How to Light the Front Exterior of a House

Improve the aesthetic appeal of your home by choosing the right lighting for the approach and entry area. Lighting the front of your house can welcome evening guests as well as ensure your family's safe passage from driveway to front door. You may also want to consider the addition of motion detection lights for security.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper
• Measuring tape
• Light fixtures

Instructions

1. View the front of your home with an objective eye both at twilight and full dark, in order to identify the areas in need of lighting. Keep in mind that you should use lighting to enhance rather than obliterate the darkness.

2. Look for any potential danger zones requiring illumination. Such features as steps, changes in terrain, or tricky path corners call for light. A lamp post along the path is an option; low directional lights that help you see where to put your feet are another. If the path from driveway to front door is lengthy, you might try solar-powered fixtures to avoid expensive electrical extension.

3. For porch area and front door lighting, determine the look you prefer. Wall sconces that send light upward and away from your guests' faces as they approach provide lighting that is warm and non-invasive. Pendant lights on either side of the front door cast a glow around your entry area that, similar to the beacon of a lighthouse, welcomes family members home. A central porch ceiling light is a no-nonsense approach that shines from above to help you locate your house keys and unlock the front door.

4. Coordinate your light style choices with the architecture or landscape of your home. For example, if your home is craftsman-style, mission-type lighting with rich wood bases and mica shades would be a great choice. For a Victorian, you might want to use gaslight reproduction fittings. If you own a brick bungalow, cast iron lighting fixtures might work well.

5. Decide whether you desire motion-detection security lights. These types of lights, which automatically turn on when a person, animal or object comes within a preset distance, are effective in discouraging intruders. The drawback of motion detection lighting is that the neighbor's cat or a piece of paper on a windy night will set it off, alerting you unnecessarily.

6. Create a scale drawing, using graph paper, of the front of your home and path from the parking area to the front door. Indicate, with a different icon for each different type of light, the placement of the lights you have selected. Number each icon and list additional notes under the corresponding number. Bring the drawing to your professional light installer for implementation.

Tips & Warnings

• Use landscape lighting to highlight your favorite features along the pathway to the house.

References

• Rudd Lighting
• Landscape Design Advisor