Burford Maritime Outdoor Lighting: British-Made Wall Lights
Hand-spun aluminium wall lights from South Wales – four styles, six finishes, built for British weather
When you need outdoor lighting that combines authentic maritime character with genuine British manufacturing quality, J D Burford’s wall light collection delivers. Hand-spun in South Wales using the same traditional metalworking techniques perfected over 60+ years, these IP44-rated fixtures are built to withstand coastal winds, rain, and the realities of UK weather.
This page brings together the four J D Burford maritime wall light styles: the classic Fisherman’s Wall Lights (small and large), the refined Quayside, and the simplified Harbour. All share hand-spun aluminium construction, powder-coated finishes, and the durability that comes from proper British manufacturing.
If you’re looking for exterior lighting that will still look good in 20 years, this is where to start.
- The Collection: Four Maritime Wall Light Styles
- Six Finishes: Powder-Coated for Durability
- Why Powder Coating Matters Outdoors
- IP44 Rating Explained
- Choosing the Right Style
- Installation Considerations
- Need to Corner Mount Your Exterior Wall Light?
- Maintenance: Built for Decades
- The J D Burford Quality Difference
- Coordinating Interior & Exterior Lighting
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Order?
The Collection: Four Maritime Wall Light Styles
Small (or Standard) Fisherman’s Wall Light (IP44)
The compact classic for smaller spaces:
The Small Fisherman’s Wall Light brings authentic harbour character to narrow walls, cottage doorways, and spaces where the Large would overwhelm. Hand-spun aluminium with traditional angled shade directing light downward, this is the fisherman’s lantern scaled for residential porches and compact entrances.
Best applications:
- Cottage front doors and narrow porches
- Side entrances and back doors
- Garage doorways
- Garden shed and outbuilding walls
- Hallways and staircases (indoor use)
- Anywhere maritime character matters but space is limited
Key features:
- Compact dimensions suit tight spaces
- IP44 rated for outdoor use under shelter
- Hand-spun aluminium construction
- Clear glass with brass fittings
- Downward-focused light distribution
- All six finishes available
- Made to order: 12-15 working days
When to choose Small over Large: The Small works where walls are narrow, scale is delicate, or you’re using multiple fixtures along a wall. It’s substantial enough to register but doesn’t dominate – perfect for period cottages and properties where proportions matter.
View Small / Standard Fisherman’s Wall Lights →
Large Fisherman’s Wall Light (IP44)
Bold maritime presence for main entrances:
The Large Fisherman’s Wall Light is the statement fixture for front doors, main entrances, and outdoor walls where you want confident maritime character. Same hand-spun construction as the Small, but with dimensions that hold their own on wider walls and taller doorways.
Best applications:
- Main front door entrances
- Porch walls beside substantial doorways
- Garage and outbuilding external walls
- Covered outdoor dining areas
- Commercial entrances (cafés, restaurants, coastal businesses)
- Garden walls requiring strong illumination
Key features:
- Substantial presence without overwhelming
- IP44 rated for outdoor use under shelter
- Hand-spun aluminium construction
- Clear glass with brass fittings
- Powerful downward light distribution
- All six finishes available
- Made to order: 12-15 working days
When to choose Large over Small: The Large works on substantial walls, main entrances, and anywhere you need real illumination rather than just accent lighting. It’s the workhorse of outdoor maritime lighting – confident, practical, and built to last.
Perfect pairing: Use Large on your main front entrance, Small on side doors and secondary entrances for coordinated maritime character throughout your property.
View Large Fisherman’s Wall Lights →
Quayside Wall Light (IP44)
Refined maritime elegance with lighthouse character:
The Quayside Wall Light shares the hand-spun aluminium quality of the Fisherman’s range but with more refined, decorative metalwork. Think lighthouse keeper’s cottage rather than working harbour – maritime heritage with a softer, more elegant expression.
