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Outdoor post lights mount on top of a post, pole, or pier to light driveways, walkways, gateways, and entries. Also called post lanterns or post mount lights, they raise a lantern above eye level so it casts broad, welcoming light across an entrance — the classic way to mark a property line, frame a gate, or guide guests up a path.
This collection spans a wide range of styles and sizes, from handcrafted Mission and Craftsman lanterns with art-glass panels to clean Dark Sky–rated profiles, all wet-rated for direct exposure to the elements. If you're topping a flat masonry column cap instead of a post, see our outdoor pier mount lights, the close sibling to this range.
Mission & Craftsman Post Lanterns
Arts-and-Crafts styling — squared frames, double-bar detailing, and seedy, amber, or mica glass — gives post lanterns a handcrafted, architectural presence. Mission and Craftsman post lights suit brick, stone, and timber-framed homes, and their balanced proportions read well from the street atop a driveway or entry post.
Post Lanterns for Driveways, Gates & Entries
A post lantern is the traditional choice for marking a driveway entrance or flanking a gate. Mounted on a post or pier at the property line, it provides both wayfinding and curb appeal — and a matched pair on either side of a gateway frames the entry symmetrically. For taller posts and grand entrances, a larger lantern keeps the fixture in proportion to the structure beneath it.
Dark Sky & Wet-Rated Post Lights
Every fixture in this collection is wet-rated, built to handle direct rain, snow, and sustained moisture on an exposed post top. Select models are also Dark Sky–rated, meaning they direct light downward and shield the bulb to cut glare and light pollution — a smart choice for rural properties, neighborhoods with lighting ordinances, and anyone who wants to keep the night sky visible while still lighting the ground below.
Sizes, Finishes & Art Glass
Post lanterns here range from compact 7"–9" fixtures for garden and fence posts up to substantial 16"–18" lanterns for driveway pillars and large entries. Finish options include warm Craftsman Brown, rich Vintage Copper, deep Timeless Bronze, and aged Verdigris, paired with glass treatments from clear and seeded to beige, white, and amber art glass — including decorative nature-scene panels. Coordinate finish and glass with your other exterior fixtures for a cohesive look.
Post Mount vs. Pier Mount vs. Lamp Post
These terms describe how and where the fixture mounts. A post mount sits on top of a post or pole. A pier mount seats on a flat surface such as a brick or stone column cap — see our pier mount lights for that application. A lamp post usually refers to the full assembly, the pole plus the lantern on top. The fixtures in this collection are the lantern heads; pair one with a compatible post or pier to complete the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a post light?
A post light, or post lantern, is an outdoor fixture that mounts on top of a post, pole, or pier. It's commonly used to light driveway entrances, gateways, and walkways, sitting above a base that attaches to the top of the post.
What's the difference between a post mount, pier mount, and lamp post?
A post mount fits the top of a post or pole; a pier mount seats on a flat surface like a column cap; and a lamp post is the complete pole-and-lantern assembly. Many lantern heads can work on either a post or a pier with the right fitter — if you're mounting on a flat masonry column, our pier mount lights are the better match.
Do these post lights include the post or pole?
The fixtures in this collection are the lantern heads only, not the posts. You'll pair the lantern with a compatible post, pole, or pier sized to the fixture's base. Check each product's mounting specifications to confirm fit before ordering a post.
Are these gas or electric post lights?
The lanterns in this collection are electric, wet-rated fixtures — not gas. If you're replacing an older gas post light, an electric lantern is a low-maintenance, code-friendly upgrade, though you'll want a licensed electrician to handle any new wiring.
What does "Dark Sky" mean?
A Dark Sky–rated fixture directs light downward and shields the bulb to reduce glare and light pollution. It still lights the ground effectively while keeping stray light out of the night sky — useful where local ordinances require it or where you simply want a darker sky overhead.
What size post light do I need?
Scale the lantern to the post and the setting. Smaller 7"–10" fixtures suit garden, fence, and walkway posts, while larger 14"–18" lanterns hold their proportions on tall driveway posts and wide entry piers. As a rule, the taller the post, the larger the lantern should be so it doesn't look undersized from the street.