Your Front Porch Can Be Your Focal Point If Lit Correctly

Your Front Porch Can Be Your Focal Point If Lit Correctly

Having a beautiful front porch is one of the easiest ways to improve the look and feel of your home. But if you really want to make it stand out, consider lighting it up with some stylish light fixtures.

With the right kind and color of light fixtures, your front porch can become a focal point for your entire property – making it not only more attractive but also safer and more inviting. From subtle wall sconces to glamorous chandeliers, there are so many options available today that will help you create an eye-catching outdoor space.

So don’t let a dark porch keep you from enjoying all the benefits of having one! Let’s take a look at how choosing the right light color and fixtures can transform your front porch into something truly special.

Why Does Front Porch Lighting Matter?

Since your front porch is the entry into your home, it’s the place your guests will form their first impression of your home. Does it feel warm and inviting? Does it look like you take pride in your home?

Your porch should welcome guests to your home, even before they step inside. The best way to do that is with well-placed light fixtures.

Porch lighting isn’t just about aesthetics. A well-lit porch is also safer because it tells people you’re home and you take care of your house.

Also, a lit porch makes it easier to find your keys. It will also help everyone from your party guests to the pizza delivery person find your house more easily.

Choose a Light Fixture That Complements the Style of Your House

Before you start shopping for light fixtures, think about the style of your home. You’ll want to choose a sconce or a chandelier that matches your home. If your home has a cohesive style, it will improve your curb appeal.

Even when the light fixture is off, it’s still a part of your porch style. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right design.

If you have a modern home or a mid-century ranch, a wall sconce or chandelier with clean lines and sharp angles would look great. If you have a colonial or a craftsman home, you could choose a lantern sconce or something that’s a little more ornate. For a modern farmhouse, a gooseneck sconce would add the perfect touch.

Remember that your porch is an extension of the inside of your home. If you’re not sure which design to choose, a lighting designer can help.

Install it at the Correct Height

No one wants to walk up to your porch and have a glaring light shining in their face. That’s why you need to install sconces at the right height.

The general rule of thumb is to hang it about six feet off the ground. That also means the center of light should sit at a point that’s in the top third of the door. The exact spot will depend on your home’s design, as well as the placement of your house number.

For chandeliers and hanging pendant lights, the bottom of the light should be at least seven feet away from the ground. If your porch ceiling isn’t tall enough, you might be better off with a wall light or sconce.

Use the Right Color Light Bulbs

Your porch should create an atmosphere that’s warm and welcoming. It shouldn’t have the cold glow of a streetlight or a fluorescent office light. That’s where the light bulb color temperature comes in.

When you’re choosing light bulbs for your porch lights, look for bulbs that fall between 2700 and 3000 on the Kelvin temperature scale. That light temperature will give you a warm white light that gives off a slight yellow hue.

LED lights within that Kelvin temperature range will have the warm glow of an incandescent bulb, but LED lights are much more durable and safe, which makes them a great choice for outdoor lighting.

Add Railing or Path Lighting to the Porch Steps

Lights for a porch don’t have to stop at sconces or chandeliers. You can also add lighting to highlight your porch steps or railing. This will make your front entrance a focal point, and also prevent trip hazards.

Spot lighting, flood lighting and post lighting are just a few ways you can light up your porch steps.

Whether you have a staircase railing or a railing around your porch, it’s the perfect place to add lighting. For an understated look you can install a strip of lights on the underside of the railing. For a little more style you can install globe string lights on your patio railing for a bistro vibe.

Use Accent Lighting to Highlight Porch Greenery

Another great way to turn your porch into a focal point is to use accent lighting. Whether you have statement planters, a small statue, or a water feature on your porch, the right lighting will show them off.

Accent lighting pairs well with your wall sconces or pendant light. They’ll complement one another and create a beautiful lighting design for your porch.

You can also use accent lighting to highlight the house number. This will help friends and family spot your house at night.

Add Lamps or Candles for Ambiance

If you’re looking for a less permanent way to add some light to your porch, try lamps or battery-operated candles. Real candles aren’t safe to leave unattended, so only use them when you’re sitting on your porch.

Lamps and candles add the perfect amount of ambiance to your porch.

If you have a table on your porch, add a few battery-powered candles in different sizes. For more of a statement, try oversized lamps that you can set on the floor of the porch.

Upgrade Your Porch Lighting Today

The right porch lighting can transform your curb appeal and make your home safer. Plus, you’ll have the most beautiful and inviting home on the block.

If you’re in need of new front porch lighting but you’re not sure where to start, we can help. At Lighting Distinctions, we offer high quality fixtures and installation. Plus, our lighting designer can help you choose the perfect light for your porch.

Contact us today to set up a complimentary exterior lighting consultation.

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