Home » Misc » Small front porch lighting ideas

Small front porch lighting ideas


illuminate your home's entrance |

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. 

25 Fantastic Front Porch Lighting Ideas

By

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Published on 03/31/22

Jeanne Canto for Calimia Home

Selecting light fixtures for the front porch may seem like a complicated process, but don't worry— we're here to help. Below, we're sharing 25 front porches and stoops that continue to inspire us and will also help you weigh the merits of sleek sconces, traditional lanterns, show-stopping pendants, and so much more. Get ready to light things up!

norms, methods of lighting, selection of lamps

Terraces or patios are often arranged for a cozy design of the open area of ​​a private house. They allow you to arrange your vacation or evening gatherings with the family, however, the planned activities will stop after dark if there is not enough visibility. That is why in this article we will consider the lighting of the terrace. In view of the fact that all lighting fixtures will be located on the street, a number of special requirements are imposed on them.

Standards and regulations

When providing outdoor lighting on a terrace, it is important to take into account the effects of moisture from precipitation or temperature changes, dust injection and direct sunlight.

In addition, note that insects in the dark can be a real punishment on the summer veranda. Therefore, all terrace lighting devices must be located at some distance from sofas, chairs and tables.

Ways of lighting a terrace

All terraces differ both in the way they are made and in their dimensions, which will further determine the methodology and strategy for organizing their lighting. In general, all methods may differ in style, layout and purpose. You can arrange outdoor veranda lighting in hi-tech, classic, ethno, country, loft, etc. styles. The main thing is that the idea is consistent with the interior design.

In addition, the method of lighting may differ in the location of lighting devices: on the ceiling, in the floor, along the perimeter of the fence or walls. Of course, all of them can perfectly complement each other in the exterior design of a residential building, so you can combine several sources into a single composition. For example, install one central terrace lighting device and decorative step lighting. By purpose, terrace lighting can be divided into basic lighting, decorative or backlighting, then we will consider each of them in more detail.

Base light

Base light is designed to provide sufficient visibility on the terrace. In fact, this is a house adjoining territory, which can have a closed and open type of execution. If there is a roof or canopy, basic lighting devices can be mounted in the ceiling plane, as this provides good coverage of the space below them.

However, this solution is not always advisable:

The number and angle of dispersion of lighting devices should be selected depending on the area and design of the veranda.

Decorative lighting

In addition to the general lighting of the terrace, many owners do not lose the opportunity to turn this space into a fabulous corner on their site. A well-made veranda is already a decoration of a house or garden, but the use of lighting effects will enhance the image at night or create an additional decoration. Most often, decorative lighting is performed with LED strips or spotlights.

Depending on the application, decorative lighting can be made as:

Please note that the purpose of decorative lighting is to decorate, and not to create a powerful luminous flux, so the power of the lamps is chosen appropriately, flexible neon is also appropriate here, since it will give little light, but will create an excellent color effect. If you want to ensure visibility, a special backlight is equipped.

Illumination

Unlike the previous version, terrace lighting is also functional.

It not only decorates a certain area, but also makes it visible for any operation:

Selection of luminaires

Lighting fixtures of various types and designs can be used to decorate the veranda.

The most common options are:

Luminaires location options

Depending on the location of the lighting fixtures, there are five most popular ways: along the perimeter of the terrace, on the wall, on columns, on the ceiling or from the periphery of the yard and its fences. The location of the lamps around the perimeter will provide uniform lighting, especially true for open terraces.

Installation of lighting equipment on the wall is suitable either for closed gazebos or terraces adjacent to the building, especially elongated along the perimeter of the walls. Mounting lamps on poles is relevant in open terraces - on a high leg if there is a fence or on a low one if it is absent. Also, lighting devices can be installed on the fence around the site or supports near it, directing the light of street lamps directly onto the terrace.

Wiring details for terrace

  1. Depending on the installation location of the patio lights, the cable routing will also differ. In one case, it will hide under a canopy or come out of the wall of the house, in the other, it will have direct contact with the ground or be in the open air. It should be noted that it is not worth laying the cable in an open way to the terrace, as this will significantly spoil the appearance of the interior style.
  2. Where is located, electrical wiring must be installed in such a way that it cannot be reached by pets or children during play. When arranging a wooden floor, under which the wiring will pass, they are separated by a non-combustible base, for example, a metal pipe or sheet of metal along the entire length of the gasket.
  3. When laying in the ground, the cable must be at least 0.8 m deep. When trying to save time on digging a full-fledged trench, you run the risk of breaking the cable during the processing of the beds or being left without light due to the natural actions of animals.

Ready -made ideas in the photo

Used literature

8 tips and 30 examples — INMYROOM

What needs to be done to turn a summer veranda into an ideal green space with a comfortable environment? We'll talk about it today

The veranda is a wonderful place for rest and relaxation. It is especially good in the summer to gather in it with guests and friends, read books or just admire the local beauties.

