Bulkhead Lights at KES

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Bulkhead Lights

Solid brass bulkhead lights

A bulkhead is a compact, sealed light that fixes directly to a wall or ceiling. This page holds Navigator's solid brass range, built for outbuildings, porches, garages and passageways as well as the character it brings to an older house. For other styles, see our outdoor wall lights.

Porthole, eyelid and oval shapes

The Cabin and Trident are porthole styles, the Palaemon has an eyelid hood that shades the light, and the Horatio is a low oval. The Marina and Compass are compact options for a tighter space. Widths run from about 140mm to 250mm.

Ratings and bulbs

Most are rated IP64 and the Compass models are IP44. All are sold without a bulb, and most take a standard E27 lamp, with a few taking G9 or GX53.

Bulkhead Lights Recommendations & Buying Advice

It is a compact, sealed light that fixes flat to a wall or ceiling, with the bulb protected behind a glass cover. The name comes from ships, which is why porthole and caged styles are common. Those on this page are made by Navigator in solid brass. They suit porches, garages, outbuildings and passageways, where a hanging or delicate fitting could be knocked.

Yes, they are made for it, but check the rating. Most are rated IP64, which means dust tight and protected against splashing water from any direction. The Navigator Compass models are IP44. Have a qualified electrician fit outdoor wiring, and make sure the cable entry is sealed properly, as the light is only as weatherproof as its installation.

A bulkhead is a sealed, low-profile fitting designed to protect the bulb and take some knocks. A wall light is usually more decorative and may stand further from the wall or have an open shade. For a garage, boat house or passage, a bulkhead makes practical sense. For a front door where the fitting needs to look more like a feature, a lantern may suit better.

Most of these take a standard E27 lamp, while the others take G9 or GX53, and all are sold without one. Choose an LED, as it runs cooler inside a sealed fitting, and stay within the listed maximum wattage. A warm white 2700K to 3000K bulb looks best against brass. Check the size of the bulb against the fitting as well as the cap.

Many do, as a flat, sealed shape suits a low porch or passage ceiling, but check the mounting information for the model you want. Ceiling mounting can change how the light spreads and how water runs across the fitting outdoors. The product page gives width and height, so check the clearance too. Those in this range are between about 90mm and 165mm high.

It can, because brass responds to weather and handling, especially outdoors and near the sea. Many people like that weathered look on an old house or boat house. Finish details vary by model, so check the product page and photographs for each one. If you want a fitting that keeps a uniform colour, ask us before you order so we can check the current finish with the maker.

When you want an elegant feature at the front door, or wide, soft light across a garden. A bulkhead's compact, utilitarian shape can look out of place on a formal house, where a lantern usually looks better. For security over a drive, a floodlight will cover much more ground. A sealed bulkhead is best for lighting the area close around it.