Porch lights not only enhance the aesthetics of any home, but they also ensure safety by lighting up the outdoor surroundings and guiding guests during the night. Furthermore, when positioned strategically, porch lights can discourage potential trespassers. To ensure optimum lighting, it’s crucial to choose the suitable porch light that complements your home’s style and fulfills your specific lighting requirements.
The best porch lights should offer a blend of style, brightness, and energy efficiency. They should be durable to withstand the varying weather conditions and offer easy maintenance. Utilizing the incorrect porch light may result in insufficient light, greater energy costs, and early replacement.
When choosing porch lights, it’s vital to consider factors like brightness, style, energy efficiency, and material. Most importantly, always confirm that the porch light fulfills the standards for outdoor use and has a certification mark from a recognized agency.
In this guide, we’ve applied our experience in the field to identify and test a variety of porch lights to grasp the ones that will provide the best lighting for your porch. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information needed to select the best products that suit your requirements and create a safe and appealing outdoor space.
Best Porch Lights
Choosing the right porch light is crucial for creating a striking curb appeal, ensuring safety, and contributing to energy efficiency. The porch light illumination should be bright, warm, and inviting, and the fixture itself should be durable and low maintenance. With a multitude of options available in the market, it can be daunting to select the best one for your needs. In this guide, we’ve composed a list of the best porch lights following rigorous testing and detailed analysis, to help you make an informed decision.
Brightown Outdoor String Lights – Connectable Dimmable LED Patio String Lights with G40 Globe Plastic Bulbs, All Weatherproof Hanging Lights for Outside Backyard Porch (50 ft – 25 LED Bulbs)
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and stylish outdoor lighting solution, the Brightown Outdoor String Lights might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The 25 LED bulbs emit warm white light (2700-3200K) with up to 2200 lumens, providing a cozy and inviting ambiance for your outdoor space.
- The 50 feet long string light with 25 connections allows for endless extension, making it perfect for illuminating your entire backyard or patio.
- The 45-degree plug-in angle design of the string light connector makes it easy to connect and disconnect, without the need for additional tools or a screwdriver.
Cons
- The string lights are not fully waterproof, so they should not be left in the rain for an extended period of time.
- The string lights may be prone to tangling, so it’s important to be careful when handling and storing them.
- The string lights are not dimmable via the remote control, but they can be dimmed manually by adjusting the brightness setting on the controller.
The Brightown Outdoor String Lights are easy to install and come with a detailed manual, as well as a controller with 8 lighting modes, a timer function, and a DIY function. The included 44PCS stakes can be used to fix the lights in the ground, and the built-in 66FT power supply cable allows for easy plug-and-play operation.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and customizable outdoor lighting solution, the Brightown Outdoor String Lights are definitely worth considering.
Designers Fountain 1161-BK Value Collection Wall Lanterns, Black
If you’re looking for a simple and elegant outdoor wall lantern, the Designers Fountain 1161-BK Value Collection Wall Lanterns, Black is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The lantern is made of heavy cast iron with an antique black finish, making it sturdy and durable.
- It is designed with a beautiful and classic flower pattern, adding an exquisite touch to your home.
- The lantern is equipped with an E26 based integrated LED bulb (6W, 600-800LM, CRI>80, 2700K), providing a warm and bright glow.
Cons
- The installation process may require some additional hardware, such as mounting brackets and screws.
- The lantern only comes with one bulb, so you may need to purchase additional bulbs if you want to light up multiple areas.
- The lantern is not weatherproof, so it may not be suitable for areas with heavy rain or snow.
We have used the Designers Fountain 1161-BK Value Collection Wall Lanterns, Black for several weeks and have found it to be a great addition to our outdoor lighting. The lantern is well-made and sturdy, and the classic flower pattern adds a touch of elegance to our home. The integrated LED bulb provides a warm and bright glow, making it easy to see our outdoor space.
One thing to note is that the installation process may require some additional hardware, such as mounting brackets and screws. However, the instructions provided are clear and easy to follow. Additionally, the lantern only comes with one bulb, so you may need to purchase additional bulbs if you want to light up multiple areas. Finally, the lantern is not weatherproof, so it may not be suitable for areas with heavy rain or snow.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and elegant outdoor wall lantern, the Designers Fountain 1161-BK Value Collection Wall Lanterns, Black is a great option to consider.
Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 Globe LED Patio Lights with 13 Edison Plastic Bulbs(1 Spare), Waterproof Connectable Hanging Lights for Backyard Porch Balcony Party Decor, E12 Socket Base, Black
If you’re looking for a festive and romantic outdoor lighting solution, the Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 Globe LED Patio Lights with 13 Edison Plastic Bulbs(1 Spare) by LALULA might be just what you need.
Pros
- The Edison bulbs give off a warm and cozy light that’s perfect for creating an inviting outdoor atmosphere.
- The string lights are easy to install and can be connected in various ways to create your desired lighting design.
- The lights are waterproof and can withstand different weather conditions, making them a durable outdoor lighting solution.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the lights are not very bright, so they might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a very bright outdoor lighting solution.
- The plugs on the end of the strand are not weatherproof, so you’ll need to find a way to protect them if you plan to leave the lights outside for an extended period of time.