Best applications:
- Period properties and traditional cottages
- Main entrances wanting refined coastal character
- Properties where standard fisherman’s lights feel too industrial
- Coordinating with Quayside ceiling pendants indoors
- Coastal B&Bs and boutique hospitality
- Anywhere maritime elegance trumps working-harbour ruggedness
Key features:
- Decorative metalwork detailing
- IP44 rated for outdoor use under shelter
- Hand-spun aluminium construction
- Clear glass showcasing decorative bulbs
- Refined maritime aesthetic
- All six finishes available
- Made to order: 12-15 working days
The character difference: If Fisherman’s Wall Lights reference working harbours and fishing boats, Quayside references lighthouse keepers and coastal stations – still authentically maritime, but with more refinement and traditional elegance.
Works beautifully with: Quayside ceiling pendants in dining rooms or kitchens, creating cohesive maritime character across interior and exterior spaces.
Large Harbour Wall Light (IP44)
Simplified maritime design for contemporary spaces:
The Large Harbour Wall Light offers the same hand-spun aluminium quality with pared-back, contemporary styling. Less overtly nautical than Fisherman’s or Quayside, it’s for those who want British manufacturing quality and subtle maritime reference without traditional decoration.
Best applications:
- Modern and contemporary properties
- Minimalist exteriors wanting quality without ornamentation
- Industrial-style conversions and new builds
- Coordinating with Harbour ceiling pendants indoors
- Commercial spaces with clean-lined architecture
- When less is more
Key features:
- Simplified, contemporary design language
- IP44 rated for outdoor use under shelter
- Hand-spun aluminium construction
- Clean lines without decorative elements
- Substantial scale (similar to Large Fisherman’s)
- All six finishes available
- Made to order: 12-15 working days
The minimalist approach: Harbour Wall Lights strip maritime lighting down to essentials – quality British metalwork, durable construction, honest materials. Maritime heritage without vintage styling.
Perfect for: Modern coastal properties, industrial conversions, contemporary new builds, and anyone who loves J D Burford quality but prefers understated design.
Six Finishes: Powder-Coated for Durability
Every J D Burford wall light is available in six finishes – five powder-coated for exterior durability, plus raw aluminium for indoor applications.
Powder-Coated Finishes (Recommended for Outdoor Use)
Traditional Cream
Soft, warm cream for country cottages, period properties, and traditional coastal homes. The authentic cottage colour that complements stone, brick, and render beautifully.
Best with: Cream or light-coloured walls, traditional architecture, country and farmhouse styles
Chalk White
Clean, crisp white for modern coastal homes and contemporary properties. Fresh, bright, and timeless.
Best with: White render, modern architecture, Scandi-inspired exteriors, coastal contemporary
Seaspray Blue
The signature coastal colour – authentic harbour blue that tells maritime stories. Distinctive enough to define character, soft enough to live with.
Best with: Coastal properties, blue-painted woodwork, seaside cottages, nautical themes
Slate Grey
Sophisticated mid-tone that works with everything. The versatile choice that suits traditional and contemporary architecture equally.
Best with: Grey render, stone walls, neutral schemes, any architectural style
Satin Matt Black
Industrial-nautical fusion. Bold, confident black for dramatic contrast and modern maritime sophistication.
Best with: Dark cladding, contemporary architecture, industrial conversions, statement lighting
Raw Aluminium (Indoor or Covered Use Only)
Natural Metal Finish
Uncoated aluminium develops its own patina over time, creating authentic industrial-maritime character.
Important: Raw aluminium is NOT recommended for outdoor use. It will oxidize and weather in exterior conditions. Use powder-coated finishes for all outdoor applications. Raw aluminium works beautifully indoors or in very well-covered porches where weather exposure is minimal.
Best with: Industrial interiors, loft conversions, covered porches, garage interiors, utility rooms
Why Powder Coating Matters Outdoors
Superior to Paint in Every Way
J D Burford’s powder-coated finishes aren’t painted – they’re electrostatically applied and heat-cured, creating a chemical bond with the aluminium that’s far tougher than any paint.
