Pia Ricco Outdoor Wall Lantern, Exterior Waterproof Wall Sco

The Verdict

The $28 Outdoor Light That Actually Holds Up

Most budget outdoor fixtures are a compromise: either they look decent and fall apart in a year, or they’re built like a tank and look like a utility closet light. The Pia Ricco Outdoor Wall Lantern splits the difference better than anything I’ve tested in this price range—and at $27.99, it’s cheap enough to buy two for a symmetrical front entry.

What’s Actually in the Box

You get the assembled lantern body, a slide-on mounting plate, wire nuts, and the mounting screws. No bulb—it takes a standard E26 base, so you can use whatever you’ve got lying around. The fixture measures 7.5 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide, with a 5.5-inch projection from the wall. That’s compact enough for a condo porch but substantial enough to read as a real light fixture, not a decorative afterthought.

Build Quality and Real-World Performance

The housing is die-cast aluminum with a powder-coated matte black finish. That’s the right material choice—aluminum won’t rust through like stamped steel will. The glass is clear, not frosted, so you’ll see the bulb filament directly. If that bothers you, use a frosted LED bulb.

Here’s where this fixture punches above its weight class: it’s rated IP65 waterproof. That means it’s fully sealed against dust and low-pressure water jets. Rain, snow, sleet—none of it gets inside the housing. The gasket seals tight against the wall plate, and the glass pane has its own rubber seal. One reviewer noted, “We’ve had this up through two New England winters and a hurricane. Not a drop of moisture inside.” That tracks with my testing.

Installation genuinely takes under 15 minutes. The mounting plate slides into a track on the back of the housing, so you don’t have to hold the fixture with one hand while fumbling with screws with the other. Wire connections are straightforward—black to black, white to white, ground to ground.

What Buyers Praise Consistently

The reviews at 4.7 stars out of 235 ratings repeatedly mention three things: the waterproofing, the clean aesthetic, and how easy it is to install. One reviewer wrote, “I’ve replaced three cheap fixtures from the big box store that rusted within a year. This one actually looks better than the $80 fixtures at Lowe’s.” Another praised the size: “Perfect scale for our small porch—not overwhelming, but casts plenty of light.”

Where It Falls Short

The glass shade is the weak point. It’s thin—maybe 3mm—and I’ve seen reports of hairline cracks from overtightening. Hand-tighten the screws and you’ll be fine, but if you use a drill, you’re gambling.

The included screws are also short. They work fine for mounting directly into wood or drywall, but if you’re attaching to stucco, brick, or vinyl siding, plan to buy masonry anchors separately. That’s a $3 trip to the hardware store.

One more thing: the clear glass means the bulb is visible from the street. A standard 60W-equivalent LED puts out a harsh, shadow-heavy light pattern that’s not flattering. I’d budget $5 for a frosted LED bulb to soften the output.

Who Should Buy This

• First-time homeowners who want curb appeal without dropping $100 per fixture
• Rental property owners who need a durable, code-compliant fixture that won’t need replacing every season
• Anyone replacing a rusted-out builder-grade light who wants an upgrade without a permit or electrician call

Skip It If:

• You need a fixture with a motion sensor or dusk-to-dawn photocell built in (this one has neither)
• Your mounting surface is brick or stone and you don’t want to deal with masonry anchors
• You’re looking for a decorative statement piece—this is clean and functional, not ornate

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this fit a standard outdoor electrical box? Yes. It mounts to a standard 4-inch round or 3-inch octagonal junction box. If you have an old fixture with a different mounting pattern, you’ll need an adapter plate.

Q: Can I use this in a covered porch or does it need full exposure? It’s rated IP65, so it’s fine in full exposure—rain, snow, direct spray. It’s actually overbuilt for a covered porch, so no concerns there.

Q: What’s the maximum wattage for the bulb? The fixture is rated for 60W max. With LED bulbs, you can use a higher-lumen equivalent (like a 100W replacement) as long as the actual draw stays under 60W, but I’d stick with a 60W-equivalent for the best light pattern.

The Verdict: 4.6/5 — Buy It

At $27.99, the Pia Ricco Outdoor Wall Lantern delivers the waterproofing and build quality of fixtures that cost three times as much. The thin glass and short screws are minor annoyances, not dealbreakers. If you’re replacing a rusted fixture or adding curb appeal on a budget, this is the one to buy.

Buy it if you want a durable, good-looking exterior light without paying premium prices. Skip it if you need smart features or a decorative design—or you don’t want to buy a bulb separately.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.