Best lights for porch
Front porch lighting ideas: illuminate your home's entrance
(Image credit: Industville/Nikki Amodio Design/@joyellewest/Barn Light Electric/Original BTC)
Front porch lighting ideas can revolutionise the exterior of your home, creating a warm welcome for both yourself and visiting guests. The gentle glow from front porch lighting ideas will not only illuminate the front of your house but also provide an added level of safety to your home.
However, finding the right lighting for your front porch ideas is far more nuanced than just sticking up a wall light by the door. A great deal depends on the size of your porch, how you want to use the area and what practicalities you need to consider. A smaller space might need security lighting to deter unwanted visitors and illuminate your entryway, while a larger front porch might be multi-purpose, providing enough space for entertaining and congregating.
Front porch lighting ideas – 16 expert tips
Gone are the days of a single, lowly pendant hanging above the door. Now we have a range of different options that can not only illuminate the porch, but also provide extra security and long term efficiencies that also compliment your overall design aesthetic, even if you only have a small front porch.
The idea of harsh light can seem attractive from a security point of view, but as lighting designer Sally Storey of John Cullen Lighting explains, it's important for the porch area to feel inviting. 'Where you have a bare bulb, always try to make it softer. Speak to your electrician about putting a dimmer on any motion-sensor light,' she advises.
Whether you are planning a major overhaul of your front porch area or simply want to update the lighting to make the most of the space, it's worth considering a range of outdoor lighting ideas when devising your scheme.
'String lights are great for creating ambiance but if they’re not quite your style you can create some atmospheric lighting outdoors using decorative sconces. You’ll only need to place one or two, as they’ll give off stronger light than string lights and will create a welcoming glow more easily.
You can also opt for an outdoor wall light that is frosted, and provides a softer light,' says Mark Feldman, chief home officer at Riverbend Homes .
(Image credit: Original BTC)
Approach your front porch lighting ideas in the same way you would your entryway lighting. The two spaces are very similar in size, shape and function. As in your entryway lighting ideas, a statement pendant can really elevate the space.
'An inviting entryway or front porch invokes a sense of community and adds to the overall safety and value of your home. An outdoor ceiling flush-mount or pendant light fixture can showcase this outdoor space with class,' says Mark Feldman.
2. Pair practical lighting with aesthetic accents
(Image credit: Industville)
Not all your front door ideas need to be practical. Combine functional wall lights by the door with more pretty hanging lanterns in the more social areas of your porch.
If you're wondering how to decorate a porch, then try thinking of it in zones.
Start with the front door, this will be the centerpiece of your design. Opt for a pretty light that will also provide functional illumination, helping you to find your keys and the lock. For this space, wall lights either side of the door, or a large pendant hung overhead are the most practical choices.
Next look to any sitting areas, benches or swings – how are these to be lit? You might opt for characterful string lights or would rather moveable lanterns and LED candles. If selecting temporary lighting, consider whether this space will look dark and foreboding when not in use. Consider a few solar powered wall lights to provide an additional permanent source of illumination which you can then supplement with softer lighting when in use.
Finally, think about access, is your porch approached by a path or does it have steps? Illuminate these with stakes, risers or additional pendants to prevent accidents when approaching your home in the dark.
3. Consider solar powered front porch lighting
(Image credit: Lights4Fun)
When choosing front porch lighting ideas, it's worth considering sustainability.
Solar lighting ideas have quickly become the preferred choice for outdoor lighting, due to the fact they are extremely effortless to install and the most environmentally friendly way to light your garden.
Traditionally solar lights were just stake lights with a flat top featuring a solar panel, however, recent improvements to solar lighting have meant that they are almost indistinguishable from electrical designs. From characterful pendants to lanterns there are endless options from which to choose.
4. Choose front porch lighting ideas that suit your home's style
(Image credit: Nikki Amodio Design/@joyellewest/Barn Light Electric)
When selecting your front porch lighting ideas, it is important to consider the aesthetic of your front porch design and the exterior of your home.
'We adore a farmhouse gooseneck sconce for a country style home or as part of cottage porch ideas,' says Jade Joyner, Co-Founder and Principal Designer of Metal + Petal . 'Alternatively, for a modern look, embrace a more linear light.
No matter what, scale and finish you select, be sure to go larger in scale to make more of an impact.'
5. Use seasonal lighting to decorate your porch
(Image credit: Future)
The front of your house is the most seen part of your home and as such should be designed to be always on show, but this doesn't mean that you can't have a little bit of fun with your design. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Embrace the changing seasons by incorporating seasonal decor into your scheme with front porch lighting ideas to match.
