Your front porch is the initial representation of your home; it is the entrance into your castle. But beyond being an entrance, your front porch can also serve as an area for lounging or a place for your personal revelry. While the possibilities are endless, here are a few ways to create a porch visitors will fall in love with using a few lighting techniques.

Patio string lights being used to outline a porch.

String and Patio Lights

Looking for quick lights to put up and take down as needed? Consider outdoor Christmas string lights. These versatile lights can be used just about anywhere and create a fun, festive atmosphere for any occasion. There are multiple options to choose from, including:

Patio lights are another great option. These lights aren't just for stringing around your backyard. They can be used to add warm accent lighting around your porch. Many people attach them to the overhang around their porch, while others attach them directly to the ceiling. Patio lights can be paired with most bulbs as long as you don't exceed the maximum wattage. If you don't want to purchase bulbs separately, look for stringers that come with them.

Caged Lanterns

If I've said it once, I'll say it again: lanterns are a great way to add style to your décor. There are countless options for lanterns, such as using them for centerpieces or hanging them over your kitchen and dining room tables. However, let's focus on caged lanterns with LLED candles for use on porches

Bird cage LED lanterns create a romantic and relaxing atmosphere with the use of battery-powered LED candles. The candle still emits the beautiful glow of a flickering flame, but without using fire, so you don't have to worry about whether or not you forgot to blow out your candle. Most LED candles also come equipped with a timer option. Another great thing about these lanterns is that they can be used indoors or outdoors. These lanterns work as ground lanterns, but you will find that they are also great for table or counter lighting.

Pro Tip: If using LED candles made from wax, make sure not to leave them outside when it's hot. In extreme temperatures, the wax can potentially melt and make a mess.

Ceiling Fans

It's a laid-back summer afternoon. You're relaxing on your front porch swing with some good music, a cool glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, and a few hot-out-of-the-oven sugar cookies. The sun picks up, and before you know it, you've hopped off the swing in a sweaty mess that even the lemonade couldn't cure. The front porch can be a peaceful haven, but even havens are subject to the heat. Installing a ceiling fan on a larger porch is a great way to stay cool while on your porch, especially during those extra-warm summer days.

When selecting a ceiling fan for your porch, several factors should be taken into consideration, including fan size, ceiling height, and whether you prefer a fan with or without lighting. You should also check that the fan is rated for outdoor use so you won't end up with warped and wilted blades. A ceiling fan is a double blessing because, while keeping you cool on a summer day, it also gives you something stylish to look at.

Pro Tip: While many newer fans use integrated LEDs, you can still find one that used replaceable bulbs. If pairing an outdoor fan with LED bubs, make sure the bulbs are outdoor rated.

Patio table lamps are perfect for outdoor lighting.

Cordless Patio Table Lamps

Sometimes you might want to enjoy a candlelight-esque meal. Or you want to view the stars but still have enough light to see by. Patio table lamps are the perfect solution. These cordless lamps can be used for accent lighting and low-light task lighting for tables. They are rechargeable and have multiple brightness settings. Depending on the model, they can even have a bug light setting designed to help deter insects when using your porch at night.

Outdoor Wall Sconces

Rated for outdoor use, wall sconces are a beautiful addition to your front porch décor. They are ideal for illuminating different sections of your front porch. You most likely already have one or two installed on either side of your front door. When paired with ceiling lights, sconces provide additional light for when you are entering or exiting your home.

Outdoor wall sconces are available in two distinct types: LED and LED ready. LED sconces utilize integrated LEDs that have preset color temperatures and lumen outputs. LED ready wall lights, on the other hand, do not come with bulbs. The bulbs must be purchased separately, allowing you to choose the desired output. Depending on the sconce, you may use 1 to 3 lights. Keep in mind, however, that not all LED light bulbs not rated for fully enclosed fixtures.

Outdoor Ceiling Lights

Outdoor ceiling lights are a necessary form of lighting for your front porch. Typically, these lights provide your porch with its primary source of lighting. These lights can be simple or decorative. Depending on the look you want to achieve for your porch, consider using pendant-style ceiling fixtures or close-to-ceiling fixtures.

Pendant-style lights hang lower; for example, some lanterns can be used as pendant lights, whereas close-to-ceiling lights do not hang. Choose ceiling lights that best complement your porch and provide you with the most adequate lighting for your illumination needs. If you have a smaller front porch without much space, you may want to consider a close-to-ceiling light. Contingent on the size of your porch, you may want to use more than one fixture.

Pro Tip: Ultra thin downlights and surface mount lights are also popular choices. They are easy to install and can be layered with other lights for balanced lighting.

Giving your porch that extra special glow is always a plus. Whether you decide to improve your illumination with caged lanterns, ceiling fans, outdoor wall sconces, or any of our other suggestions, remember that your porch is the portal to your paradise. Now sit back in your favorite chair on your front porch and take in this gorgeous day.

What are some ways that you've spruced up your porch in the past? Comment below, or leave us a message through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram! Need help finding the perfect outdoor lighting to create your oasis? Our lighting experts are here to help. Call 1-866-479-0360 today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What color temperatures are recommended for front porch lights? Generally, 2700K to 3000K is recommended as this color temperature range provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere. If visibility and security are more important, we recommend 3000K to 4000K. This range is brighter, providing better visibility.

What ratings should LED bulbs have when being used with outdoor lighting? It will depend on the types of outdoor lighting being used. In most cases, you will need to look for the following ratings:

Damp Location - bulbs can come into contact with humidity, but not direct contact with water. This rating is perfect for bulbs used in open fixtures that are under cover and protected from the weather.
Wet Location - bulbs can come into direct contact with water. Bulbs with this rating can be used in open fixtures, patio string lights, and other similar applications where the bulbs will be directly exposed to the weather.
Enclosed Rated - bulbs can be used in fully enclosed fixtures with no air flow. Use bulbs with this rating in a wide range of fixtures such as porch lights and enclosed landscape lighting.

How can I create layered lighting for my porch? Layered lighting can be achieved by choosing multiple fixtures such as sconces, wall lanterns, and pendants.