Creative Porch Lighting Ideas

The front porch area of your home is the first thing guests see when arriving to your home - even people just passing by are afforded a quick glance. Despite this, many people still ignore their porch when decorating; especially when it comes to the lighting. However, there are some great and creative ideas for decorating your porch - front or back.

Energy Saving Light Bulbs

In response to growing concerns over global warming, energy saving light bulbs have become more popular than ever - and yes, you can even use these CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs outdoors for your porch lighting as well as inside your home. While these bulbs are more expensive than older styled light bulbs, they do last longer, lower your electric bill, and help combat global warming. Whenever possible, CFLs should be used.

Different Lighting Options

Motion light - Installing a motion light on your front or back porch has many helpful advantages. By using a motion light as your primary porch lighting, you'll be greeted by light every time you return home - and of course you won't have to leave the porch light on the entire time, either. Motion lights installed on your porch can also be a great deterrent for would-be burglars.

Outdoor lamp posts - If you really want to give your porch a sense of class and style, look no further than outdoor lamp posts. These can be found in all styles and sizes and are made of a variety of different materials so you're sure to find some that fit into your budget.

Tiki torches - For a fun, easy-going look to your front porch you may want to consider using tiki torches for lighting. While authentic torches hold a real flame, there are plenty of models on the market today that actually use bulbs. Even if you don't use tiki torches for permanent porch lighting, it's always a great way to decorate for a party or celebration of any kind.

Use Christmas lights year round - This can be a great option when it comes to porch lighting, and it means you won't have to put up and take down your Christmas lights every single year.

Different colored light bulbs - Too many porches use plain old light bulbs that are dull and boring; but for a creative and unique flair you may want to shop around for some different colored light bulbs. Ultraviolet or "black" lights always make for an interesting look but you can find light bulbs in a variety of different colors.