Consider adding decorative illuminated stars or lanterns as part of your Christmas porch decor ideas or embrace spring porch decor by pairing pretty paper pendants with a cozy seating area to herald the arrival of the warmer months.
6. Illuminate porch steps
(Image credit: Lighting For Gardens)
If you have steps up to your porch then illuminating these is a must. 'The front of your home is full of walkable areas, from driveways to pathways to front steps.
Light the way for yourself and visitors with unique path lighting, downlights, recessed step lights, lanterns, and bollard lights,' says Mark Feldman. Adding these small touches to the approach to your house will make it instantly more welcoming and easier to navigate.
7. Layer up lighting
Photography: Brent Darby
(Image credit: Future)
Identical lights on either side of your porch flanking the door look great, but think about how else you can use lighting to add interest to your front porch decor. 'If you have two wall lights, then it's worth lighting other things around,' notes Sally Storey.
Here, a range of lanterns placed on the pathway adds a feeling of warmth.
8. Light architectural features
(Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)
Historical features are worthy of showcasing and your front porch lighting ideas provides the perfect opportunity. Ensure your lighting designer has incorporated a way to truly make the most of these details.
Here, the columns have been lit from below to draw the eye upwards to the fanned doorway arch. A spotlight above the door is a practical addition.
9. Bring the indoors out
Photography: David Cleveland
(Image credit: Future)
If you are lucky enough to have a larger, fully covered porch which feels like a luxurious deck, why not go for front porch lighting ideas that look softer and more stylish - a great way to add stylish character to the ceiling for porch ceiling ideas.
'In a recent project I found a pendant light that, although it looks like an indoor light, is actually rated for outdoor use', explains Kristen Monji from New York-based garden design practice, Birch + Basil .
10. Install uplighters
(Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)
Speak to your garden designer about lighting that will draw attention to the items on your porch, but in a soft, welcoming way.
Here, lights on the ground beam upwards to illuminate the planters, the shrubs and the wall.
Hiding the light source is imperative as it creates a feeling of ambience.
11. Embrace spotlights
(Image credit: Pooky Lights)
A simple spotlight is a good option for lighting a range of details on your porch. This type of directional lighting will help highlight the areas that you want to be seen, such as a favourite plant or tree. It can also make up a part of your garden security lighting, if you choose to spotlight a place you need extra light, such as by your front door.
12. Choose a hanging lantern
Photography: Rachel Whiting
(Image credit: Future)
Classic and traditional, hanging lanterns are some of our favorite front porch lighting ideas. The higher the ceiling of your porch, the larger the light should be. 'I love porch lighting to be beaming down from the ceiling – it doesn't take a lot to give it some ambience,' explains Boston-based landscape architect, Amy Martin .
13. Consider illuminating your shrubbery
(Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)
If you want the space outside your home to feel welcoming, using a range of spike lights and mini floodlights can help.
Light bushes and low-level shrubbery from above or below for a sophisticated, yet welcoming look.
14. Select lanterns and candlelight
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Consider a truly rustic approach to your front porch design with a range of lanterns, votives and candles placed strategically on the steps leading up to your porch.
You can buy a range of LED options that look like the real thing, but like solar garden lighting ideas have significantly more longevity.
15. Invest in fanciful string lighting
(Image credit: Lights4Fun)
String lighting works well when integrated with an existing porch light and there are lots of different backyard string light ideas to support a variety of porch styles.
'Combining a single light with string lighting is a great way to layer up different light sources,' advises Kristen Monji from Birch + Basil. 'It's important to think about directional lighting and ambient lighting, even on your porch,' she concludes.
16. Keep it simple
Photography: Polly Eltes
(Image credit: Future)
If you are looking for simple front porch lighting ideas, consider a robust outdoor option. A fishing-style light, placed on the side of the porch, can work well if space is an issue.
How do I choose a front porch light?
Your first step when choosing a front porch light is to consider the size of your space and your existing porch paint ideas. Speak to a lighting designer if you would like to explore options around uplighting and downlighting. This works particularly well if you have intricate structural details on your porch such as carvings and mouldings.
Pointing lighting towards these details will draw attention to them. 'It's nice to light stained glass, light any seating you might have on the porch and also use some lantern-style lights on the steps. It's all about a combination of lighting,' advises lighting designer, Sally Storey.
Placing lighting in plants or shrubbery on your porch is another clever option that lets you 'hide' the true source of the light and create a more magical-looking space.
