Ultra Outdoors
Are you searching for a style that marries that traditional vintage look with a bit of country flair? Farmhouse-style homes often have an extended porch along the front of the house and offer a warm and inviting feel. The house may be very simple or decorated with railings or columns. Finding farmhouse outdoor lighting is easy as this style has quickly gained popularity.
What Does a Farmhouse-Style House Look Like?
When most people think of a farmhouse-style house, they think of traditional farmhouses that dot the country landscape, but this is far from the truth. While they invoke the same images of comfort, a laid-back atmosphere, and safety, these older homes were built to be simple so they could be built quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
The modern-day look still pulls elements of that simple, no-fuss appearance. There is no defined way to do a farmhouse exterior, which makes it appealing to a lot of people. You can customize this look to suit your tastes and preferences, and really make it your own creation.
The one element that really defines a farmhouse is the combination of a vintage utilitarian farmhouse with modern elements. In a sense, it is an updated version of an old classic.
When it comes to creating a farmhouse look, many people are turning to older, more classic homes because they have the bones already in place to pull off the look. Turning them from a turn-of-the-century house to a farmhouse look tends to be easier. Remember, the definition of farmhouse marries vintage/classic with a country flair.
Characteristics of a Modern Farmhouse
An overwhelming majority of modern farmhouse-style homes are white, but they don’t necessarily need to be. Their exteriors tend to be vinyl siding, brick, or vertical/horizontal planks. The look is simple and warm. The trim is basic – just around the windows or potentially shutters – which adds that touch of detail. These houses weren’t designed to make a big statement.
Gray/Black Roof
Not all newer farmhouse-style homes contain a gray or black roof, but most do. Metal roofs are gaining popularity, which gives a more industrial appearance to the house.
Simple Structure to the Home
These houses are simple and warm. They are usually rectangular, but additions may have been added to the house as the family expanded. The family itself tended to occupy one portion of the dwelling as more rooms were added.
The house contained a simplistic gable roof built onto walls using a 45° angle, making it easier to frame with additional rooms later for expansion. Today’s farmhouse has that same basic rectangular shape but has the appearance of additions to give the house dimension.
Abundance of Windows
Farmhouses have many windows. This house isn’t dark, but warm and inviting. The goal is to illuminate the inside and allow natural light to pour in.
Contemporary Lighting
Farmhouses do not contain any brass fixtures. They tend to have fixtures like a modern, glowing barn light or something less industrial flanking the doorway.
Large Covered Porches
The porches of a farmhouse extend across the front entrance. It is what creates that open appeal. It is an extension of the family atmosphere where people can gather. Some designs are simple with railings or may have columns as well. This area should be wide enough to hold several rocking chairs and/or a porch swing for that traditional feel.
Landscape is Simple
Old farmhouses would have been surrounded by naturally growing flowers. The modern version, however, contains simple shrubs and boxwood.
When it comes to a farmhouse design, there is nothing complex about it. It has that hominess about it with a welcoming flavor. It provides the appearance of welcoming people accompanied by a community-like feel. The design is simple, robust, and warm.
Best Farmhouse Outdoor Lighting
The latest trend for this design involves gooseneck lights for the front porch. A gooseneck light works better when there is a single door as opposed to a double door or a single door with glass windows flanking the sides. No matter what exterior lighting you use, though, with a farmhouse design, everything must be well-illuminated. That is what gives it that warm appeal.
Best Overall: Design House Mason Wall Light
Material: Formed steel with an oil-rubbed bronze finish
Wattage: 60 watts
Installation: Electrical hard-wired
Available in a multitude of colors, this outdoor wall light is great at illuminating driveways, porches, and decks. Its goose head design makes it perfect for this season’s look. It is very cost-effective, and because it is so bright, it acts as a deterrent for intruders.
Pros:
- Can be placed in wet areas
- Dimmable when used with the proper switch
- Durable construction
- Wall-mount design
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide the brightest illumination, but more of a warm glow
- Light shines downward which makes them better over a door than full porch illumination
Tied for Best Overall: Bestshared Farmhouse Gooseneck Barn Light
Material: Metal, black finish with copper interior
Wattage: 100 watts
Installation: Hard-wired
This light fixture has a traditional yet simple design and will match any farmhouse décor. The copper interior of the wall lamp gives a warm glow when contrasted against the black exterior. This light fixture makes it the perfect complement to doorways and garages as it offers that homey feel.
