The front porch is an essential part of a home as it is the first thing that people notice. It sets the mood for incoming visitors and can be a beacon of safety and relaxation after a long day. There are lots of ways to personalize and decorate this area of the home. Installing outdoor lighting will provide many benefits to the porch and the surrounding space.
This week’s blog post will offer outdoor lighting tips to take any front porch and transform it into a nighttime sanctuary.
Reasons to Light the Porch
Installing outdoor lighting will vastly improve the front porch and the surrounding area.
First, it extends the usability of the porch. After all, that’s where the front entrance is and no one wants to fumble in the dark for house keys. It can also be a great spot for hanging out with guests.
Outdoor lights also make it harder for thieves or intruders to hide in the shadows, making a home less likely to be a target. If there are home security cameras, a properly lit porch can allow for clear visibility of who is approaching or at the door.
Highlight architectural features, unique landscape elements, and create a warm, inviting environment with outdoor lighting. It’ll increase the visual appeal of the home and surroundings.
Given these reasons, choosing outdoor lighting for this special part of the home is an easy decision.
Below are a few ideas for outdoor lighting that will help increase the functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal of the front porch:
- Install wall lightsnear the door. The number and placement of these lights depends on the location of the door and the size of the porch. Make sure the beam of light points downward so there’s enough light to clearly see the door to make entering the house easy.
- If the front porch has steps or stairs, consider adding step lights. Adding these lights will let people know that they need to watch their feet as they enter or leave the porch. It will prevent falls or accidents when traveling at night.
- Ceiling mounted lights include fixtures like flush or semi-flush lights, chandeliers, pendants, and recessed lights. They provide enough downward casting light that will eliminate any darkened corners. Chandeliers and pendant lights are ideal for larger, covered porches that require more ambient light. Check to see that these light fixtures are rated for outdoor use.
- Path lightsguide people to and from the porch and the street, ensuring safe navigation at night. They come in a variety of designs, colors, and styles to suit any home aesthetic.
- Give focal points like trees, columns, and flagpoles, the attention they deserve with up lights.
- Flood lightsprovide a nice wash of light and can deter unwanted visitors from the property.
- Downlightscan be installed high in trees to give a moonlit effect.
A great lighting design will result in a well-lit front porch that is functional, safe, and visually interesting at night.
Top Tips to Keep in Mind
When deciding which outdoor light fixtures are right for a front porch, keep these tips in mind.
Durability of the Light Fixtures
Being outdoors presents challenges that are more intense than an indoor environment. The weather and climate will have a huge impact on the light fixtures. Check ratings of outdoor lights to confirm if they are suitable for the installation site. Wet rated lights might not need as much coverage as damp rated fixtures. Brass fixtures are not only durable, but they offer a warm and inviting glow. They can also develop an interesting and unique patina over time, which also adds a charming quality to a home’s exterior.
Smart Technology
Smart bulbs can be controlled via a tablet or app or programmed to be voice controlled. Other features included with smart bulbs and lighting include setting up a schedule so the lights will automatically turn on and off, color-changing options, and flexible movement of light.
Placement of Lights
When installing lights, be aware of the porch’s space. Wall lights should be around 66 inches from the ground. This height will provide enough light while avoiding glare. Pendant lights should hang at least 6 feet above the ground.
Ensure that any hanging light fixtures don’t interfere with movement of the door or window shutters. Make note of their movement before installing the light fixture.
Say Goodbye to Bugs with Light
Consider using LED lights that are yellow or have a warm color temperature. They are less attractive to bugs, which is a good thing to keep the house bug-free.
Look Up Dark-Sky
Help minimize light pollution by looking for and choosing light fixtures that have a “Dark Sky” label. Doing so will also help the environment and local wildlife.
Beautifully Light Porches with LightCh8in
The front porch of a home is its best chance to make a great first impression. Plants, statues, and furniture will personalize the area and make it a nice place to hang out with loved ones. The addition of outdoor landscape lights will extend the usability of the porch, increase safety, and showcase its beauty after the sun sets.
Register for or log in to a LightCh8in account now to explore our extensive inventory of outdoor landscape lighting supplies. From outdoor light fixtures to LED bulbs to direct burial cable and more, find everything needed for lighting a front porch or any other outdoor lighting project.