'On my porch I have uplighters weaved into the foliage, lights in the flowerbeds and lights on my pilasters. They are all on a motion-sensor but can be overridden and they are important in creating the right mood to make guests feel welcome as they approach the house,' explains Sally.
If you are opting for wall lights, think about the size and height of the lights you hang. Remember your front porch sets the tone for the house inside so you want the lighting to feel warm and welcoming.
Look for light fixtures that measure approximately a quarter in height of the front door itself – anymore than this will seem overpowering. Finally, ensure the lights are placed at a reasonable eye level height.
What light bulb do I need for a front porch?
Generally LED light bulbs are best for a front porch, as they are the most energy efficient choice. 'LEDs are the gold standard of outdoor lighting', explains Kristen Monji from Birch + Basil.
'You can buy a range of different options to suit the space,' adds Kristen.
Opt for at least 40 watts in every light on your front porch. The general rule is the fewer lights you have the higher wattage you'll need.
Is it better to leave the front porch light on or off?
It is better to leave the front porch light off during the day. It is not particularly energy efficient to leave your porch lights on throughout daylight hours. You can purchase lights with twilight detectors, which simply turn on when the sun sets.
However, if you are at home at night it is best to leave the front porch light on as it offers an added security benefit.
The most popular option is a motion-sensor light, which is activated by heat or movement, so it only turns on when you need it to. These are available in a range of styles, colors and designs. Speak to your garden designer about what's available.
How do you illuminate the front of a house?
You can illuminate the front of a house by incorporating several front porch lighting ideas into your scheme.
Layer practical lights, such as a pendant or wall light next to the door with more atmospheric lanterns and LED candles to create a warm welcome to your home. Extend the lighting into your front yard by adding solar powered stake lights into your borders and illuminate the path to the front of your home.
Steph Hendries is a freelance journalist who has contributed to many different interiors websites including Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home and Livingetc. She has also worked on a range of social content for property brands such as Zoopla and Boomin. Steph writes for Homes & Gardens Solved section, concentrating on DIY, how to, cleaning and organizing content.
With contributions from
- Holly ReaneyContent Editor and Sub-editor
THE 15 BEST Outdoor Lights for 2022
Adding outdoor lighting to your home is a great way to bring style, ambiance and safety to your front- or backyard. Whether you’re looking for string lights to add to the patio, a lantern for your front porch or illuminating flood lights, we’ve got a wide selection to choose from.
There’s a lot to consider while looking for outdoor lighting ideas, from the style to the features you most care about. So if you’re unsure where to begin, allow our lighting guide to help.
Where to Use Your Outdoor Lighting
We carry several different types of outdoor light fixtures suited to illuminating different parts of your home. For example, if you’re looking for patio lights, usually a wall sconce or a hanging pendant does the trick. If you’re trying to illuminate a landscape, small stakes that you stick into the ground work well, as do stately lamp posts arranged around your property. One of our favorite (and most fun) ways to brighten up a yard is by hanging string lights from a deck railing or even in a tree. While you figure out what’s right for your space, check out this primer on some of the different types of outdoor lighting you can find on Houzz.
- Hanging Lights: Hanging or pendant lights are ideal for front entryways or above an outdoor seating area.
They’ll create a more formal, elegant look to extend your style outside. And the options are nearly limitless, from traditional lanterns to contemporary hanging globes. - Flood Lights: Ideal for installing above a garage, on your side yard, or by a patio door, flood lights illuminate your home’s exterior and provide extra security and safety. This style of outdoor lighting often comes with a motion sensor.
- Wall Lights and Sconces: These are perfect for arranging on either side of your front door, particularly if there isn’t space to hang a pendant light. They come in a wide range of styles and sizes to suit a variety of spaces.
- Flush-Mount Lights: This type of outdoor lighting is installed directly up against an outdoor ceiling. They work well with gazebos or archways, as these structures have enough ceiling surface space to support them.
- Landscape Lighting: Designed to disperse around a pathway, a deck or a large lawn, landscape lighting is ideal for illuminating a larger space.
At Houzz, you can find inground lighting, path lights, deck lights or stair lights to suit your space. - Post Lights: Another option for a large backyard or long pathway, post lights are much larger and more visible than landscape lighting, but can add an elegant touch to your home’s exterior.
Choose the Features You Care About
There are a lot of options when it comes to picking out features for your outdoor lights. Of course, with a fixture that’s exposed to the elements, you’ll want something that’s not only attractive, but durable. Whether your priority is finding environmentally-friendly lights or something that’ll offer more safety and security after dark, it’s possible to find outdoor lighting to fit. While browsing, you’re likely to come across a lot of industry terms, so we’ve provided a handy primer on what each of these means below.
