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- Outdoor
- Outdoor Wall Lighting
- Porch Lights
Porch Lights
Most people only think about indoor lighting, but outdoor lighting is just as important. And in addition to always prioritizing style, security is the ultimate goal. By illuminating the entrance, porch lights help create a safe environment for you and your family. Your next guests will also be extremely happy to see the entryway lighted to welcome them.
Making sure your porches are properly lit will eliminate the inconvenience of fumbling for your keys in the dark and stumbling over small objects. It's great to be able to see who's at your door with porch lights and security cameras. Also, you can deter burglars and porch pirates from approaching your home.
It is clear that porch lights can be more than just a glowing yellow box on the wall. You can improve your home's curb appeal while also adding a layer of security. But how can you choose the right porch light for the kind of outdoor space that your home or business has? To know what's out there, check out your options here.
What are the common styles of Porch Lights?
When looking for porch lights, there are a few styles to consider. Each has benefits as well as drawbacks, but what really matters is determining which one will blend in the best with your outdoor space. There are 4 types of light fixtures commonly used for porches and outdoor entryways. Let's look at each of these in more detail below:
Wall Sconces
One of the most popular types of porch lights is the wall sconce. The most common is surfaced mounted wall lights. That means you can install them directly on the wall without drilling. An outdoor wall sconce is a great way to present your front door or to aesthetically brighten up any dark corners around your porch. Installing an outdoor wall sconce is easy. You will enjoy the selection available in many different styles and materials including brick, aluminum, and wood.
Ceiling Mounted Lights
This type of porch light is installed directly on the ceiling above your porch. These are also the forms of ceiling-mounted porch lights that you can choose from, recessed lights, flushed or semi-flushed light fixtures, chandeliers, and pendant lights.
Considering the dimensions of the fixture, these are usually better suited for larger, covered porches that require more ambient lighting. Ceiling mounted lights are an excellent choice for wrap-around porches used for entertaining family and friends.
Pillar or Post Lights
This type of outdoor lighting fixture can be installed on top of posts along the entrance pathway or positioned around your porch railing. The light they cast is just enough for you to see where you're going. This is not as intense as the amount of light that flood lights or spotlights do. They are ideal for illuminating hidden nooks, emphasizing steps or stairways, and beautifying landscape features.
Security Flood Lights
Security flood lights are often not very stylish despite being the most useful for safety concerns. Typically, safety lights have a built-in motion sensor that turns on when it detects movement in the vicinity. Security flood lights will keep burglars and stray animals away from your home, making sure that you always have the right amount of light when you get home or go for a midnight stroll. The dusk-to-dawn timers, or sensors, that turn the lights on automatically when the sun sets, are another similar feature to look for with outdoor safety lights.
Things to consider when buying Porch Lights
Placement of the fixture
It is important to have lighting fixtures on your outdoor porches because people use them for entering the home and for storing items. Lighting the front porch also needs to be done carefully to not cause unnecessary injury. As a homeowner, you will want to minimize hazards and distractions to your guests and family members.
This is why the placement of the porch light is important. For example, a door swing shouldn't bump into a sconce or collide with a hanging fixture. To avoid potential hazards, open your door and mark its arc on the ceiling or walls. Markings are more precise when placed in the center of the arc, as opposed to placing them close to the top of the door, where the arc will be tighter.
Attracting bugs
Due to the bulb's brightness, some lights are more likely to attract insects than others. You might want to look into bulbs that only draw a small number of insects. The majority of insects were found to be drawn to incandescent bulbs because of the standard design or the brightness of the bulb. The good news is that warm LED lights attracted the fewest flying insects.
IP Rating
Since the lights are intended to illuminate your outdoor space, it is important that you know that the fixture can withstand elements like dust and water moisture. The IP rating determines that. This is important information for you when it comes to choosing lights for your porch or patio area.
Light Pollution
Light pollution is a growing problem worldwide, as cities expand, and more people use electronic light. If you live near a city, you probably have noticed light pollution. One way we can make a difference is through our home lighting choices or more specifically, through the placement of outdoor lights. Here are some steps on how you can do your part to fight it:
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Choose downward-facing lights. Porch lights that cast light downwards can reduce glare and minimize light trespass onto neighboring properties.
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Choose warm-colored bulbs like LED light bulbs that produce a warm, yellow light. These warm LED lights create a more inviting and cozy atmosphere on your porch. And more importantly, they are less likely to contribute to light pollution than bulbs that emit a bright blue light.
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Install light shields or hoods. Adding shields or hoods to your porch lights can help direct the light on a specific area and reduce light pollution. These accessories can also help prevent glare and make your porch lighting more attractive and effective.
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Use smart lighting technology. Investing in smart controls and LED technology allows you to manage your lights remotely, set timers or dimmers, activate motion sensor lighting, and even change the color of the light emitted. With the help of these smart controls, you can activate the lights only when necessary at night and reduce light when not required.
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Turn off your porch lights when not needed. Remember to turn off the lights inside your home when you head to bed or outside if not necessary. Porch lights with motion-sensor features are your best options so the light doesn’t stay on all night. This will not only lessen your energy waste, but you'll also avoid light trespass in your neighborhood.
Whether you're looking to upgrade your current porch light or install a new one, there are various options to choose from. Consider factors such as style, size, brightness, and energy efficiency when selecting a porch light that meets your needs and preferences. Don't hesitate to explore the different options available at Zest Lighting to find the perfect one for your property.
Invest in a porch light today and enjoy the benefits that come with it. Contact us if you have more questions about our products.