The options for professional lighting vary widely, including options that can help enhance your outdoor entertainment spaces like your porch. Professional porch lights may seem like an unnecessary investment, but quality lighting can make all the difference in how your porch can be used and the security around your property. Professional porch lights can be installed by our team to help homeowners create better ambiance as well as make the porch usable long after the sun goes down. In this blog, we will share what you need to do to maximize porch lights and set the right mood for every occasion. 

How Much Lighting Do You Need?

Making sure you have sufficient lighting is the first step in creating a proper porch lighting design. Banishing dark corners and preventing unwanted glare only happens when you find the right balance of lights. Light is often measured in lumens, which makes it a little easier for homeowners to determine how much light will be needed for their unique space. When lighting a porch, you should take any natural light and surrounding house lights into account. 

The type of bulb you choose can also make a difference in the use of the porch. The lightbulb can affect the strength and overall tone of the lighting. Warm white bulbs are often recommended for porch lighting as it provides a soft glow, best for dinner parties or family game nights. Aiming for a few fixtures at about 200 lumens each will provide adequate lighting for open moderate-sized porches. 

Choosing A Timeless Look

For homeowners who want to utilize their porch for different purposes, gatherings, and relaxing evenings, they should choose professional porch lights that are timeless, not trendy. Timeless lighting will provide you with the lighting you need to complete tasks or see your guests, but it can be used for the future owners of your home or by your children for teenage hangouts. Timeless lighting doesn’t mean it needs to look dated. Brushed metals and sleek cylindrical bulbs are a safe bet for almost any home. 

Do You Need IP-Rated Lighting?

Is your porch exposed to surrounding weather conditions and harsh elements? Lighting may not be as effective or may be damaged easily by different weather if they are not rated for outside use. IP safety ratings are used to help consumers determine how well they will hold up to foreign debris and moisture. Higher IP-rated lights will be able to handle moisture and debris without damage or minimized light. Choosing durable exterior materials to protect the bulbs may also be necessary if your lights are placed in an exposed location. 

Common Lighting Types For Residential Porches

If you are unsure where to start when it comes to choosing porch lighting, there are some common types that homeowners choose, no matter their personal style. Here are some residential lighting options that are best suited for porch settings. 

Sconces

You may not think of sconces as an outdoor lighting option, but there are a variety of sconce looks that can serve your porch setup. LED sconces can be a great way to add elegance and decorative elements to your porch design. Sconces can send light both up and down, adding more contrast to your space and providing more light without additional bulbs. 

String Lights

Some of the most common porch design looks feature string lighting. For a romantic and elegant atmosphere, string lights are the best option for illuminating your porch. If your porch is fairly open or you have an outdoor fire pit area, string lights are the easiest to install as there isn’t much surface area to attach bulbs. String lights can also be used to accent other lighting options and be used for gatherings earlier in the evening or only for certain events. 

Column Lights

Porches often feature columns or posts that are used to hold up an awning or roof. Placing lights along columns and posts is not only practical, but can create needed contrast if you want to add drama to the space. You can wrap lights around these columns or place sconces on them, allowing you to wash light over the space with professional porch lights. 

Overhead Lighting

If your porch is covered, overhead lighting can be used to light specific areas for important tasks like eating, writing, reading, or hobbies. Overhead lighting is targeted light that is mostly used for function, rather than ambiance. Pendant lights are a great way to provide task lighting and improve aesthetics at the same time. Make sure these don’t hang too low, as they can be struck by people walking or raising their arms. 

Custom Lighting From Pegasus Outdoor Lighting

Our team at Pegasus is proud to be serving our local community with proper lighting solutions. Whether you want a space to entertain or want to elevate your holiday season, we have options for you. Showcase your home’s architecture and safety by investing in quality lighting. We use high-quality, weather-resistant fixtures and professional installation techniques, setting us apart from the local competition. Reach out to us to learn more about our services today!