Last Updated on September 10, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford
Do you have a newly constructed porch? Perhaps, you just want to refurbish the front of your home to give it a more welcoming vibe. No matter the reason, it’s always a good idea to focus on how this area lights up. And if you need help brainstorming, we’ve got some fantastic porch lighting ideas right here.
Related: What does the color of porch light mean?
Cost Consideration
In general, any form of lighting does well enough to not only illuminate surroundings in the nighttime but also to accentuate the porch. However, there are styles and materials that are more expensive than others. Moreover, you need to take service costs into account if you’re not going for the DIY method.
1) Budget Option
If you only have around $100, your porch lighting ideas are going to be limited. Still, this amount of money is enough to get you clear glass lighting. It won’t have any faceting whatsoever, but its base made of steel sheets are bendable enough to weld them accordingly.
The finish could eventually wear quicker than you’d expect. However, you can get a more premium powder coating if you increase the budget to $150. This should give your porch lights more weather resistance. Otherwise, be prepared for oxidization and rusting to occur soon.
2) Regular Option
A budget of up to $250 gives you a much better set of porch lighting options. The glass can now have faceting in the form of seeded glass — primarily characterized by its pack of tiny bubbles. Beveled variants are also thicker and allow for more decorative, complex glass designs.
Instead of cheap steel sheets, you can now get the sturdier but less flexible aluminum. While this means you can no longer weld the base with ease, your fixtures can be constructed out of several die-cast parts. The aluminum benefits from powder coating to further delay the oxidization process.
3) Premium Option
If budget isn’t a problem, then you’re guaranteed to have great-looking, long-lasting porch lights. The base will have impeccable details to ensure that the brass or copper looks unlike any other. Similarly, there are no limits in the design and beveling of the glass.
The finish is likely to survive for many, many years. A multi-layer coating of chromium or silver keeps it beautiful and resistant to weathering. Furthermore, even the brass or copper sections will remain sturdy without any coating or polish.
Understanding UL Labels
It’s important to get porch lights that are reviewed by a relevant authority such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) — a global independent safety certification company. There are only two labels that you need to know: the UL damp rating and the UL wet rating.
A porch lighting fixture with a UL damp rating is designed for areas that aren’t exposed to rain and excess moisture; snow and fog should not reach the lights and remain for a long time. On the other hand, lights with a wet rating are suitable for porches that constantly experience rain, snow, and dense fog.
A compact porch can still get a decent lighting fixture if you place it on the ceiling. Place it in a way that provides light to both the door and the remaining area. And if the ceiling is higher than usual, you should mount outdoor pendant lights at a height that will prevent visitors from bumping their heads to it.
What are the best patio string lights?
String lights are perfect not only to illuminate your patio but also be a decorative statement. The most important thing to consider is durability.
Your lights need to withstand the elements. LED lights are the best option. They last up to ten times longer than halogen bulbs and are highly customizable.
How do you hang lights on a patio?
Hanging patio lights is dependent on the size of the area and the decorative pattern you want to achieve. The roof gutters make an ideal spot to hang your lights. You can also use the wall or traverse beams across the patio area to hang your lights.
What is the best outdoor light?
Safety and security are the most important things to consider when selecting an outdoor light. Ensure that your light choice provides enough illumination for the area, and it is away from tampering.
Your best bet is the LED type of lights. On the security front, you can opt for lights that have motion sensors. These light up brightly when movement happens and will alert you of any potential intrusion.
How do you string lights in your backyard?
You can string them around the fence of your backyard. This ensures even distribution of light across the entire back yard. You can also use nails to hang the lights along the walls of your patio. If you have poles marking the edges, you can string lights around them.
Are LED lights suitable for outdoor use?
LED lights are excellent for outdoor use. They are energy efficient and do not produce a lot of heat. The plastic on LED lights is highly resistant to most changes in weather conditions.
How high should patio string lights be?
Hang your lights in a way that ensure sufficient lighting, with minimal interference to the ongoing activities. A height of about 8 feet off the floor is ideal.
How do you hang patio lights without nails?
Instead of nails, you can use adhesive. Use the adhesive on the bulb fixtures and stick the lights along the gutter lines in your patio. You can also use hooks to hang your lights along the beams of your patio.
How to string lights across backyard
You can hang your lights on the edges of the roof overlooking your patio. You can also hang them on the poles on the corners of your patio.
Make sure the lights are high enough, to prevent unnecessary heat reaching you while you relax on the patio. You can also wrap the lights on the trunk of a tree in your backyard.
Outdoor string light pole stand
You can erect poles at strategic areas in your backyard to act as main support for string lights. The walls of the house can also act as extra support for the string lights.
Solar patio lighting ideas
Solar lights charge during the day and power themselves during the night. You can use them in the same way as the other types of patio lights, without worrying about your electricity bill.
Apartment patio lighting ideas
You can use the balcony edge to string lights around your patio. If you have an overhead shade, you can affix light either at the sides or centre to make for an incredible light source.
With these 30+ porch lighting ideas below, you can decorate the porch of the house extremely impressive and eye-catching.
Also read:
29+ Creative Garden Lantern Ideas
25+ Lighting ideas for your backyard
1. Screened porch makeover for less than $500
2. Lighted grapevine balls
3. Waterproof outdoor porch lamp
4. Gorgeous porch light solution
5. Stunning light fixtures
6. Welcoming front porch
7. Contemporary patio concepts
8. Porches always add charm to a home
9. Rustic light fixture is made from old tin funnels
10. Shaded String Lights
11. Faux Tabletop Glow
12. DIY Wood Lanterns
13. Lantern idea
14. Cute pineapple lamp
15. Bulb lighting deck
16. Lantern planters with succulents
17. Panel side lamp
18. Screened porch love
Related: 45+ Best Screened In Porch Ideas and Designs (With Pictures)
19. Bungalow bohemian shines
20. Bohemian
21. Recycled Vent Fan
22. Pottery Barn Inspired Hyannis Lanterns
23. Upcycled Lantern Solar Lights
24. Wood and Mason Jar Tiki Torches
25. Basket lights
26. Sculpted from iron
27. Bed springs upcycle
28. Potted Candle Planters
29. Tiki Torch Bottles
30. Lace Cut-out Table Lamp
Patios are a great addition to any house. They are great recreational spaces with lots to do at any time of the day. In this article, we look at lighting ideas that you can use for your patio.
Conclusion
Patios are great outdoor recreation spots. Use lights to accentuate the décor and be the envy of all your neighbours.
