13 porch lighting ideas to illuminate your entrance for an elevated and welcoming look

Your front door and - if you have one - your porch is the first thing that anyone sees of your home, including you every time you come home from work or another outing. That’s why it should look and feel welcoming and the right porch lighting ideas can help with this tremendously.

First impressions are important and your chosen front porch ideas and decorating decisions will impact what the first impression of your home looks like. Do you want it to be stylish, elevated and inviting? Then opting for the correct lighting is key as lighting sets the mood and the atmosphere in a space, while also serving a very practical purpose.

‘As the first thing you see when you look at your house, porch lights serve an important purpose, giving light and a sense of security or safety, while offering a warm welcome,’ says Matthew Currington, technical director at The Lighting Superstore. ‘Whether you're aiming for rustic charm or sleek modernity, the proper lighting adds instant kerb appeal and a touch of cosiness to your front door.’

Porch lighting ideas

Mark Holloway, founder and lighting expert from design specialists Holloways of Ludlow, reiterates how important the right lighting is to a front porch, ‘Your porch is the first impression of your home, not to mention a practical space where you’ll be finding your keys or greeting guests, so it’s important to light it properly. When choosing lighting styles for your porch there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on the size and layout of your space.’

And these are some of the best lighting styles and tips depending on what kind of porch you’re working with.

1. Add some wall lights

Outdoor wall lights are some of the best and most popular lighting options for porches, mainly because they don’t take up space and most of us are in need of small front porch ideas.

‘If you’re working with a smaller porch, use wall sconces to provide sufficient lighting without taking up too much space. Plus, these add character and charm to your porch too,’ Mark at Holloways of Ludlow says.

Matthew at The Lighting Superstore continues, ‘Wall-mounted lights positioned beside the front door are a popular go-to as they strike the perfect balance between function and atmosphere with a welcoming glow that makes it easier to unlock your door after dark. A wall light should be positioned just above eye level or head height, any lower or higher will look strange and hamper the light’s effectiveness.’

2. Go for a flush ceiling light

Sticking to the small porch theme, another excellent lighting style to add if you don’t have a lot of space is a ceiling light that sits flush against the ceiling.

‘For smaller spaces, a flush ceiling light is an excellent option, fitting neatly against the ceiling without taking up space,’ Matthew at The Lighting Superstore recommends.

3. Illuminate your steps

If you have a few steps leading up to your front door, it’s a good idea to add lighting to these, both for aesthetic and safety purposes as you could otherwise trip while going up the stairs in the dark.

‘For porches with steps, recessed outdoor walkover lights are sleek and functional, as they create a soft glow that leads guests to your front door. These lights are often paired with another fixture positioned closer to the door to complete the lighting scheme,’ Matthew at The Lighting Superstore says.

4. Opt for solar lighting

If sustainable living is important to you, you might want to look at alternative energy sources to help you power your outdoor lighting. And solar light fixtures are currently rising in popularity.

‘While most porch lights are traditionally hardwired, solar-powered lights are growing in popularity due to their eco-friendly benefits,’ Matthew at The Lighting Superstore says.

5. Choose the right size

Keep proportion in mind when shopping for your porch lighting. Take measurements of the space you’re working with and look at dimensions of the light fixtures. You don’t want to end up with a light that looks out of place, whether that’s too big or too small for your front porch.

‘Choose the right size light for the space. Proportions matter – if the fixture is too big, it can overwhelm the area and look clumsy; if it’s too small, it can get lost and appear out of place,’ Matthew at The Lighting Superstore says.

6. Layer your lighting

Layered lighting is one of the biggest interior lighting trends that’s been going strong for a couple of years now – and we especially recommend it as a living room lighting idea. But if your front porch is enclosed, this is also a space that would benefit from multiple sources of light to make it feel more welcoming.

‘For enclosed porches, think of it like lighting any other room in your home. A layered lighting approach works best so combine different types of lights rather than relying on just one source. Consider adding table lamps or floor lamps to complement your overhead lighting and bring in extra warmth,’ Mark at Holloways of Ludlow advises.

7. Add some floor lanterns

If you want to add a little bit of whimsy to your front porch then adding some lanterns to the floor surrounding your front door is a great way to personalise this space.

‘Outside your front door, don’t overlook the impact of floor lanterns on either side of your door. These create a cosy, inviting first impression,’ Mark at Holloways of Ludlow says.

8. Think about symmetry

If space in your porch allows, hanging matching wall lights either side of your front door will help to light the area evenly. 'When it comes to porch lighting, symmetry and balance are essential,' explains Sam Marlow, interior designer and purchasing manager at Lime Lace.

