If you happen to remember the porch light fixtures of old, you will know we have advanced tremendously since that time.
These were not always the most attractive fixtures and often consisted of just a bulb with no cover.
Those available today are much more attractive and consume less electricity.
What Type Will You Choose?
There are some beautiful porch light fixtures from which you can choose. The types that mount flush with the ceiling or wall depending upon which one you choose can be a very nice look. There is also the type that hangs down a bit from the porch ceiling. A lantern porch light can be a good choice if you like this type.
The old coach lamps were very popular in the past and are making a come back today. Of course, they are not lit with either candles or gas as the old ones were.
They do however; have the candles that are made to look like they are flickering to give your porch lights the look of being lit by candles. This is great for use with the replicated coach lamps.
When you choose the type of porch light you are going to use you will want to make sure it fits the décor of other lights that are going to be in use around it.
For instance, if you are going to be using a particular type of metal, such as cast aluminum with a black finish, you do not want to go with a brass or pewter right next to it.
You also want to make sure you do not mix a lot of styles together. Choosing one and sticking with this throughout the plans for the lighting is going to be much more attractive. A hodge-podge of lights is not the effect you are trying to achieve.
Styles To Soften The Light
A look that is currently being used for porch light fixtures is an Asian, Mission or contemporary style with a glass globe that softens the light. They are generally made of cast aluminum and many have the black finish.
These can be used in combination with gate lamps of the same style for the entrance to the driveway.
Another popular look is the lantern type porch light. This type of lighting goes with almost any style home and is available in a variety of finishes although bronze is one that seems to be well liked.
One thing you may want to take into consideration when you are deciding on which type of porch light you choose is whether it is for a front porch entrance or back.
Lighting The Back For Security
The front is used most often for entering the home, but the back is a security issue. Since most back yards are not that well lit, many times this is the entry point for home robberies.
You may want to consider a brighter porch light on the back of the home than the one at the front. Since most front porches face the street, this is not the preferred entry of most would-be burglars.
No matter which type you finally decide upon, make it the best value for the money. Porch lights do not have to be terribly expensive to be attractive. There are many options from which to choose.
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