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Entry door 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

Porch Lighting Ideas - Modern Front Door Lighting Advice

The front porch is often the first impression a home gives to guests. A well-lit porch helps dinner…

The front porch is often the first impression a home gives to guests. A well-lit porch helps dinner guests find the doorbell, guides the key in the lock after a long day at work and boosts curb appeal after dark. 

Here are some guidelines for choosing the right outdoor entry lights for the home. 

Location, Location, Location 

Banded Coastal Outdoor Wall Sconce by Hubbardton Forge

Indoor and outdoor lights sold in the U.S. have an Underwriters Laboratories, or UL rating, on the label. The UL rating tells which location a light is suited for. For example, a dry-rated light is not suitable for outdoors or anywhere that has excessive moisture. If the porch is sheltered and protected from rainwater, a damp-rated fixture is the best option. Wet-rated fixtures use drain holes, seals and protective gaskets to stop water from collecting on live wires and electrical components, so a wet-rated fixture is needed for any porch lighting exposed to rain, fog, snow or salty air. 

Size Matters 

Generally, the size of the front door should inform the size of the outdoor entryway lights. For a balanced look, keep these proportions in mind: 

If considering outdoor sconces and the door is 100 inches high and 60 inches wide, look for fixtures that are about 25 inches high and 15 inches wide. 

Wall Sconces 

Blink Outdoor Wall Sconce by Troy Lighting 

If the front entry is symmetrical, hanging two wall sconces on either side of the door is a natural choice. Flanking the front door with a pair of eye-catching wall sconces can dress up the space, creating an intriguing and inviting atmosphere. Try to purchase wall sconces about a quarter height of the door. 

Placement Guidelines: Set outdoor wall lights approximately 66 inches (5.5 feet) from the porch floor to the bottom of the fixture. Leave 6-12 inches on either side of the door casing. For asymmetrical entryways or when space is limited, a single wall fixture will do. Hang it on the doorknob side for a well-lit doorway. 

Pendants 

Capsule Outdoor Pendant by Brian Patrick Flynn for Crystorama

For porches with high ceilings and no wind exposure, an outdoor pendant light is a good choice. A combination of wall and pendant outdoor entry lights in harmonizing styles will make the home’s exterior warm and welcoming. 

Placement Guidelines: Hang pendants about 84 inches (7 feet) from the porch floor. 

Size: The pendant should be centered about 6 inches above the door. Its size should be about 1/5th the height of the door itself. Pendants are usually hung by chain, wire, cable or stem. With a chain option, there will be more room to adjust the height. Remember that the pendant should be in proportion to the space, so take visual note of how it looks and feels around the entryway, then adjust accordingly. 

Flushmounts 

Reals Indoor/Outdoor LED Flushmount by SONNEMAN Lighting

A flushmount porch light adds welcome light without detracting from your main entrance, columns and other architectural elements. If there isn’t enough room on one or both sides of the door for wall sconces, the front porch has a low ceiling or is open to wet weather, a flushmount above the door will be the ideal solution. Place it somewhere that provides ample light to the door as well as the rest of the porch. 

Placement Guidelines: Flushmounts should be a minimum of 80 inches (6.6 feet) from the floor. 

Remember, homes only have one chance to make a good first impression. No matter what style is chosen, keep in mind lighting the important things: doorbell and address numbers are key for guests, deliveries and emergency responders. The type of fixture and spread of light is up to personal choice – ensure the fixture chosen matches with the style and provides the desired effect to create the most impact. 

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Lighting in the hallway - 135 best photo examples from real hallways

Apartments Neva Towers 1

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Spacious entrance hall looks twice as large due to the full-wall mirror. The color scheme is warm and soft, bringing together the shades of the entire apartment. We carefully worked out the functionality: we came up with a convenient wardrobe with open shelves and lighting, found a place for a comfortable banquette, and laid large-format Porcelanosa porcelain stoneware on the floor. On the way to the living room, we decorated the wall with an elegant console with brass legs and a picture as a bright accent. nine0007

Modern Farmhouse

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Narrow Entryway Design Idea: Marine-style lighting with white walls, medium hardwood floors, single door and white front door

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Down to the studs

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This ranch was a complete renovation! We took it down to the studs and redesigned the space for this young family. We opened up the main floor to create a large kitchen with two islands and seating for a crowd and a dining nook that looks out on the beautiful front yard. We created two seating areas, one for TV viewing and one for relaxing in front of the bar area. We added a new mudroom with lots of closed storage cabinets, a pantry with a sliding barn door and a powder room for guests. We raised the ceilings by a foot and added beams for definition of the spaces. We gave the whole home a unified feel using lots of white and gray throughout with pops of orange to keep it fun. nine0007

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Home inspired inspiration: medium-sized foyer: classic-style lighting with white walls, light-colored parquet floors, single-leaf front door, glass front door, and beige floor

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Howell Custom Building Group

