05 Exterior Lighting Fixtures and Bulb Warmth
Exterior light fixtures accumulate dead insects, cobwebs, and water spots that diminish their illumination and appeal. Clean the glass panels of your porch lanterns with a vinegar-and-water solution every season.
Replace undersized fixtures with lanterns that scale appropriately to your entryway. As a general design rule, your exterior wall sconces should measure approximately one-fourth to one-third the height of your front door.
Pay close attention to bulb color temperature. Consult the U.S. Department of Energy guidelines to choose energy-efficient LED bulbs in a warm white range of 2700K to 3000K.
Harsh 5000K daylight bulbs create an uninviting, commercial ambiance across your porch. Warm lighting flatters your architectural details and creates an inviting glow for evening arrivals.