Outdoor advantages:
- Resists chipping from impacts and weather
- Won’t fade from UV exposure
- Extremely resistant to moisture penetration
- Maintains appearance through freeze-thaw cycles
- Far more durable than painted alternatives
Why this matters for maritime environments: Coastal areas are harsh on metal fixtures. Salt air, driving rain, strong winds, and temperature variations destroy cheap painted finishes within a few years. Powder coating is why J D Burford wall lights still look good 20+ years after installation.
The longevity difference: A painted wall light might need refinishing in 5-7 years. A powder-coated J D Burford light maintains its finish for decades with nothing more than occasional cleaning.
IP44 Rating Explained
What IP44 Means in Practice
All J D Burford wall lights are rated IP44, which provides:
Protection from:
- Splashing water from any direction
- Objects larger than 1mm (dust and small debris)
- Rain, snow, and general weather when mounted under shelter
Suitable locations:
- Covered porches and entrance ways
- Under eaves and soffits
- Sheltered courtyard walls
- Covered outdoor dining areas
- Garden room external walls with overhang protection
Not suitable for:
- Areas regularly hosed down
- Exposed to sea spray
Choosing the Right Style
By Property Type
Traditional Cottages & Period Properties:
- First choice: Small or Large Fisherman’s Wall Light in Traditional Cream or Black
- Alternative: Quayside for more refined elegance
- Why: Authentic maritime character suits period architecture naturally
Coastal & Seaside Homes:
- First choice: Any style in Seaspray Blue for authentic coastal colour
- Alternative: Slate Grey or Chalk White for more subtle maritime reference
- Why: This is where maritime lighting belongs – embrace it fully
Modern & Contemporary Properties:
- First choice: Large Harbour Wall Light in Slate Grey or Satin Matt Black
- Alternative: Large Fisherman’s in Chalk White for industrial-nautical fusion
- Why: Clean lines and contemporary finishes suit modern architecture
Country & Farmhouse Properties:
- First choice: Large Fisherman’s Wall Light in Traditional Cream
- Alternative: Quayside for slightly more refinement
- Why: Working maritime aesthetic complements rural character
By Location on Property
Main Front Entrance: Go bold. This is where first impressions happen.
- Large Fisherman’s or Quayside
- Choose based on architectural style (industrial vs refined)
- Consider two fixtures flanking door for symmetrical impact
Side & Back Doors: More practical, less showy.
- Small Fisherman’s provides adequate illumination
- Coordinates with main entrance fixture (same finish)
- Functional lighting that maintains maritime theme
Garage & Outbuildings: Utility matters more than elegance.
- Large Fisherman’s for robust illumination
- Black or Slate Grey suits utilitarian structures
- Durable enough for working environments
Garden Walls & Courtyard Areas: Creating atmosphere and practical illumination.
- Multiple Small Fisherman’s along walls (spaced 3-4m apart)
- Quayside for dining areas wanting refined ambiance
- Coordinate with indoor lighting for cohesive scheme
By Existing Interior Lighting
If you have J D Burford ceiling pendants indoors: Match your wall lights to maintain finish consistency throughout the property.
Examples:
- Seaspray Blue Fisherman’s Pendants in kitchen → Seaspray Blue Fisherman’s Wall Lights on exterior
- Quayside Pendants in dining room → Quayside Wall Lights on front entrance
- Harbour Pendants in modern kitchen → Harbour Wall Lights on porch
The advantage: J D Burford uses identical powder coating across all products, so Slate Grey indoors matches Slate Grey outdoors perfectly. This creates sophisticated coordination between interior and exterior lighting schemes.