- The strings are quite long, so you’ll need to find a way to store them when they’re not in use.
We’ve used the Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 Globe LED Patio Lights with 13 Edison Plastic Bulbs(1 Spare) by LALULA to light up our outdoor patio, and we’re quite pleased with the results. The Edison bulbs give off a warm and inviting glow that’s perfect for setting the mood for a relaxing evening outside. The string lights are also very easy to install, and we were able to connect them in various ways to create a custom lighting design that suited our needs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the lights are not very bright, so they might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a very bright outdoor lighting solution. Additionally, the plugs on the end of the strand are not weatherproof, so you’ll need to find a way to protect them if you plan to leave the lights outside for an extended period of time. Finally, the strings are quite long, so you’ll need to find a way to store them when they’re not in use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a festive and romantic outdoor lighting solution that’s easy to install and can withstand different weather conditions, the Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 Globe LED Patio Lights with 13 Edison Plastic Bulbs(1 Spare) by LALULA might be worth considering.
Outdoor Wall Light Fixtures, Exterior Waterproof Lanterns, Porch Sconces Wall Mounted Lighting with E26 Sockets & Glass Shades, Modern Matte Black Wall Lamps for Patio Front Door Entryway, 2-Pack
If you’re looking for an outdoor wall light fixture that is both stylish and functional, the Outdoor Wall Light Fixtures by AONINO might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The waterproof feature makes it perfect for outdoor use, and the lantern-style design adds a touch of elegance to your home.
- The wall mounted design saves space and can be installed easily with the included hardware.
- The E26 socket is compatible with most light bulbs, allowing you to customize the brightness and color of the light.
Cons
- The glass shades are delicate and might break if dropped or hit.
- The matte black finish might chip or scratch over time.
- The light output might not be enough for larger outdoor spaces.
We’ve used the Outdoor Wall Light Fixtures by AONINO to light up our front porch, and we’re impressed with its performance. The waterproof feature is a must-have for outdoor lighting, and the lantern-style design is both stylish and classic. The wall mounted design is also practical and saves space.
The installation process was a breeze, thanks to the included hardware. We simply screwed the light fixture into the wall, and it was ready to use. The E26 socket is a standard size and is compatible with most light bulbs, so we were able to use our preferred bulbs for the right brightness and color.
The only downside we’ve noticed is that the glass shades are delicate and might break if dropped or hit. We also noticed that the matte black finish might chip or scratch over time. Additionally, the light output might not be enough for larger outdoor spaces, so if you have a large yard or driveway, you might need to install additional lights.
Overall, we’re happy with our purchase of the Outdoor Wall Light Fixtures by AONINO. It’s a stylish and functional choice for outdoor lighting, and its waterproof feature makes it a reliable choice for any weather condition.
Brightever Gooseneck Outdoor Light Fixtures, 2-Pack Farmhouse Barn Lights for Porch, Industrial Black Exterior Wall Sconce for Garage, Patio, E26 Base Anti-Rust, Bulb not Included
If you’re looking for a classic farmhouse-inspired outdoor light fixture, the Brightever Gooseneck Outdoor Light Fixtures might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The 2-pack set comes with a 12-inch downrod and 4.7-inch gooseneck, making it easy to install and adjust the height and direction of the light.
- Made of die-cast aluminum with an anti-rust black finish, this outdoor wall sconce is durable and weather-resistant.
- The E26 base is compatible with both E26 based bulbs (max 60W) and CFL, making it versatile in terms of lighting options.
Cons
- The bulb is not included in the package, so you’ll need to purchase it separately.
- The light output is not as bright as some other outdoor wall sconces on the market.
- The installation process may require some trial and error to get the height and direction of the light just right.
We’ve used the Brightever Gooseneck Outdoor Light Fixtures to illuminate our front porch, and we’re overall satisfied with its performance. The classic design of the fixture complements our farmhouse-style home, and the durable construction ensures that it will withstand the elements for years to come.
One thing to note is that the bulb is not included in the package, so you’ll need to purchase it separately. Additionally, the light output is not as bright as some other outdoor wall sconces on the market, so it may not be the best choice if you need a lot of illumination.
Overall, if you’re looking for a classic farmhouse-inspired outdoor light fixture that is durable and easy to install, the Brightever Gooseneck Outdoor Light Fixtures are definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best porch light, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Brightness
The brightness of the porch light is an important factor to consider. It should be bright enough to illuminate the entire porch area, but not too bright that it becomes a nuisance to neighbors. Look for lights with a minimum of 40 watts or 400 lumens.
Style
The style of the porch light should complement the overall look of your home. There are many different styles to choose from, including traditional, modern, and rustic. Consider the architecture of your home and choose a style that fits.
Durability
A porch light should be durable enough to withstand the elements, including rain, snow, and wind. Look for lights made from high-quality materials, such as aluminum or brass, and those with a weather-resistant rating.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient porch lights can help you save money on your energy bills. Look for lights with an Energy Star rating, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Motion Sensor
A motion sensor can be a convenient feature to have on a porch light. It can automatically turn on when you approach and turn off when you leave, providing convenience and security.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best porch light for your home that provides both functionality and style.
