Experience Dark Sky Magic: Our Top 19 Dark Sky Lights for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Welcome to our comprehensive roundup of the best dark sky lights on the market! If you’re looking to enhance your outdoor lighting experience while minimizing light pollution, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through our top picks and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

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Reviews

Portfolio 7-in Dark Sky Matte Black Wall Light

The Portfolio 7-in H matte black dark sky outdoor wall light is a sleek and practical addition to any exterior space. With its dark sky feature, you can keep the night skies dark while ensuring you have light where you need it. The matte black finish is perfect for outdoor settings, and it’s compatible with dimmable circuits when used with a dimmable bulb. This fixture is simple to install and comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and an instruction manual. The casual design complements many styles, making it a versatile choice for your home.

Forte Dark Sky Bronze Outdoor Light

The Forte Lighting Outdoor Dark Sky Wall adds a touch of elegance to your home’s exterior with its stylish bronze finish and clear seeded glass panel shade. This durable light is perfect for those seeking a functional and attractive addition to their outdoor space. Featuring easy installation and minimal maintenance, it’s a practical choice for any homeowner. Plus, its UL and CUL rating for wet locations ensures peace of mind during inclement weather.

Black Dark Sky LED Wall Light for Outdoor Use

Illuminate your outdoor space with the John Timberland’s Danbury 5-inch High Black Dark Sky LED Outdoor Wall Light. Boasting a sleek, industrial design, this versatile light exudes character and charm. Featuring a 10-watt built-in LED that emits a warm, 3000K color temperature and 790 lumens, this lantern-inspired wall light is Dark Sky compliant and non-dimmable. With its weather-resistant construction, you can rely on its durability and dependability. Effortlessly add a touch of modern elegance to your porch, walkway, or front yard with this remarkable lighting solution.

Dabmar Dark Sky Bronze Wall Pack Fixture

Experience the warm glow of the Dabmar Lighting DW1684-MT Dark Sky Medium Wall Pack Fixture. Crafted with a sturdy cast aluminum construction and a frosted heat-resistant tempered glass lens, this eye-catching light fixture is designed to withstand the elements in a wet location. Featuring a 100-watt metal halide lamp and boasting a bronze finish, this sophisticated fixture adds a touch of elegance to any residential or commercial setting. With no assembly required and a sleek, 18.28-pound frame, the Dabmar Lighting DW1684-MT Dark Sky Medium Wall Pack Fixture is a reliable and stylish choice for all your lighting needs.

Dark Sky LED Antique Bronze Lantern by Bailey Street Home

Illuminate your outdoor space with the 17-inch One Light Dark Sky Wall Lantern from Bailey Street Home. This stunning light features an antique bronze finish and glass panels etched with a Tiffany design. Ideal for any residential architecture, this lantern from the Craven Drive collection offers a classic, traditional look that blends effortlessly with its surroundings. With an optional LED bulb and a range of beautiful finishes to choose from, this lantern is the perfect addition to your outdoor lighting collection.

Designers Fountain Burnt Umber Dark Sky Outdoor Lantern

This stunning Amherst Dark Sky Outdoor Post Lantern from Designers Fountain exudes charm with its warm burnt umber finish. Ideal for traditional, coastal, or country-style homes, it accommodates one 100W max Edison medium base bulb (not included) and is easy to install. The elegant scroll work and cast aluminum construction make it a standout choice for outdoor lighting. Don’t forget to check local Dark Sky regulations for compliance. A delightful addition to any home, this light is sure to impress.

Modern Dark Sky Wall Light for Indoor/Outdoor Use

Introducing the Possini Euro Xane 11” Wide Bronze Dark Sky Wall Light, a stunning outdoor fixture that perfectly blends modern style with environmental responsibility. With a sleek bronze finish and an “eyebrow” silhouette, this light directs light downwards instead of upwards, ensuring darkness preservation. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, enjoy the warm glow of this versatile and eco-friendly light.

Dark Sky Barn Style Wall Mounted Light

A charming exterior wall light, the True Fine Tuner is an excellent choice for front doorways, porches, driveways, and backyards. Finished in matte black and copper inside, this weather-resistant and rustproof fixture ensures durability. With a built-in dusk-to-dawn auto sensor, the light automatically turns on at dusk and off at dawn for energy efficiency and convenience. The stylish, barn-style design complements various settings, including decks, patios, and garages. The large size of this light, accompanied by the gooseneck and dark sky metal shade, elevates the vintage, farmhouse, rustic, or coastal ambiance of any space.

LNC Melanthius Dark Sky Wall Light

Summer nights can offer a cozy atmosphere for outdoor gatherings. The right lighting can transform any evening into a delightful experience for entertaining friends, bonding with family or simply enjoying the outdoors. Our waterproof motion sensor wall sconce, available in a stunning one-pack, will elevate your outdoor space with its modern aesthetic and practicality. Its reinforced seed glass and robust metal construction ensures durability. The fixture boasts a wide 40FT lighting area and 220-degree detection range, offering energy efficiency with its premium PIR dusk to dawn photocell control. Ideal for porches, patios, gardens, and balconies, this wall light is a perfect addition to any outdoor space, bringing a charming touch of rustic beauty.

