Porthole Bulkhead Wall Light, Die Cast Aluminum Outdoor Sconce

Some outdoor lights are about atmosphere, but the lights by a garage, a side door or a covered walkway have a practical job: steady, even light that makes it easy and safe to come and go. The best of them do that job for years without fuss and still look good on the wall.

The Porthole Bulkhead Wall Light is a round die cast aluminum light with a polycarbonate diffuser and an integrated LED in warm white 3000K. Six guard styles sit over the face: Round Ring, Half Round, Triangle, Cross, Line and Fence. It comes in six diameters, 5.7, 8.7, 10.8, 11.8, 13.8 and 15.8 inches, projecting 2.6 to 3.4 inches from the wall, with 6W to 50W and 720 to 6000 lumens. It is rated IP56 and hardwired at 110V to 265V.

What makes the bulkhead light stand out

The glow is even and easy on the eyes. The diffuser spreads the LED into a soft disc of light, so there is no bright point to squint at, which matters on a light you walk past every day.

The guards give it character. A plain ring looks modern, the half round shade covers the top of the face, the cross and fence grilles look nautical and industrial, and the triangle and line styles feel graphic and contemporary.

It is built for exposed walls. The die cast aluminum body is sealed to IP56 against dust and heavy rain, so it suits open walls, carports and coastal houses as well as covered porches.

The sizes scale the light. The small 5.7 inch light gives 720 lumens for a side door, while the 15.8 inch gives 6000 lumens for a garage front or a long covered walkway.

It sits close to the wall. At 2.6 to 3.4 inches deep, it will not catch on anything in a narrow passage or beside a door.

Where it looks best, around the house

• Garage walls. A larger size lights the door and the drive.
• Side doors. A compact size makes a quiet, practical entrance light.
• Covered walkways. Several along a wall give even light end to end.
• Carports and sheds. The sealed body handles damp and dust.
• Passages and stairwells. The slim profile suits a tight space.

It suits modern, industrial, coastal and farmhouse homes, and the guard styles let it match anything from a clean new build to a boathouse.

Choosing the size and placement

The six diameters are 5.7, 8.7, 10.8, 11.8, 13.8 and 15.8 inches, projecting 2.6 inches on the smallest, 3 inches on the 8.7 inch and 3.4 inches on the larger sizes. The 15.8 inch diameter is offered in the Round Ring style only. Full measurements and weights are in the Dimensions section.

A few guidelines help:

• For a side door or a narrow passage, the 5.7 or 8.7 inch size is plenty.
• For a front door or a garage, choose 10.8 to 13.8 inches, or 15.8 inches for a wide wall.
• Space several evenly along a walkway for continuous light.
• Plan the wiring with an electrician; it mounts flat to the wall.

All required mounting hardware and instructions are included, and the light fixes to a standard outdoor junction box.

Layering it with other lighting

A bulkhead is the practical layer of outdoor lighting: steady light where people come and go. For extra security at a side door, look at the motion sensor wall lights collection, and for the garden beyond, the landscape lighting collection adds low light among the planting.

Match the guard style around the house. The same style at the front, the side and the garage makes the exterior look planned rather than pieced together.

Keep the light warm near living spaces. At 3000K, the glow is soft enough for a patio or a back door as well as a garage.

Looking after the light is simple. Switch it off and let it cool, then wipe the aluminum and the diffuser with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the polycarbonate, and dry the metal fully.

Is the bulkhead light right for your space?

This light is a strong fit if you:

• Want steady, glare free light for a door, a garage or a passage.
• Need a light for an exposed wall.
• Like a choice of guard styles and sizes.
• Can have a hardwired light installed.

It may not suit a formal traditional entrance that calls for a decorative lantern.

Every order ships free across the US and most arrive in 6 to 9 business days. Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery, and questions about sizes are answered at info@norafurnish.com.