High wainscot paneling add formality and character. A hidden slide-out coat closet built into the wall takes advantage of an unused chase next to the fireplace. At the far end of the hallway, a small powder room was relocated out of the kitchen area to allow privacy within the powder room, as well as create more useable space in the kitchen. nine0007

Front Door

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Attention to details

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Foyer
Homely inspiration: medium-sized narrow entryway: classic-style lighting with beige walls, single-leaf front door, medium-toned parquet floors, and dark wood front door

Cedar Cove Modern

Flavin Architects

Cedar Cove Modern benefits from its integration into the landscape. The house is set back from Lake Webster to preserve an existing stand of broadleaf trees that filter the low western sun that sets over the lake. Its split-level design follows the gentle grade of the surrounding slope. The L-shape of the house forms a protected garden entryway in the area of ​​the house facing away from the lake while a two-story stone wall marks the entry and continues through the width of the house, leading the eye to a rear terrace. This terrace has a spectacular view aided by the structure’s smart positioning in relationship to Lake Webster. The interior spaces are also organized to prioritize views of the lake. The living room looks out over the stone terrace at the rear of the house. The bisecting stone wall forms the fireplace in the living room and visually separates the two-story bedroom wing from the active spaces of the house. The screen porch, a staple of our modern house designs, flanks the terrace. Viewed from the lake, the house accentuates the contours of the land, while the clerestory window above the living room emits a soft glow through the canopy of preserved trees. nine00007

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Fresh design idea: large vestibule: country-style lighting with white walls and brick floor - great interior photo

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Foyer: country-style lighting with white walls, light parquet flooring, pivoting front door, dark wood front door, and beige flooring

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10 Ways to Breathe New Life into Your Old Front Door

While your front garden/yard needs to be kept clean at all times, your home's front door is its main portal - and just as important in keeping a property's attractiveness and value down! Consider how many times friends and neighbors look at or even walk through your front door. This is one of the most important components of creating a first impression (good or bad) not only about your home, but also about you! nine0003

The good news is that remodeling your front door is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve the look of your home. The good news is we've got 10 tips for you to consider right here...

1. Hit it with paint


Front doors are usually white or another neutral hue that makes the front door look a bright color (such as Apple Red or Chartreuse Green) is much more so, especially if the rest of the house's façade consists of simple earthy tones. nine0003

Study the facade and decide what color is best for your siding and trim (just because you can paint it a shocking pink doesn't mean you should!). By choosing the right color, you can even change the style of your door to look more elegant or modern...

2. Give it new hardware


If the color of the door is still good, consider upgrading its hardware (handles, mailboxes , hammers, etc. ). Maybe consider switching from silver to gold (or vice versa) to give it a new look. nine0003

3. Clean it thoroughly.

Sometimes a door just needs to be cleaned to make it look like new. If this is your case, take a broom and a vacuum cleaner to remove cobwebs and dust. Then take a soapy rag to remove dirt, dirty paw prints and oily fingerprints from it. Before drying, hose it off to prevent water stains. Very simple!

4. Update the lighting.

A single sconce or ceiling light can make a big difference when it comes to safety and convenience. But what about layered lighting for your front door? Suitable sconces on either side of the door in addition to the ceiling mount? nine0003

5. Play with accessories.

Adding decor to your interior is a great way to enhance style and visual aesthetics, so why not do the same for your exterior? We recommend laying out a rug (with or without a smart saying) to wipe guests' shoes. Then, if you have space, consider adding a planter or two to add color, flavor, and texture to your entryway.

6. Choose a regenerated design for authenticity. nine0150


If a refurbished front door seems like your best bet, be sure to inspect it carefully to make sure the wood isn't warped or cracked. For historical accuracy, contact reclamation yards and specialized dealers who can advise on the appropriate design of the door itself, as well as hardware.

And remember: if the right size is not available, most doors can be cut to 25mm without any adverse effects. nine0003

7. Glazed.


Is your home located in a low-rise building facing north, making it difficult to get enough light? A glazed front door will help fill your interior (at least the entrance part) with natural brightness.

For a more modern and asymmetrical look, include glass on only one side of the opening above the doorway.

8. Zoom in


An oversized door makes your entrance the center of attention as it instantly creates a strong visual statement. But of course, this is only a viable option if your home is large enough for a larger opening. Remember that the dimensions of the door must still be in harmony with the proportions of the entire structure. nine0003

It may be worth consulting with an architect to make sure the door complements the structural look of your façade and doesn't look too "weird" in its new, oversized condition.

9. Add a functional finish.


Weather protection? Extra wow factor? Sounds like you want a simple canopy right above your front door for extra shelter - if your budget allows it, of course.

10. Just buy a new one


Sometimes you just need to realize that something has come to an end and it's time to move on. If your old front door is affected and it is beyond repair, then replacement is the best solution. This could be your opportunity to opt for a completely original front door (maybe a bright color made from recycled material, a little bigger than the previous one.

Learn more