Outdoor Lighting Ideas and Tips
Published By: Shades Of Light
Date Published: May 12, 2017
Last Updated: July 09, 2020
Looking for Outdoor Lighting Ideas?
Types of Outdoor Lights for Exterior Locations
• Walkway & Landscape Lights: When lighting a walkway or yard perimeter, one of the most popular choices is post lighting. Post lights illuminate walkways for safety when approaching your home at night. When using post lights in multiples, the spacing between the light poles should be roughly 2.5 to 3 times the height of the pole. Stately fixtures in traditional lamp post styles, as well as more rustic and modern designs, also add to the curb appeal of your home!
• Front Porch Lights: Front porch fixtures cast light on stoops, doorways, and doorknobs, making them an important addition to any home. Outdoor wall sconces, pendant lights, and ceiling lights also add a layer of elegance and style to your front porch and walkway. This lighting category features a range of looks and designs so you can customize your home to your exact liking.
• Covered Deck Lighting: Covered decks are perfect for taking in a breath of fresh air, and to keep them well lit after the sun sets, larger fixtures like outdoor ceiling fans with lights and outdoor chandeliers can add the ideal ambiance. Depending on the size of your space, using a mix of wall lights and hanging lights may be your best option.
• Open Patio Lighting: For homes that have an open patio or deck seating area, mounting an overhead fixture could prove problematic. In this case, outdoor table and floor lamps offer a portable, adjustable lighting option so you can craft the most comfortable patio experience.
• Beach House & Coastal Area Lights: If you’re living your best life in a dreamy beach house with a view of the coast, everyday outdoor lights won’t do. Salt air and sea storms can create harsh environments for outdoor fixtures, so if you want your lights to stand the test of time, choose marine-grade light fixtures made of corrosion resistant materials.
• Front Porch Lights: Front porch fixtures cast light on stoops, doorways, and doorknobs, making them an important addition to any home. Outdoor wall sconces, pendant lights, and ceiling lights also add a layer of elegance and style to your front porch and walkway. This lighting category features a range of looks and designs so you can customize your home to your exact liking.
• Covered Deck Lighting: Covered decks are perfect for taking in a breath of fresh air, and to keep them well lit after the sun sets, larger fixtures like outdoor ceiling fans with lights and outdoor chandeliers can add the ideal ambiance. Depending on the size of your space, using a mix of wall lights and hanging lights may be your best option.
• Open Patio Lighting: For homes that have an open patio or deck seating area, mounting an overhead fixture could prove problematic. In this case, outdoor table and floor lamps offer a portable, adjustable lighting option so you can craft the most comfortable patio experience.
• Beach House & Coastal Area Lights: If you’re living your best life in a dreamy beach house with a view of the coast, everyday outdoor lights won’t do. Salt air and sea storms can create harsh environments for outdoor fixtures, so if you want your lights to stand the test of time, choose marine-grade light fixtures made of corrosion resistant materials.
Tips for Outdoor Lighting Placement
The Best Bulb for the Job
Understand your Materials
Wet Rated versus Damp Rated
How Big should my Outdoor Lights be?
Porch & Front Door Light Placement Guide

Use our chart (below) to take the guess work out of what size light to use. When in Doubt go larger. Remember, from 50 feet away your lights will appear half their size. And don't forget to include the door trim in your measurements!
Front Porch & Front Door Lights Sizing Chart
Proportion of Light Fixture to Doorway | Placement of Light Fixture | |
Front Porch Lights & Wall Sconces | 1/4 or 1/3 the height of the doorway | 66" from the floor to center of fixture |
Over Front Door Wall lights | 1/4 or 1/3 the width of the door frame | Centered; 6" above the door |
Pendant & Hanging Porch lights | 1/5 the height of the door | Centered; 6" above the door |
DESIGNER TIP: Using a wall lantern on each side of the door frame is an appealing choice for symmetrical entries. However, if space is tight, one light placed on the door knob side will work. Feel free to go a little larger in size, up to 1/3 of the door frame height. Add an overhead light if more light is desired.