Mixing Styles on the Same Property
What Works Well
Different sizes, same style:
- Large Fisherman’s on front entrance + Small Fisherman’s on side doors (same finish)
- Creates visual hierarchy while maintaining cohesion
Different styles, same finish:
- Quayside on main entrance + Fisherman’s on garage (both in Slate Grey)
- Allows rooms for architectural variation while finish creates unity
Different finishes, similar tones:
- Chalk White on white-painted walls + Slate Grey on stone sections
- Coordinates without demanding exact matching
What’s Less Successful
Too many styles visible from one viewpoint:
- Mixing Fisherman’s, Quayside, and Harbour all on the same elevation creates visual clutter
- Choose one style for each façade
Clashing finishes:
- Traditional Cream and Satin Matt Black on the same elevation look accidental
- Coordinate finishes within what’s visible simultaneously
Random sizing:
- Using Large and Small seemingly randomly looks unintentional
- Use size deliberately – Large for prominence, Small for secondary positions
Installation Considerations
Professional Electrician Required
All outdoor electrical work requires professional installation by qualified electricians. UK Building Regulations govern outdoor electrical installations strictly.
Your electrician will:
- Assess suitability of mounting location
- Ensure adequate weather protection
- Install appropriate outdoor-rated cable and connections
- Fit mounting hardware securely
- Test installation thoroughly
- Provide certification if required
Mounting Position Matters
Height considerations:
- Standard door height: 1.8-2m above ground typical
- Illuminate entrance without glare at eye level
- High enough to avoid accidental damage
- Low enough for bulb replacement without ladders
Positioning beside doors:
- 15-30cm from door frame typical
- Centered vertically on door height
- Consider light direction (usually downward)
- Symmetrical pairs: ensure equal spacing both sides
Wall material considerations: These aluminium fixtures are relatively lightweight but require secure mounting:
- Solid walls (brick, stone, block): Standard wall plugs and screws
- Timber cladding: Ensure fixings reach structural timber
- Render: May need specialist fixings
- Your electrician advises based on specific wall construction
Need to Corner Mount Your Exterior Wall Light?
All our Wall lights can be corner mounted, we provide an option to add this to your order – in a colour choice, the same as your light, or plain black if you prefer.
What’s Included
Each J D Burford wall light arrives with:
- Complete fixture (shade, mounting backplate, glass)
- Comprehensive fitting instructions
- Electrical testing certification
You provide: E27 (ES) Edison Screw bulb, maximum 60W. We strongly recommend outdoor-rated LED bulbs for efficiency, longevity, and reliability.
Bulb Recommendations for Outdoor Use
LED Bulbs: Essential for Exterior Lighting
Why LED matters outdoors:
Temperature resilience: LED bulbs operate reliably in the temperature extremes outdoor fixtures experience – from freezing winter nights to hot summer days under porch roofs.
Longevity: 25,000-50,000 hour lifespan means 20+ years of typical use. When fixtures are mounted at height or in awkward positions, not changing bulbs frequently is valuable.
Instant illumination: LED bulbs provide full brightness immediately – no warm-up delay when switching on exterior lighting.
Energy efficiency: 6-9W LED provides light equivalent to 40-60W incandescent – 80% less electricity. For multiple outdoor fixtures, annual savings are substantial.
Bulb Style Recommendations
For clear glass wall lights (all J D Burford models):
LED filament bulbs (highly recommended): Vintage-style LED filament bulbs showcase beautifully through clear glass, adding traditional character while providing modern efficiency. The visible filament enhances maritime aesthetics.
Clear vs pearl/frosted:
- Clear glass bulbs: Traditional appearance, defined shadows, showcases filament
- Pearl/frosted bulbs: Softer, more diffused light, reduces glare
Outdoor rating: Ensure bulbs are suitable for enclosed outdoor fixtures. Most standard LED bulbs work, but check specifications if concerned about temperature extremes.
