Whether they’re flanking walkways or illuminating corners of your driveway, the best post lights are functional additions to any exterior space. We’re always on the hunt for more style-forward lighting solutions—and despite an abundance of traditional silhouettes in the post light category, we discovered a few modern designs and playful shapes worth the front yard real estate. So if your aesthetic leans more modern-minimalist or you’re cultivating a cottagecore vibe, look no further than these fixtures to shed some light on your outdoor decor situation.
The majority of post light models should fit a standard three-inch diameter post, but there are some with compatible posts from the same brand. There are even solar post lights! Before we dig in, just know that most manufacturers recommend professional installation because of all the wiring required. Below, the brightest ideas for your outdoor space from our favorite outdoor retailers, including Lumens, Pottery Barn, and Amazon.
Our Top Picks for the Best Post Lights
There’s an antique bronze finish to this post light, making it one that could feel at home in a rustic cottage or modern farmhouse. The water glass finish emits a cozy, diffused glow that nods to the vintage aesthetic, while the angular shape is a distinctly contemporary touch.
This LED-powered post-top light takes an energy-efficient approach to outdoor lighting with a sleek and modern design that’s perfect for minimal design aesthetics. Attach them to a simple matte black outdoor post and place them on either side of a concrete paved entryway as a warm way to great visitors.
Encased in a modern rectilinear form, this lantern head feels like an innovative spin on a timeless fixture. A tubular T10 bulb is recommended, which will also lean into the vintage aesthetic.
Hinkley started as a family-owned lantern company, and more than 100 years later they continue to craft unique fixtures to illuminate every area of your home. These pier mount lights have a bit of rustic appeal, taking notes from the original design of barn lights (plus, comes with a compatible post).
One of the most cost-effective picks on our list is also a modernist’s dream. The oversized orb will make your home come aglow in a bold, sophisticated way and it’s a perfect pair to this coordinating post.
For a candelabra effect, pair this hexagonal lantern head with a set of cohesive flame-shaped bulbs. A play option to accentuate Victorian architecture, it’s a traditional form with clean lines—a combo that’ll instantly create outdoor ambiance.
Coastal homes are the perfect properties to incorporate these weather-resistant, cylindrical lamp post lights with opal glass. If most of your time is spent outdoors, either hosting or enjoying the ocean views, we like the idea of creating a surrounded light scheme in your backyard with multiple posts.
The bell-like silhouette of this light fixture adds a charm, and customers love how it’s dark-sky-compliant, because light is only emitted downward. While it doesn’t look like the brand has a post to pair it with, Amazon shoppers frequently purchase this one with the John Timberland Hepworth Traditional Outdoor Light Post.
If you have a metal hardware theme going on in or outside your home, this post light with beveled edges, textured bronze, and patina brass can easily blend into your existing decor scheme. Clear glass surrounding the bulb is protective and provides a window to the central bulb.
Traditional decor aficionados, this one’s for you: Clear seeded glass is the highlight of this post mount, which is inspired by a classic lantern. Use it as a benchmark to illuminate the stone walkway leading to your front door and say goodbye to the days of navigating the dark with a phone flashlight.
A low-profile option, these solar lights with a water-lily-inspired silhouette are surprisingly versatile for their whimsical shape. Use them to line your pool for the dreamiest midnight swims or even perch them atop of spacious ledge to create concentrated lighting moments throughout your backyard patio.