covered porch?
Absolutely, that is the ideal spot. Use at least a damp-rated fixture for a covered ceiling, or a wet-rated one if wind can blow rain underneath.
Shop outdoor pendant lights
Wet-rated LED pendants for porches, patios, and pergolas, with free shipping.
Shop outdoor pendant lights →More outdoor lighting guides: flush mount & ceiling lights, post & lamp post lights, wet-rated vs damp-rated, and the best outdoor wall sconces.