Dimming Capability
Many modern LED bulbs are dimmable. If you want adjustable outdoor lighting (bright for tasks, softer for ambiance), specify:
- Dimmable LED bulbs
- Outdoor-rated dimmer switches
- Professional installation by electrician
Not essential for most outdoor applications, but adds flexibility for porch and entrance lighting.
Maintenance: Built for Decades
Routine Care
Quarterly cleaning (especially coastal locations):
- Wipe exterior aluminium with soft cloth and mild detergent
- Clean glass inside and out (remove brass fittings for interior access on Fisherman’s models)
- Remove salt deposits in coastal areas promptly
- Dust and dirt accumulation reduces light output significantly
Annual inspection:
- Verify mounting hardware remains secure
- Check glass and fittings for any corrosion or wear
- Ensure brass clasps remain tight (Fisherman’s models)
- Inspect cable entries for any weather intrusion
Coastal locations: Salt air is corrosive. Annual inspection is particularly important in seaside environments. The aluminium and powder coating handle salt exposure well, but brass fittings benefit from occasional cleaning.
Replacement Parts Available
Glass shades: Replaceable if broken. The fixture body remains serviceable indefinitely – just order replacement glass.
This serviceability matters: These aren’t disposable lights designed for 5-year lifespans. A wall light installed today should still illuminate your entrance in 2050 with nothing more than bulb changes and occasional glass replacement if needed.
The J D Burford Quality Difference
Why Hand-Spun Aluminium Matters
Each shade is formed on a spinning lathe by skilled craftspeople in South Wales. This traditional metalworking technique creates:
Seamless construction: No welded seams to corrode or fail Consistent wall thickness: Stronger than pressed or stamped alternatives Superior durability: Traditional methods produce fixtures built for decades
Why British Manufacturing Matters
Quality control: Every fixture is made, tested, and certified in the UK to British standards
Made-to-order approach: These aren’t warehouse stock – each light is manufactured after your order, ensuring current production standards
Supporting skilled trades: Every purchase supports metalworking skills and manufacturing jobs in South Wales
Longevity: British manufacturing quality means fixtures that last generations, not seasons
60+ Years of Metalworking Expertise
J D Burford isn’t primarily a lighting company – they’re metal spinners who’ve been working aluminium for the building industry since the 1950s. Their core business is architectural metalwork demanding extreme durability. This serious metalworking expertise applies to their lighting range.
The result? Wall lights engineered like building components, not decorative accessories.
Learn more about J D Burford’s heritage →
Coordinating Interior & Exterior Lighting
Complete Maritime Schemes
Create cohesive maritime character by coordinating J D Burford ceiling lights indoors with wall lights outdoors.
Perfect pairings:
Kitchen/Dining + Entrance:
- Fisherman’s Pendants indoors (any size) + Fisherman’s Wall Lights on entrance (same finish)
- Seamless maritime theme from interior to exterior
Contemporary Interior + Modern Exterior:
- Harbour Pendants in kitchen + Harbour Wall Lights on porch (both in Black or Slate Grey)
- Contemporary maritime aesthetic throughout
Refined Elegance Throughout:
- Quayside Pendants in dining room + Quayside Wall Lights on main entrance (Traditional Cream)
- Sophisticated coastal character inside and out
The coordination advantage: Identical finishes across ceiling and wall lights create design sophistication that’s difficult to achieve when mixing manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does IP44 rating mean?
IP44 means the fixture is protected against splashing water from any direction and objects larger than 1mm. Suitable for covered outdoor locations like porches, entrance ways under eaves, and outdoor walls walls. Not suitable for fully exposed positions with direct upward spray (Think – washdown of swimming pool).
Can I use these in fully exposed locations?
These lights are designed for outdoor positions – under porch roofs, eaves, or other shelter that protects from direct upward spray. For fully exposed walls, consider fixtures with higher IP ratings (IP54 or IP65). See Bulkhead and IP65 selection
How do I choose between Small and Large Fisherman’s Wall Lights?
