It’s the little things. The details of your home’s exterior design make all the difference. There are tons of decisions to make when updating your home’s exterior, from paint colors choices to front door options to outdoor lighting ideas that will maximize curb appeal. In this post, we’re hoping to inspire you with exterior light fixture ideas. The images below demonstrate how intentional outdoor lighting choices can elevate the entire aesthetic of your home.
So many details, big and small, go into designing your home’s exterior. Our expert designers are here to ensure that none of them are missed. At brick&batten, we are committed to creating a customized design plan that fits your style and needs. Find out more about our virtual design services.
#1 // Built-In Column Lights
In the before photo above, there is only one small outdoor light that is barely noticeable. The columns and balcony are striking architectural elements. But the home was missing the thoughtful touches that make it feel intentionally designed. As you can see, lighting is a huge factor in the updated virtual after. Our designer recommended Bowman 6 outdoor wall sconces for each of the columns and on both sides of the door on the balcony. This lighting choice draws attention to the home’s unique structure. Plus, it’s useful, providing plenty of lighting for enjoying the front porch after dark.
#2 // Industrial Lighting
Next, we love how industrial lighting can transform a traditional home. Using industrial-style wall sconces on each side of the garage door and above the address numbers on the face of this home accentuates some of the updates, adding to the home’s curb appeal. These fixtures were inspired by vintage warehouse lights. They pair beautifully with the more modern industrial Halle wall lanterns surrounding the front door.
#3 // Post Lighting
Do you have a dramatic approach to your home? We often think about exterior lighting being physically attached to our home, but if you have more space out front, post lights are another way to make a statement. Our designers gave this traditional Spanish-Mediterranean home a fresh look by updating the post lightsto a more modern, sleek style.
#4 // Thoughtful Geometry
Another way to think about your outdoor lighting is through the lens of geometry. The round fixtures our designers used for this rustic ranch home afford a striking contrast to all of the sharp edges the home has, giving it a modern vibe. Inspired by early 20th century elevator indicator lights, the Pittock double sconces provide symmetry for the patio area of the home, brought to center with a Cedar & Moss globe pendant. We adore this look.
#5 // Sconces
The right sconces can boost your home’s exterior. Our designer replaced this transitional home’s traditional lantern sconces with the modern black Progress cylinder sconces. The simplicity of these sconces contrasts nicely with the lantern and globe fixtures near the home’s entryway.
#6 // Mix-and-Match
This craftsman home’s unadorned façade lends itself to experimenting with different styles of outdoor lighting. Our designer combined a large Roton outdoor pendant with built-in column lights and mounted lanterns on each side of the front door. Clearly, mixing light fixtures can bring interest to the exterior of your home.
#7 // Statement Entryway
Of course, your home doesn’t need a grandiose entryway to make a statement. This mid-century modern home features a striking tall peak above the front door. In the before photo, the dark, dimly lit front door area was a missed opportunity at a visual focal point. Our designer chose to use a hanging globe pendant directly above the door and further enhanced the entrance by incorporating can lighting and sconces.
#8 // Lanterns
This Spanish-Mediterranean ranch home had small exterior lights that blended in with the home’s light color. Our designer chose to speak to the heritage of the home’s architecture by making use of lanterns. The French Quarter Yoke hanging lantern in the entryway coordinates nicely with the Governor lanterns surrounding the garage doors.
#9 // Over-Garage Lighting
Finally, outdoor lighting doesn’t always have to serve as a statement. Can lighting accentuates other elements of your home’s exterior design, like the garage doors. Also, it can provide safety at night. We recommend using a local contractor to source your can lights.
Light It Up
Exterior lights shouldn’t be an afterthought. No matter your design style, choosing the right fixtures for the outside of your home makes all the difference. From sconces and globes to post lights and can lighting, there are plenty of outdoor lighting ideas for maximum curb appeal. At brick&batten, we are ready to help you find the right options for your home.
Are you ready to elevate your home’s exterior? Get started with our quick and easy questionnaire! All you have to do is answer a few questions so our expert designers can better understand your design style and goals. Your before-and-after will follow soon thereafter.
Our top all-around pick for an outdoor light is the Leonlite COB LED Security Light. It's a floodlight with two adjustable heads, and we loved that they rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to angle the light to anywhere within your yard.
The color temperature of LED lights is measured in Kelvin (K) and refers to the color of the light emitted. For outdoor lighting, a color temperature of 2700K-3000K is recommended for a warm and inviting ambiance, while 5000K-6000K is better suited for security lighting and illuminating large outdoor areas.
You can either opt for opposing colors, like black and brass, or stick to a similar cool or warm shade, like chrome and nickel. This doesn't only apply to lighting, consider the finishes of your outdoor furniture, door hardware, or outdoor kitchen knobs as part of your mix and match plan.
For outdoor porch lights, LED bulbs are highly recommended due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Choose a bulb with a warm color temperature (2700K-3000K) to create a cozy and inviting ambiance.
As a result, Northwest Outdoor Lighting recommends a warm color tone (specifically 2,700K to 3,200K). This applies to ALL lights on the outside of your residence, such as carriage lamps, entry lamps and obtrusive flood lamps.
Lights in the 2700K-3000K temperature range have a hue similar to candlelight or incandescent bulbs. Warm landscape lights are used for ambient and accent lighting because this color temperature creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Install warm white lights in your patios, decks, and gardens.
Brass stands out as a popular choice for outdoor lighting due to its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. Its robust nature makes it particularly well-suited for coastal environments where salt exposure can be a concern. Brass also develops an attractive patina over time, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Of all the exterior light options, flood lights cast the widest beam. This makes them the best choice for lighting dark outdoor spaces like an alley, driveway or workshop entry. Flood lights are also good for guests and family as they navigate your driveway and walkways.
Since they will last for years of use, designs that use LEDs are a great choice for areas that are hard to reach or access. Many feature built-in motion sensors, so you can place them on garages or in walkways just as you would a normal incandescent bulb fixture.
Place lights about 8' - 10' apart; about 1' - 2' from the door. Lights should be above eye level for most users. Pro Tip: When in doubt about size, go bigger. Lighting will look smaller when viewed from the street.
For most homes, the ideal exterior light height is just about eye-level for most people. In most front door and entry areas, your outdoor sconces and wall lights should be positioned so that the center point is right around 66 to 72 inches above the floor.
A 2021 UCLA study confirmed that the color of LED light used is a major factor in whether or not insects are affected. The main outcome of the study—and the widely accepted answer, as of now—is that insects are less attracted to yellow and amber lights, while more attracted to blue and ultraviolet light.
The best wattage for outdoor lights is 40 watts and lower. Up to 40 watts is ideal for lighting pathways, garden beds, and other landscape areas. 40 to 80 watts are great for brightening areas like driveways, smaller yards, and the inside of your home.
Some of the best weather-resistant materials to consider include powder-coated aluminum and brass. These are generally the most durable types that are designed to withstand harsh conditions. With proper installation and care, a porch light made from one of these materials should last for many, many years.
Laser diodes can, in principle, have high efficiencies at much higher input power densities than LEDs. Hence the replacement of blue LEDs with blue laser diodes has the potential to be the next evolutionary step in lighting technology.
In fact, one study found that incandescent light bulbs attracted the most insects (with fluorescent bulbs coming in second), while LEDs, particularly those with a warm color temperature, attracted the least bugs.
Lumens are the measure of light output. The number of lumens needed for outdoor lighting depends on the purpose and location of the light. For example, a porch light may require 800-1000 lumens, while a floodlight may need 2000-3000 lumens. For pathway lighting, 100-200 lumens per light are sufficient.
Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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