At this Frontenac Pool house Hibbs Homes used a combination of recessed lighting and ceiling fans.

Front porches are so ingrained in the American psyche when it comes to home design that they are almost folkloric. You rarely hear people daydreaming of sitting on the front steps watching their grandchildren play in the yard, it’s always the porch and usually on a rocking chair.

So it is little surprise that a front porch not only keeps you dry while you are fumbling for your keys, but it also adds some serious curb appeal and nostalgia. Aside from offering some great opportunities for seasonal decorating, homes with porches also offer more options for exterior lighting than homes without.

When it comes to outside lighting many people immediately think of two wall-mounted lights flanking the entry. To be certain there are many beautiful wall mounted lighting options out there, but look a little higher for exterior lighting and it can have a great effect.

At this South City Hibbs Home a classic hanging pendant accentuates the classic recessed doorway.

Pendant Lighting Hanging a pendant light from the porch or a recessed entryway adds an old-world feeling, and is a great option for homes in historic neighborhoods or those designed with classic architecture styles. There are many options for hanging pendant lights available at most major retailers, and adding one to your entryway gives it an instant classic feel.

In this green verified home in Webster Groves we installed recessed lighting on the porch.

Lighted Outdoor Ceiling Fans Combining the best of three worlds (comfort, bug deterrent and lighting) a lighted ceiling fan is a great porch option. And if you just can’t part with the door flanking lights, this makes a great addition to flanking lights when hung above the porch’s seating area. Ceiling fans add a subtle touch of southern charm to any home, but the addition of lighting also creates a perfect, all-weather outdoor spot for reading well after dusk has faded to night.

Recessed Lighting A popular option indoors but one too often forgotten about when it comes to exterior lighting, the great thing about recessed lighting in the porch is that you can pair it with ceiling fans to create a comfortable outdoor entertaining space. Installing recessed lighting outdoors means that the porch roof needs to be well maintained and sealed from the elements to protect the wiring, but doing so also protects your home investment-and can reduce the amount of maintenance your porch needs.

While making a porch more functional and fun, thinking off the wall with your outdoor lighting design options also enhances one of America’s favorite outdoor living spaces.

Three outdoor ceiling mounted fans keep this porch nice and cool and also help to deter bugs outside this pool house built by Hibbs Homes in Frontenac. Sitting on a rocking chair waiting for the grandkids to arrive has never looked so good.