You want your outdoor lighting to look great, feel safe, and not drain your wallet with high energy bills. Our light bulb wattage guide will cover choosing the best wattage for your outdoor lights. Brightness is part of the equation: selecting the right light bulb wattage also means finding bulbs that light specific areas the way you want. We’ll discuss what lumens and wattage are, and you’ll discover how low wattage LED lighting choices can work in your landscape, and be cost-effective, too.
Light bulb wattage is all about how much power a bulb uses. Lumens, on the other hand, tell you how bright that light will be. Regarding LED bulb wattage, you can get a lot of brightness without many watts. An LED bulb wattage might be super low—like 10 watts—but still light up your yard as well as an old 60-watt incandescent bulb. So, in addition to watts, check the lumens too. That combo will show you how to get the glow you want with less electricity.
Ever search “average wattage of light bulb,” or “standard bulb wattage”? You’ll want different types because your yard isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither should your lighting be. Different spots call for specific low wattage bulbs.
Low wattage light bulbs work here; around 5 to 10 watts if you’re using LEDs. Excellent choices also come in the 3 watt range.
For pathways, you may like Best Pro Lighting’s 3W LED Bollard Path Light in Rust Finish. Bollard pathway lights not only help direct people but can double as stylish barriers to protect lawns and plants.
Our Par 36 LED Bulb 12V is perfect for well lighting. Its 3.6 Watt LED Bulb is popular with our customers due to its low power consumption.
LED bulbs for this purpose often range between 10 and 20 watts, but some are lower wattage and using several together can work well. They’re bright enough to chat or read by, but not glaring.
Try these Outdoor Step Lights to illuminate your porch, steps, or patio. Best Pro Lighting sells many other lights to keep your porch and patio illuminated, including the LED Brass Step / Deck Light that features a frosted glass and inside reflector.
Floodlights and security fixtures should cover big areas. For these, go with LED light bulbs wattage ranging from 20 to 50 watts. That kind of power delivers high lumens for security.
Best Pro Lighting’s Integrated 20W LED Low Voltage Flood Light in Rust Finish is a versatile fixture that can improve both security and the aesthetic of your landscape. Or, if you want a floodlight that offers a softer glow to highlight gardens or trees, try our LED Flood Light BPL100 Low Voltage Landscape Light Black Finish.
LED bulbs between 15 and 30 watts offer practical lighting that gets the job done without overdoing it. Again our Integrated 20W LED Low Voltage Flood Light in Rust Finish would work well, and if you would like to set up some pathway lights, we recommend our LED Landscape Light Large Hat BPL309 in Rust Finish. It provides security for your paths at night.
Picking the perfect wattage isn’t just about where the light’s going. We’ll go over a few more points, including bulb type, energy efficiency, cost, and durability.
A 10-watt LED can match a 60-watt halogen. Halogens burn brighter and hotter but use more energy, while CFLs save power but might not hold up as well outside. LEDs win for their efficiency and toughness, making them a go-to for your landscape.
LED light bulbs’ wattage tends to be lower, which means less electricity used. LEDs might cost more upfront, but they last a very long time compared to other bulbs. Sticking with LEDs keeps your long-term costs down and your yard lit the way you want it.
LEDs are built to last in all kinds of weather. Fragile incandescents or less sturdy CFLs may not be the best choice for durability. Check for a good IP rating on your bulbs or fixtures to make sure they’re sealed against moisture and dust.
Shop Best Pro Lighting for Beautiful and Durable Low Wattage Outdoor Lights
Getting the right wattage for your outdoor lights ties everything together—safety, style, and savings all depend on it. By sorting out wattage and lumens, you can match the perfect brightness to every part of your yard. Once you have an idea of what would work in your landscape, Best Pro Lighting is here with a big selection of outdoor lights for every area in your yard.
We invite you to choose from our lineup of low wattage LED garden lights, and discover their visual appeal and value, plus great durability that will beautifully illuminate your landscape for years. If you need LED light bulbs, please see our selection here.