A beautifully lit outdoor entryway does more than just brighten your doorstep—it welcomes guests, ensures safety, and elevates your home’s curb appeal. Whether you’re searching for the perfect outdoor wall lights, stylish pendant lighting, or need guidance on choosing the right size and placement, this expert guide will help you highlight your entry with both function and flair. 

Key Considerations for Outdoor Entryway Lighting 

Before selecting fixtures, consider your home’s architecture, entry size, and exposure to the elements. Is your porch covered or open? Do you have a grand front stoop or a cozy entry? The right outdoor lighting solution should complement both your home’s style and its practical needs. 

• For Small Stoops: Opt for a single, focused downlight or compact wall sconce to create a welcoming pool of light. 

• For Larger Porches: Layer multiple light sources. Combine wall sconces with path lights to softly illuminate the entire space—much more inviting than a single, overpowering fixture. 

Types of Outdoor Entryway Lighting 

Choose from these popular outdoor entryway lighting options to create a layered, functional, and stylish look: 

• Wall Sconces: The go-to for most entryways, providing direct and ambient light. 

• Pendants: Ideal for high, sheltered porches—make a statement while illuminating large spaces. 

• Flush & Semi-Flush Ceiling Lights: Perfect for low ceilings or tight spaces. 

• Recessed Lighting: Sleek and unobtrusive, great for modern homes. 

Mix and match these categories to achieve balanced, layered outdoor illumination. 

How Bright Should Your Entryway Lights Be? 

When it comes to outdoor entryway lighting, less is often more. Overly bright fixtures can be harsh and unwelcoming. 

• Recommended Brightness: 25–40 watts (200–500 lumens) per fixture. 

• Multiple Fixtures: Use lower output (around 200 lumens each) for harmonious layering. 
  
• Ambient Light: If your entry is already illuminated by large windows or interior lights, you can use even lower wattage. 

Safety & Durability: Choosing the Right Fixture Rating 

Outdoor lights must withstand the elements. Always check the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) rating: 

• Damp Rated: Safe for covered, protected porches. 

• Wet Rated: Required for fixtures exposed directly to rain, snow, or salty air—look for drain holes, gaskets, and sealed designs. 

Want to know more? Read our full guide to UL Ratings. 

Sizing Your Outdoor Entryway Lights 

Get the proportions right for a polished, professional look: 

• Wall Sconces: 1/4 to 1/3 the height and width of the door (including trim) 

• Pendants: 1/5 the height and width of the door 

• Flushmounts: 1/4 the height and width of the door 

For example, with a 100-inch high door, select sconces about 25 inches high. Shop Outdoor Sconces. 

Placement Tips for Perfect Entryway Lighting 

Wall Sconces:  

• For symmetrical entries, mount a sconce on each side of the door (about 66 inches from porch floor to the bottom of the fixture). 

• Leave 6–12 inches between the fixture and the door casing. 

• For asymmetrical or space-constrained entries, a single sconce on the doorknob side works well. 

If considering outdoor sconces and the door is 100 inches high and 60 inches wide, look for fixtures that are about 25 inches high and 15 inches wide. 

Pendants:

Hang pendants 84 inches (7 feet) from the porch floor, centered 6 inches above the door. 

• Pendant size: about 1/5th the height of your door. 

Expert Tip: Chain-hung pendants offer adjustable height. 

 Flushmounts

Place at least 80 inches (6.6 feet) above the floor—ideal for low ceilings or exposed porches. 

Design Tips: Style, Comfort & Curb Appeal 

Choose Fixtures with Diffusers: Soft, frosted or white diffusers eliminate glare for comfortable, eye-friendly illumination. 

• Ensure Visibility: Make sure your lighting highlights key features like address numbers and the doorbell for guests, deliveries, and emergencies. 

• Match Your Look: Create a cohesive exterior by choosing pieces from the same outdoor lighting collection. Consistent style from the curb to your door elevates your entire outdoor space. 
  
• Weather-Resistant Materials: In coastal or extreme climates, opt for brass, solid aluminum, glass, or marine-grade finishes that resist corrosion. Learn more in our Outdoor Lighting Guide. 

Eco-Friendly & Dark Sky Lighting 

Reduce light pollution and comply with local regulations by choosing Dark Sky Compliant lighting. These fixtures: 

• Minimize glare and upward light. 

• Use the right brightness—never brighter than necessary. 
  
• Limit blue light emissions and use full shielding. 

Fine-Tune Your Ambiance: Color & Efficiency 

• LED Technology: Most outdoor lights now use energy-efficient LEDs. Choose the right Kelvin color temperature for a warm or cool glow.
  
• CRI (Color Rendering Index): Ensure accurate color rendering for safety and style. Learn more in our CRI Guide. 

Ready to Transform Your Entryway? 

Browse our curated selection of outdoor lighting designs to find the perfect fixtures for your home. With the right lighting, your entryway will not only shine—it will make every arrival special.