- Solar: Solar lighting is a great option to use outdoors. As long as your lights are positioned to soak up a lot of sunlight during the day, you won’t have to use any power to light your yard at night.
You’ll save money on your energy bills, while also lowering your carbon footprint. - LED: Another energy-saving option, LED lights last longer than incandescent bulbs and run using less energy. Some of these lights appear white or bluish in color, although it’s possible to look for those with a warmer color temperature.
- Motion Sensor: Whether you’re concerned about security or you just want the convenience of automatically having light when you walk outside, motion-sensor lighting can be a great choice.
- Dusk to Dawn: Dusk to dawn lighting automatically turns on after sunset and turns off once the sun comes up. If you know you always want a certain outdoor light on at night, like your porch light, this feature can be really useful.
- UL Listed: If a light is UL Listed, this simply means that it’s been tested and rated for safety and functionality. For outdoor lights, you’ll want to make sure they’re UL Listed for wet locations, so that rain or snow won’t be a problem.
- Dark Sky: This term refers to lighting that’s designed to illuminate the ground below rather than the sky. It’s made to reduce light pollution, particularly in suburban or urban areas.
Find where to buy Outdoor Lighting and get inspired with our curated ideas for Outdoor Lighting to find the perfect item for every room in your home. With such a wide selection of Outdoor Lighting for sale, from brands like Hinkley, Kichler, and WAC Lighting, you’re sure to find something that you’ll love. Shop from Outdoor Lighting, like the CHLOE Lighting Brian Transitional 1-Light Textured Black Outdoor Wall Sconce or the LEONLITE 2-Pack LED Outdoor Up Down Wall Light, while discovering new home products and designs. Whether you’re looking to buy Outdoor Lighting online or get inspiration for your home, you’ll find just what you’re looking for on Houzz.
Lamps for verandas, terraces, gazebos
Citizens, tired of the artificial sun of megalopolises, appreciate real twilight more than anyone else.
Breaking out into nature, they want to take a break from the cutting eye of neon and other annoying factors, and evening gatherings in the garden gazebo are one of the best ways to do this. However, no one likes complete darkness either, so it is so important to properly organize the lighting of recreation facilities.
Types of lighting
Even desperate practitioners, rushing to the front line with screwdrivers at the ready, will not interfere with a little theory. Before attaching a light bulb unscrewed from the "beloved" neighbor in the most visible place, let's talk about the main types of lighting. There are three of them: general , directional and decorative . If the first two serve practical purposes, the last is organized for the soul and the delight of the eyes.
- General lighting is provided by devices located in the upper part of the room. It can be uniform, that is, flooding the entire space, and localized, illuminating specific areas or objects.
So, a ceiling lamp located directly above the table will create exactly local lighting.
- Directional is called lighting focused on a certain area. Both the reading lamp and the lamp in the work area near the grill are of this type.
- Decorative lighting is everything that is done "for beauty": garlands, colored lights, real candles or their LED imitation.
Lighting requirements, special and not so
Gazebos, verandas and terraces are places to relax, long and pleasant, with a capital "o". There is no place for overly bright devices that emit cold "medical" light. Our option is models with warm (2700 - 3400 K) or neutral (3400 - 5000 K) glow.
So that nothing breaks the harmony of unity with nature, barbecue and loved ones, the lamps should fit well into the overall design. Agree, an old light bulb swaying in the wind and blinking alarmingly is a good decoration for a horror movie, and not for a family or romantic movie.
The energy efficiency of a single light fixture may not be very important, but the option of a single lamp for the whole house is a fantasy. So that the electricity bill does not damage the budget, give preference to economical models.
Owners of glazed verandas or covered arbors can decorate them as they like: rain, dust and sand do not threaten lighting fixtures. We advise everyone else to read special requirements .
With the general openness of the design of the gazebo or veranda, the presence of a canopy does not guarantee good protection from bad weather and dust. The choice of an experienced summer resident is specialized dust- and moisture-proof lamps. You can recognize them by their closed design that protects light sources, as well as by the IP protection class indicated on the packaging. The characteristic value is from IP44 and above.
The possibility of operation in one place or another is determined not only by the degree of protection against dust and moisture, but also by the climatic version with the placement category.