Pros:
- Can be used for indoor and outdoor use
- Offers sweeping illumination
- Easy to install
- Doesn’t rust
Cons:
- No seal to prevent water from entering
Best Traditional Farmhouse: Westinghouse Lighting 6335100 Canyon
Material: Textured with barn wood and black finish. The shade is hand-blown and clear.
Wattage: 60 watts
Installation: AC/DC
The Westinghouse exterior light fixture provides a warm, rustic charm to your outdoor area. The appearance is very retro as it is a one-light Canyon lantern. This farmhouse lighting is ideal for front porches, along the entryway, or on the exterior of a garage.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant
- Easy to install
- Durable
Cons:
- Some screws may be too short
- Need to clean it as there is no bottom to the lamp
Best Motion Detector: Mlambert Store Dusk to Dawn Wall Sconce
Material: High-quality metal
Wattage: 60 watts
Installation: Hard-wired
With an advanced light sensor, this light has the sensitivity to detect changes in surrounding illumination from the sun. It will automatically turn off at set periods, making it more cost-effective and easier to use. Homeowners don’t have to turn on a light switch to use them, making them perfect for main entrances.
The conical shape of the lampshade allows for a brighter downward light and provides more illumination.
Pros:
- Weatherproof and waterproof
- Doesn’t rust or corrode
- Durable design
Cons:
- Lamp is a bit top-heavy and may bend the plate
- Light sensor may be a bit flaky
Best Post Lighting: EERU Waterproof Outdoor Post Light
Material: Metal and glass
Wattage: 60 watts
Installation: Corded-electric
As an outdoor post light, this lantern provides superior illumination and durability. The metal finish is the perfect complement to any yard, patio, driveway, garden, garage, walkway, or entryway. This lantern is completely waterproof and dustproof, and the enclosed design prevents water splashes from entering the fixture.
Pros:
- Anti-rust, anti-fade, and anti-corrosion
- Made from galvanized iron
- Glass is clear-seeded, providing high transmittance of light
Cons:
- Screws for installation don’t extend inside the base
- Glass may not be totally secure
Tied for Best Post Lighting: SCNYCUL Dusk to Dawn Post Light
Material: Galvanized metal (anti-rust) with crackle glass. Oil rubbed finish.
Wattage: 60 watts
Installation: Post mount
This post light contains a sensor that allows the lamp to glow brighter as sunlight decreases. It has the appearance of a barn lantern which combines a vintage look with industrial design. You can mount this lamp in two ways: using a pier mount base (column or pillar) or fitting a 3” diameter post.
Pros:
- IP65 weatherproof
- Durable metal construction with several layers of paint baking
- Compatible with multiple light bulb types
Cons:
- May not come with enough screws
Best Landscape Lighting: Maggift Hanging Solar Lights
Material: Plastic, iron
Working Time: 8-10 hours
Charge Time: 6-8 hours
Installation: Solar powered
With a shepherd’s hook, this lamp looks stylish when used as a path light or step lights around your house. They additionally serve a dual purpose as they can be placed anywhere without the hook. This hanging light contains a built-in sensor, so it comes on automatically when the sun goes down. For added convenience, this package comes with rechargeable batteries.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant
- Simple to install
- Eco-friendly option
Cons:
- Not bright
- Poles are thin
Best Pendant Light: LoneDruid Store Outdoor Pendant Light
Material: Aluminum
Wattage: 100 watts
This lighting fixture is made from clear glass panels, high-grade aluminum, and a matte black frame. It is well-suited to brighten any area of the exterior of your home. It is a beautiful pendant light that is easy to install in any location and is fully adjustable.
Pros:
- Pendants compatible with all ceiling types
- UL/ETL certified
- Windproof, sunproof, rainproof, and snowproof
Cons:
- Cap cover too small to cover ceiling hole
These farmhouse outdoor lighting suggestions provide a nice inviting glow to any home. While some users complain that it doesn’t provide bright light, this idea seems contradictory to the entire atmosphere of incorporating a farmhouse exterior into a house.
Farmhouse appearances are warm, welcoming, and inviting. The fixtures should reflect a warm glow as opposed to bright light. If you would prefer more of a brighter illumination, then incorporate lantern-style fixtures instead. They will provide you with a brighter, sweeping motion as opposed to a spread-out glow.
Farmhouse exterior fixtures are a great way to enhance that soft, traditional, rustic country feel. The beauty of this design is that it incorporates simple traditional elements that, on their own, would be minimalistic. However, to soften that hard-lined sleek look, people have married it to that old country charm that makes it so inviting.