Hinkley Dark Sky LED Shelter Light

Illuminate your outdoor space with the elegant and modern Hinkley Lighting 1325-LED Shelter. This 23.25” tall lamp boasts a sleek design, perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere after dark. Its Dark Sky Integrated feature also ensures a clear view of the night sky while maintaining a minimal light pollution. The overall experience is a stunning balance of aesthetics and functionality.

Project Source 2-Pack Dark Sky Wall Lights

Illuminate your outdoor space with the project source 2-pack. Its black, aluminum finish and integrated LED design deliver a sophisticated and practical lighting solution. These dark sky lights are perfect for any wet location and provide warm, welcoming light thanks to their 3000K color temperature. Add to your curb appeal with the opal diffuser and enjoy the elegant glow that enhances your home’s exterior.

Dark Sky Municipal Quality Street Light for Commercial Use

Illuminate your surroundings with the sophisticated Dark Sky Municipal Quality Street Light Package. Crafted for use in municipalities, parks, and more, this package offers a high-quality, commercial-grade lighting solution for various projects. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among consumers, often referred to as the Premier, Washington, Jefferson, Capitol, Stratford, Federal, Dover, and Tuscany series. The optional LED feature is a practical addition to this outstanding product. As an eco-friendly choice, the Dark Sky Street Light Package stands out in its category.

Maxim Santa Barbara Dark Sky Outdoor Wall Light

The inviting glow of the Maxim Santa Barbara Dark Sky Wall Light adds charm and character to your outdoor space. This striking Lantern, featuring the rustic appeal of cast aluminum and cream glass, extends 9 inches from the wall for a versatile, transitional design that pairs seamlessly with modern or traditional decor. Its versatile size and the option to dim create a soothing environment that also reduces light pollution, fitting perfectly into the Santa Barbara Dark Sky Collection. The 7W x 13H inches Lantern has a dimmable feature allowing it to work with most standard dimmer switches. Additionally, the unique, geometric design makes it a perfect fit for a variety of outdoor settings.

Modern Black LED Outdoor Dark Sky Compliant Solar Wall Light

Illuminate your outdoor spaces with modern flair, thanks to this Private Brand’s solar-powered cylinder wall light. Designed with an understated charm, the fixture projects direct light downwards and adheres to Dark Sky compliance, maintaining a respectful balance with the night sky. Its sleek black metal finish adds a touch of sophistication while highlighting your home’s architectural features, making it a versatile choice for any exterior space.

Oil Rubbed Bronze Night Sky Outdoor Light with Metal Cylinder Shade

Illuminate your outdoor space with the Canarm IOL211ORB Night Sky Outdoor Light. This oil rubbed bronze beauty is crafted from durable steel and features a metal cylinder shade, perfect for preserving the night sky. With an easy connect push-in connection system and requiring just a 100 watt Medium (E26) bulb, installation is a breeze. Plus, it’s CSA rated for damp locations, making it a smart addition to any outdoor area. Experience the best of dark sky lights with this Canarm masterpiece.

Melanthius Seeded Glass Dark Sky Outdoor Wall Light

Experience the perfect blend of modern farmhouse charm and energy efficiency with this versatile outdoor wall light. Crafted from durable aluminum and featuring a sleek brushed black finish, this elegant sconce is designed to enhance the beauty of any outdoor space. The easy-to-install design, combined with a motion sensor that automatically adjusts to lighting needs, provides a seamless and practical solution for your front door, porch, patio, garden, and beyond.

WINICE Rotating LED Starry Sky Projector Night Light for Bedroom

The WINICE Remote Control and Timer Design Seabed Starry Sky Rotating LED Star ProjectorProjector transforms any room into a mesmerizing celestial wonderland. With 3 upgraded LED bulbs in white, blue, and yellow, this versatile light projector creates a starry sky, a sea world, and more on your walls, providing an enchanting atmosphere for kids, adults, and everyone in between. Perfect for birthday parties, children’s day, Christmas celebrations, and even romantic nights, this projector also comes with a rechargeable battery for ultimate convenience and a remote control for easy operation.

BlissLights Sky Lite: Laser Galaxy Projector for Starry Ceilings

The BlissLights Sky Lite Laser Galaxy Projector transforms any room into a stargazing haven with its mesmerizing display of green and blue stars against a swirling nebula cloud. Its advanced technology and sleek design create a soothing ambiance, perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere or adding an element of wonder at any gathering. With adjustable brightness settings and an auto-shut-off feature, this is a must-have for adults and kids alike.

Blue Nebula Star Projector - Patented LED Blending & Smart Home Integration

The Sky Lite Evolve brings the galaxy right into your bedroom, with its enchanting dance of nebula cloud colors and shimmering stars. Experience a tranquil ambiance that effortlessly fits into any room’s decor, thanks to its innovative spherical design and the option to customize settings using the BlissHome app. With compatibility with voice assistants like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, enjoying a calming starlight display at the touch of a button has never been easier.

