Built for outdoor use
Stainless steel is a practical choice for outdoor lighting. An outdoor wall light is exposed to rain year after year, and some locations are more demanding than others. Stainless steel is more resistant to these conditions than painted metal, where damage to the paint layer can eventually lead to rust.
When is stainless steel really the better choice?
Especially near the coast, where salty sea air can affect materials more quickly. It is also a good choice on an exposed north-facing façade, beside a houseboat or in a spot where the lamp is constantly exposed to moisture. If the lamp is mounted under a canopy or a generous roof overhang, a black or anthracite lamp is usually perfectly suitable.
Look
Stainless steel has a distinctive look: sleek, silver-grey and lightly reflective. It suits modern architecture, homes with aluminium window frames, and maritime or industrial styles. Classic ship's-lamp models in stainless steel are also a popular choice for coastal homes.
What to look for
With stainless steel, you should also pay attention to the stated protection rating (IP rating). The material indicates how resistant the lamp is to corrosion, while the IP rating indicates how well the electronics inside are protected against moisture. Many models are suitable for an E27 or GU10 bulb. Stainless steel stays looking its best if you wipe it down with a cloth from time to time.