This is a business card of any home, so the design of the summer it is desirable to think over the verandas so that it fits into the environment and becomes harmonious continuation of the house.

What needs to be done to turn a summer terrace into an ideal green corner with a comfortable environment? We'll talk about this Today.

Tip #1: Style

The style of the summer veranda can be individual, independent of the interior of the house or, conversely, may be a continuation of the general theme of the house.

It can be decorated in Russian style with a samovar for tea drinking. It will look great light, floral and airy interior in Provence style. Here decorative, textured and the presence of a tree.

The summer terrace looks great in oriental or Moroccan style with soft sofas and an abundance of decorative pillows. If the veranda is located next to the pond, you can arrange it in nautical theme with ropes, nets and rope ladders.

Tip #2: flooring for the veranda

A very important element in the design of the summer veranda is floor covering. If it is chosen correctly, it sets the desired sound. terrace.

Boarding is mainly used. Wide deck board creates a rustic atmosphere.

Excellent natural stone with low absorption moisture (shale, basalt). Such a coating will cool the veranda on a hot day.

Terrace boards are the ideal solution for a summer terrace (decking). Ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware are also used.

Tip #3: Zoning

If you have a large veranda at your disposal, then you can divided into a recreation area, a dining area and a work area, if, of course, it will be in this need.

If you have a small veranda, you can limit yourself to a conditional zoning. Place the tea drinking (dining) area against the wall or you can install furniture closer to the entrance to the house.

A seating area would be appropriate near a bookcase with small coffee table. It is also good to mark this area by the fireplace, if he is. This technique will allow you not to clutter up the space.

Tip #4: Proper porch lighting

Also an important factor in the design of the summer veranda is lighting. With it, you can set a festive mood, zone space or make romantic notes.

Handrail lights can be installed, and if they are missing, then with lamps built into the floor, you can designate an area of ​​\u200b\u200bopen verandas. It's beautiful and will help avoid injury.

The universal shape of the ceiling lamps for the veranda - cylindrical or spherical. They are the easiest to care for, they suit any style. For an open veranda, experts do not recommend using hanging lamps, even if there is a high ceiling.

LED lighting will be appropriate for a party or family holiday, it perfectly cheers up. By the way, one can distinguish luminous tape steps, railings and even the roof.

For a romantic mood, it is better to use soft lighting. Such light is able to emphasize the architectural features of the veranda. It is also good to use illuminated flowerpots for romance.

For a classic style choose wrought iron floor lamps or rustic style kerosene lamps will fit in. With LED economical floodlights with high poles, you can use a flood (not dazzling) illumination of the perimeter of the veranda.

For a small terrace, a few interesting lamps may suffice. And on a large platform, you can create a light show.

Tip #5: comfortable furniture

For a summer veranda, you should choose comfortable and durable pieces of furniture. Sun loungers, benches, chairs and tables should not be too bulky and pretentious. For an open veranda, it is better to choose furniture that easy to transform and move.

To durable and practical materials, of which make furniture for open verandas, include warm wood, plastic, metal, genuine leather.

The most common types of furniture are wicker tables and chairs. Nobody canceled the hammock. Rattan furniture has gained great popularity. Moreover, manufacturers offer many different stylistic solutions.

If you spend a lot of time with friends on the veranda, then I need to buy a big table. You will also need many additional seating areas. These include swings, comfortable ottomans and sofas.

If official representatives are to be received, then it is better to choose more strict furniture with a small coffee table and comfortable armchairs.

Tip #6: practical textiles

When decorating an open veranda, textiles are often used to create a pleasant cozy atmosphere. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the differences temperatures and other weather vagaries.

Therefore, choose removable covers made of special fabric, designed for such conditions. The color scheme can be varied, but still it is better to refuse light shades, otherwise dust and other pollution will be immediately noticeable.

Tip #7: Plants

Unity with nature is impossible without outdoor gardening verandas. Surround the area with as many green plants as possible and colors. They can be hung in a flower pot or create small flower beds using flowerpots.

Climbing plants will provide additional shade on the open veranda. Hedges can not only provide coolness, but also bring them closer to nature.

Green spaces should be selected taking into account climatic conditions. You also need to leave more space for growing plants.

Select flowering crops so that as soon as one fading, others immediately began to bloom. Then there will be an atmosphere blooming garden.

Hanging flowerpots and planters look impressive. For floor compositions suitable tubs with palm plants. Can be hung on railings containers all around.

The landscaping of an open veranda should not turn into impenetrable jungle. So keep the measure. Pay special attention to the entrance to the veranda. This is a visiting a card that creates a first impression. Here you can arrange symmetrically flowerpots.

Tip #8: Roof

Be sure to take care of the roof for the open veranda. So you can hide from the rain or the scorching sun.

Learn more