'If your porch has a symmetrical design, hanging two small wall sconces on either side of the door is a natural choice. The arrangement creates a sense of balance and elegance, while providing ample illumination for the space.'

9. Focus light on key areas

On the other hand, if you are working with small front porch ideas, using a single light is just as effective. 'For smaller porches with limited space, consider hanging just one light,' advises Sam at Lime Lace. 'Place a sconce on one side of the door as this can create a charming, asymmetrical look that still provides adequate lighting.'

Although, when positioning your lighting, think carefully about which area it's needed most. 'If you opt for a single wall light, it's crucial to position it strategically. The ideal placement is near the doorbell, so it's visible to anyone approaching your home.'

10. Go for a pendant

For larger porches and those with a pitched roof, you can be a bit more adventurous with your outdoor lighting ideas. 'Pendant lights serve as a statement piece, adding a focal point to your porch's design,' explains Mara Rypacek Miller, managing director and founder of Industville.

'Whether it's a single large pendant or a group of smaller ones clustered together, these lights can elevate the aesthetic of your outdoor space, adding a touch of elegance and personality. They're particularly well suited for porches with higher ceilings, where they can hang without disrupting the flow of the space.'

Claire Pendarves, independent lighting consultant for The Soho Lighting Company, adds, 'A classical hanging lantern can look impressive in a traditional porch, but if it's open to the elements be sure to select a good IP rating and secure fixing so it doesn't rattle and sway in the wind.'

11. Choose one with a motion sensor

Another factor to think about is how your porch lighting will be activated. Do you want to switch them on manually, set them on a timer or be activated by motion?

'Lights with timers and sensors are becoming more common, as they offer added convenience and security. More advanced options can even track movement, to deter potential intruders,' Matthew at The Lighting Superstore says.

If you live in an area with no streetlights, a timer or motion-activated design is key.

12. Try a lantern style

For a more relaxed, informal porch lighting idea, grouping together lanterns in varying sizes creates a cosy atmosphere. 'Metal lanterns are a great addition for brightening your porch area and giving your entrance a little refresh for the summer season,' advises Amy Mason, director of product at Lights4fun.

'The minimalistic silhouette and contemporary matte finish of black metal lanterns will instantly uplift and gently illuminate your porch. Simply style either side of your front door, mixing and matching different heights and sizes, and select the optional six-hour timer function to bring a simple yet timeless glow to your front porch.'

It's also a cost-effective way of adding lighting without having to get an electrician to do any wiring.

13. Think about energy efficiency

Aside from deciding on what style of lighting to choose, think about the type of bulbs too. 'Don't forget to factor in energy efficiency when selecting lighting options,' explains Jamie Moxey, lighting specialist at Dusk Lighting. 'LED lights are an excellent choice for their low energy consumption and long lifespan.'

From a practical perspective, longer lasting bulbs mean they will need to be changed less regularly which is handy, especially if your lights are hard to reach.

FAQs

How bright should porch lights be?

Different rooms in the house can do with different light brightness based on the way you use the space. And that goes for your porch, too.

‘It sometimes depends on how much natural light you get or how much street lighting you have in your area, but generally, porch lights should be between 100 and 400 lumens,’ says Matthew Currington, technical director at The Lighting Superstore. ‘This will provide enough light in these usually smaller spaces, while maintaining a lovely ambience.’

Mark Holloway, founder at Holloways of Ludlow, adds, ‘When choosing your lights, we recommend opting for a warm white light for that cosy, relaxed ambience.’

  Which light is best for a porch?

'It's essential to consider the IP rating (Ingress Protection) of the lighting fixtures, which indicates their resistance to dust and moisture,' explains Mara Rypacek Miller, managing director and founder of Industville.

'For a covered porch, fixtures with an IP rating of at least IP44 provides protection against water splashes from all directions, making them suitable for covered outdoor areas. For an exposed porch, opt for fixtures with an IP rating of IP65, which will offer a higher protection.'

What is the best lighting for a covered porch?

'With covered porches, you have a bit more choice over your lighting as you can usually fit ceiling lights as well as wall lights,' explains Thomas Goodman, property and construction expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk.

'If head height is an issue, you could go for recessed spotlights or a slim LED ceiling light. For covered porches with a gable roof, you could either go with wall lights or a central light where the ceiling is highest. This gives you the option to choose a pendant or lantern style light without it getting in the way – creating a nice focal point in your porch.'

Mark at Holloways of Ludlow concludes with a final piece of advice, ‘It’s easy to go overboard. To avoid this, take the size and layout of your porch into account before deciding how many lights you need.