Buyer’s Guide

Dark sky lights are specially designed to protect the night sky from light pollution, which can interfere with stargazing and astronomical observations. In this buyer’s guide, we will discuss the essential features, considerations, and general advice to help you choose the best dark sky lights for your needs.

Key Features to Consider

When selecting dark sky lights, consider the following features to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with your intended use case. These features include the type of light source, light emission, color temperature, and energy efficiency. Light sources, such as LEDs, are the most common choice due to their long lifespan and energy efficiency. Light emission is also a crucial factor in dark sky lights, as it should be focused downward to minimize light pollution. Color temperature and energy efficiency will come into play when selecting specific light bulbs for your dark sky light.

Mounting and Installation

Dark sky lights are typically mounted outdoors on poles, walls, or other structures. Consider the mounting requirements and compatibility with your chosen location when selecting a dark sky light. Also, consider the ease of installation and whether you will need professional assistance or can handle it yourself. Mounting options may include pole-mounted, wall-mounted, or pendant-style installations.

Light Diffusion and Shielding

To prevent light pollution, you should look for dark sky lights that have adequate light diffusion and shielding. This ensures that the light is directed downward and minimizes light spillage. Shielding and diffusion features include frosted glass covers, diffusers, and reflectors. Choose a dark sky light with these features to ensure maximum protection from light pollution.

Additional Features and Customization

In addition to the key features mentioned above, consider any additional features and customization options that may be important to you. This may include dimming capabilities, weather resistance, and the ability to change bulbs or LED strips. These options will help you tailor your dark sky light to suit your specific needs and preferences.

FAQ

What are dark sky lights?

Dark sky lights are outdoor lighting fixtures designed to minimize light pollution and reduce the negative impacts of artificial light on the night sky, wildlife, and human health. These lights are engineered to direct light downward, instead of upward, where it is not needed. This allows for better visibility without causing glare, excessive light scatter, or skyglow.

Dark sky lights conform to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) standards, which aim to promote responsible outdoor lighting and protect the natural night environment. These standards require that the lights emit low-wattage, warm-toned, and shielded light to avoid contributing to light pollution.

Why are dark sky lights important?

Dark sky lights are significant because they help protect and preserve the natural beauty of our night sky. They reduce the negative impacts of artificial light on wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. By directing light downward, dark sky lights improve visibility and safety without causing over-illumination or excessive light scatter.

A well-lit environment can be both safe and visually appealing during the night. However, poorly designed lighting can have detrimental effects on nocturnal animals, disrupt their natural cycles, and interfere with their ability to navigate and find food. Dark sky lights, therefore, contribute to sustainable and responsible outdoor lighting practices.

What are some common features of dark sky lights?

Dark sky lights come with specific features and design elements that comply with the IDA standards. Some common features include low-wattage LED light sources, warm-toned light color temperatures, and full or partial shielding. These features help to direct light downward, minimize glare, and avoid light pollution.

Additionally, dark sky lights often come with options for motion sensors, timers, or dimmers, allowing users to customize the lighting to their specific needs. These features can help conserve energy and ensure that lighting is only used when needed, further contributing to sustainable outdoor lighting practices.

How do I choose the best dark sky light for my needs?

When selecting a dark sky light, consider factors such as light color temperature, lumen output, and the type of shielding. Look for fixtures with warm-toned light (2700K or higher) to minimize the impact on human health and wildlife. Choose a light with a low lumen output (200-500 lumens) to reduce energy consumption and avoid over-illumination.

For most residential and commercial applications, full or partial shielding is recommended to ensure that light is directed downward and away from the night sky. This can help you avoid contributing to light pollution and preserve the natural darkness of the night. Finally, consider additional features like motion sensors, timers, or dimmers, to tailor the lighting to your specific needs and preferences.

Are dark sky lights expensive?

While dark sky lights are designed to provide sustainable and responsible outdoor lighting, they are not necessarily more expensive than traditional lighting fixtures. In fact, many dark sky lights now offer competitive pricing due to advances in LED technology and manufacturing processes. These fixtures may have a slightly higher upfront cost, but they often come with reduced energy consumption and longer lifespans compared to conventional lighting.

By investing in a dark sky light, you can enjoy a well-lit outdoor space while minimizing your impact on the environment, wildlife, and human health. This can be an environmentally-conscious and cost-effective choice in the long run, especially when you consider the potential benefits of reduced maintenance and energy costs.

How can I install a dark sky light?

Installing a dark sky light typically involves following standard electrical wiring and installation procedures for outdoor lighting fixtures. However, to ensure optimal performance and adherence to the IDA standards, it is essential to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or hire a professional electrician with experience in installing dark sky lights.

Before beginning the installation process, ensure you have the appropriate tools and materials, such as a stud finder, wire strippers, electrical tape, and conduit fittings. Also, be mindful of local building codes, permits, and utility guidelines that may apply to your area. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively install a dark sky light to provide sustainable outdoor lighting for your home or business.

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