Your porch lights are one of the earliest indicators of the feel of your home. Mastering your outdoor spaces’ lighting helps create an inviting vibe, giving your guests the warmest welcome. At Dusk Lighting, we pride ourselves on granting our customers access to the best outdoor lighting aesthetically and practically. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to display your fixtures or you’re unsure if your porch lights can sensor visitors or burglars, we are here to answer any questions you may have to ensure you get the most out of your lighting, capturing the perfect balance between beauty and safety.
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How high should porch lights be?
When choosing your porch lights, we recommend opting for exterior wall lights, which create a cosy and welcoming ambience. Porches with high ceilings will also look stunning with an additional outdoor ceiling or pendant light to add a shine to your door and enhance textures. Please note that pendant lights will work best if the dimensions of your porch allow; any fixtures hanging too low will make a jarring aesthetic and may be hazardous to your physical and visual comfort.
How high should my wall-mounted porch lights be?
Aim to position your wall-mounted porch lights to sit just above shoulder height. Hanging them approximately 6ft off the ground will ensure the light does not shine directly into your eyes and will serve as effective task lights when locking your door or retrieving your keys.
Generally, fixtures that measure around ¼ or ⅓ of the height of your door provide the best results as this will look neat and proportionate to the space. You should position your lights about 2ft away from your door to ensure enough light illuminates the area nicely. Anything too far away may cause unnecessary darkness.
How high should my pendant or ceiling porch lights be?
The base of a pendant light fixture should sit approximately 7ft higher than the floor level to maximise visibility and prevent dark areas from forming within your porch. A centring pendant will give the space a nice, even look for larger porches, while smaller porches would benefit from centring it in line with the door.
If you add outdoor spotlights to your porch, gauge whether recessed lighting would be better for your space. You must also consider the size of the area and how much natural light can access it.
Can you use indoor lighting on a covered porch?
While using exterior lighting is always safer in porches and external areas, there are some safety measures you can take to use interior fixtures.
- Ensure the IP rating of your lights is at least IP44, as this will provide thorough protection from solid and water-based hazards. You can also read our blog on IP Ratings Explained for further information.
- Check the UL rating (Underwriters Laboratory) of the light bulb or fixture to see if it is compatible with outdoor spaces. Anything strictly rated for indoor use should not be used in your porch.
- Protect your outdoor fixtures and bulbs by securely covering them to prevent water or moisture damage. Ensure your bulb does not exceed temperatures that could affect your cover.
Note that the construction of your porch may cause it to be more prone to bad weather, such as wind or rain. If this is the case, refrain from installing interior lights as they will be more likely to break or damage.
Do solar lights work under a porch?
Solar-powered lights can work well under a porch if used and positioned strategically:
- Regularly charge your solar-powered lights in an area with more natural light access.
- Observe whether the surrounding areas of your porch will change throughout the seasons; heavily vegetated areas throughout the summer may decrease the amount of natural light your solar lights can receive.
- If you live in a residential area with many street lights, ensure they do not come into direct contact with your solar lights, as this can interfere with their function.
Do porch lights detect burglars?
Many of our garden security lights can be placed in and around your porch to detect burglars and maximise your home’s security. We also stock a range of security and CCTV lighting for extra safety. However, if your porch lights do not contain built-in sensors or cameras, ensuring they are on throughout the evening, even when you or your family are out, causes your home to appear occupied, minimising the chances of intrusion.
Product Spotlight
Not sure where to start with outdoor lighting? Check out some of our top-rated products for some inspiration!
Astro Dartmouth Single Exterior Wall Light
With its sleek and compact design, it’s no wonder that the Astro Dartmouth Single Exterior Wall Light is one of our highest-rated products from our outdoor range. The perfect balance of style and practicality makes it a popular choice for many homes. Better still, this fixture is also specifically designed for coastal locations, meaning it is built to last with its high water and dust resistance. The dimmable features of the light provide full customisation, allowing you to create an ambience to suit a particular tone or mood. However you choose to personalise this light, you can be sure to create a warm and inviting feel with every use.
Elstead Lighting Glenbeigh Exterior Chain Pendant Light
The elegance of the Elstead Lighting Glenbeigh Exterior Chain Pendant Light is one of many characteristics that make this fixture one of our most loved. The slick contrast between the black and white design makes it easily adaptable to any exterior decor while adding a classic feel to your space. Whether you are looking for a waterproof fixture or something impact-resistant or corrosion-proof, this Elstead pendant light has all these features, ensuring longevity and unmatched robustness. Want to give your porch a cohesive feel with your lighting? Add the Elstead Lighting Glenbeigh Outdoor Wall Up or Down Light to your collection.
Eglo Salitta 600 Exterior Recessed Wall or Ceiling Light
Personalise your porch perfectly with the Eglo Salitta 600 Exterior Recessed Wall or Ceiling Light. Wherever you decide to place this fixture, you can count on creating a warm environment with a contemporary twist. The minimalistic yet stunning design allows you to incorporate the fixture to suit any aesthetic or decor without compromising practicality, as its 3000K provides faultless visibility. With protection from dust and water jets, this Eglo light is extremely reliable, ensuring it lasts through the worst weather conditions.
Purchase the perfect lighting for your porch at Dusk Lighting!
Perfect your home’s exterior today by choosing your favourite porch lights from Dusk Lighting. Our outdoor lighting range is crafted of top brands, such as Astro, Elstead Lighting and Firstlight, giving you the confidence to add the best-quality fixtures into your home with ease.
Browse our stunning selection of lights today and receive Free Mainland Delivery On Orders Over £59!