The parameter is given in the product passport in the form of a code containing letters and numbers. The first part indicates the climate for which the lamp is made. The numbers contained in the second part carry information about the operating conditions:
- 1 - outdoors;
- 2 - using a protective canopy;
- 3 - indoors without a temperature control system;
- 4 - in rooms equipped with heating;
- 5 - in unheated confined spaces, characterized by high humidity.
Reliable fastenings are another important wish for lighting fixtures. If the devices are not securely fixed, a gust of wind, a bird that accidentally flew in or a squirrel that came to the light will easily demolish them, leaving the vacationers without light.
Luminaires for general lighting are made on the basis of built-in luminous elements or equipped with lamp bases. Replaceable light sources can be selected based on their power, glow color and other parameters.
If the purchased lamp in practice turns out to be not bright enough or “hacks” in some other way, it is easy to replace it with another one. In addition, with one device it is allowed to use various types of lamps - LED, incandescent, CFL and others. The main thing is that they do not exceed the power limit and have a suitable base. However, finding the right light source and replacing it, especially outside the city, can be a daunting task.
Products with built-in LEDs do not have this disadvantage: luminous elements remain operational throughout the entire period of operation. But, if the device does not have functions for adjusting brightness, color temperature and other parameters, it will not be possible to change these characteristics without replacing the lamp itself.
Downlights
The habitat of directional light devices is much wider than that of general lighting devices: they can be mounted on ceilings, walls, installed on the floor, tables, racks and other surfaces.
In addition, special models for illuminating railings, steps, and other objects may cut into bases. Devices with directional light, as well as models for general lighting, are produced on the basis of built-in and replaceable lamps of various types.
Decorative lighting fixtures
Decorative lamps give little light, but they know how to “make beautiful” better than others. All kinds of garlands, LED strips, paper lanterns, imitations of candles, fireplaces, fires and other products belong to the family. Installation methods are also diverse: devices are attached to ceilings, walls, floors, beams, columns; are embedded; and also placed without fixation.
Terrace lighting at home and in the country - photo, video, best ideas
- Article
- Video
It is almost impossible to imagine a country house without a terrace. This is a favorite place for the whole family in the warm season, because it is so nice to have a festive dinner outdoors, invite guests, play board games or just read an interesting book alone.
In order to make the atmosphere of this place truly unique, we suggest you familiarize yourself with tips on how to make beautiful terrace lighting at home and in the country.
The right light on an open veranda depends on many factors: the choice of lamps, ceiling lamps, the successful location of lamps and the presence of moisture protection. We have prepared 12 useful tips for you on how to organize the best terrace lighting:
- Be sure to follow the bright lighting of the stairs at the entrance to the terrace attached to the house. You can install LED strip on railings or even in stairs. A more classic option would be to purchase wall and floor lamps.
- There should be more than one light source on the stairs, as the steps will cast a shadow, making it difficult to perceive the size of each step and can lead to injury. It is best to place the lamps on both sides of the stairs.
- The design and choice of lighting fixtures depends on the style in which you decide to make a terrace.
You can draw beautiful photo ideas for inspiration from this small gallery: - If you have a spacious outbuilding, you can choose a beautiful chandelier for lighting. For more modest dimensions, wall sconces are suitable, which are appropriate to buy in the amount of two pieces and install on both sides of the front door.
- A popular solution for the terrace in 2017 is the installation of spotlights, which can either be an almost invisible source of light or become a bright accent in the interior.
- Outdoor verandas will always be affected by the weather. In order to prevent heavy rain from damaging electrical appliances, it is necessary to take care of their protection.
- It is necessary to organize lighting in such a way that it is completely safe for children and animals. Wires and structural details must be hidden and securely protected. It is for this reason that experts advise using LED lamps for the terrace, as they do not heat up and are safer.
- An equally good idea would be to install an LED strip to illuminate the terrace. Hidden ceiling lighting looks quite attractive and original, as can be seen in the photo:
- On the terrace, which is not an extension to a private house, you can make lighting with four floor lamps placed in the corners. This is especially true if such an open veranda has only a canopy or no roof at all instead of a roof.
- Beautiful illumination of plants and interior elements can be obtained thanks to halogen lamps. Such a white sparkling light is suitable if the terrace is decorated in a modern style.
- It is believed that the yellow tint of the lamp at a certain distance is not visible to insects. We cannot be fully responsible for these words and assure you that mosquitoes will be free if you follow this recommendation, but why not try? Moreover, the yellow subdued light is very pleasant for a person and will add coziness to the veranda.
- For a wide variety of occasions, we advise you to purchase a portable LED lamp.