Consider wall width and door scale. Small suits narrow cottage doorways, side entrances, and compact spaces. Large suits substantial front doors, wider walls, and main entrances. When uncertain, Large is rarely wrong – Small can look tentative on generous walls.
Should I match my outdoor wall lights to my indoor ceiling lights?
If both are J D Burford, yes – the identical finishes create sophisticated coordination. Choose the same finish for seamless interior-exterior maritime character. If mixing manufacturers, coordinate generally (similar tones) but exact matching isn’t possible.
How long does delivery take?
12-15 working days for manufacture and dispatch. Each wall light is individually hand-spun to order in South Wales. We know waiting is frustrating, but the result justifies patience – a handcrafted British fixture rather than a mass-produced import sitting in a warehouse. Although we do sometimes have the odd one in stock!
Will powder coating fade in sunlight?
Powder coating is UV-stable and resists fading far better than paint. With decades of exposure, very slight patina development is possible, but this is minimal and actually enhances maritime character. The finish won’t fail, chip, or require refinishing like painted alternatives.
Can I use these indoors?
Absolutely. IP44 rating makes them suitable for indoor use in any location. Many people use J D Burford wall lights in hallways, utility rooms, and interior walls wanting maritime character. The IP44 rating just means they’re also suitable outdoors – it doesn’t restrict them to exterior use only.
What’s the difference between Fisherman’s, Quayside, and Harbour wall lights?
All are hand-spun by J D Burford with identical quality and finishes. Fisherman’s has classic working-harbour character. Quayside is more refined with decorative detailing – lighthouse keeper aesthetic. Harbour is simplified and contemporary – maritime quality without traditional styling. Choose based on architectural style and how overtly nautical you want the appearance.
Should I choose raw aluminium for outdoor use?
No – raw aluminium is NOT recommended for outdoor exposure. It will oxidize and weather. For all outdoor applications, choose powder-coated finishes (Traditional Cream, Chalk White, Seaspray Blue, Slate Grey, or Satin Matt Black , Red). Raw aluminium works beautifully indoors or in very well-covered porches with minimal weather exposure.
How many wall lights do I need?
Main entrance: One or two (flanking door for symmetrical impact) Side/back doors: One per door typically sufficient Along garden walls: Space 3-4m apart for adequate illumination Courtyard or outdoor dining: Based on area size – professional electrician advises
Can these be dimmed?
The fixtures themselves don’t have dimming capability, but you can use dimmable LED bulbs with outdoor-rated dimmer switches. Consult your electrician about dimmer installation for outdoor circuits.
Can Exterior Wall Lights be Corner Mounted
Yes absolutely, we provide the option for a corner bracket, in your chosen colour, ready to mount your new light on a corner.
Are any of your lights fitted with motion sensors (PIR’s)?
No, the lights themselves are not fitted with PIR’s, however we advocate the use of standalone units, which we can supply. Read why we choose this option.
Ready to Order?
Browse the complete J D Burford maritime outdoor lighting collection:
✓ Four wall light styles: Fisherman’s (Small & Large), Quayside, Harbour
✓ Five outdoor finishes: Traditional Cream, Chalk White, Seaspray Blue, Slate Grey, Satin Matt Black
✓ Plus raw aluminium for indoor/covered use
✓ IP44 rated for outdoor protection
✓ Hand-spun in South Wales since 1950s
✓ Made to order: 12-15 working days
✓ Built to last decades, not years
✓ Coordinating ceiling lights available for complete maritime schemes
Complete Your Scheme
J D Burford Ceiling Lights
Coordinate outdoor wall lights with ceiling pendants in identical finishes for seamless maritime character throughout your home.
View Fisherman’s Ceiling Lights →
Nautical Wall Lights Guide
Explore maritime wall lights from multiple manufacturers, styles, and price points.
View Complete Nautical Wall Lights Guide →
Hand-Spun in South Wales by J D Burford
British maritime lighting built for coastal weather and decades of service