Outdoor Post & Lamp Post Lights: Buyer's Guide (2026)
Outdoor post lights mark driveways, walkways, and entries with a welcoming glow and a finished, classic look. The best are wet-rated fixtures mounted on a sturdy post at about 7 feet, in a finish that matches your home, with dark-sky options available if you want to direct light down and reduce glare. Here is how to choose the right post light, how high to set it, and our top picks.
In this article
- What to look for in a post light
- How high and where to place it
- Our best outdoor post lights
- A note on dark-sky post lights
- Frequently asked questions
What to look for in a post light
Three things matter. First, the wet rating: post lights stand fully exposed, so they should always be wet-rated, like the Meyda post mounts. Second, build and finish: solid metal in a finish such as craftsman brown or bronze holds up outdoors and ties into your home's trim and hardware. Third, mounting style: most post lights are post-mount heads that sit on top of a 3-inch post, so make sure you have a post (or plan to set one) and the right fitter size.
How high and where to place it
A typical post light sits on a post about 7 feet tall, which puts the light high enough to spread a useful pool without shining in anyone's eyes. Place one at the end of a driveway or at the start of a front walkway to guide guests in, flank an entry path with a matching pair for symmetry, or mark a mailbox or gate. For a long drive or path, space several evenly so the light is continuous rather than patchy.
Our best outdoor post lights
Three wet-rated post-mount lanterns across sizes. Each links to its live product page for the current price.
A craftsman-brown wet-rated lantern with clear seeded glass, a warm classic look for an entry or path.
A wet-rated bronze post mount that directs light downward to cut glare and light pollution.
A large craftsman-brown wet-rated post lantern that makes a bold statement at a grand entry or driveway.
A note on dark-sky post lights
Dark-sky fixtures shield the bulb and aim light downward, so they illuminate the ground without throwing glare into your eyes or the night sky. They are a smart choice for driveways and paths, are required in some communities, and simply look cleaner. If you want a soft, glare-free wash of light on the ground, choose a dark-sky post mount.
Frequently asked questions
How tall should an outdoor post light be?
A post about 7 feet tall is the standard, putting the lantern high enough to cast a useful pool of light without glare. Taller posts suit large driveways; shorter ones suit garden paths.
Do post lights need to be wet-rated?
Yes. Post lights stand fully exposed to rain and weather, so they should always be wet-rated. All of our post mounts are.
Do you need a special post for a post light?
Most post lights are post-mount heads that fit on top of a standard 3-inch outdoor post. Check the fitter size and make sure you have a post and a wiring path before you buy.
What is a dark-sky post light?
A dark-sky fixture directs its light downward and shields the bulb, reducing glare and light pollution. It lights the ground cleanly and is required in some areas, making it a great driveway and pathway choice.
Shop outdoor post lights
Wet-rated post mounts and lanterns for driveways, paths, and entries, with free shipping.
Shop post lights →More outdoor lighting guides: pendant & hanging lights, flush mount & ceiling lights, wet-rated vs damp-rated, and the best outdoor wall sconces.