Help Me Decide – Screen Porch Lighting Options

April 30, 2019
IN: building a house, house #7, light fixtures, our seventh house, screen porch

I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I had finalized the lighting plan for the new house. But while that’s true, there are still a couple more fixtures I need to order. And one in particular I’m having a really hard time making up my mind. Our screen porch at this house will have both a dining space and a living space. I’m going with a ceiling fan over the living space because this is South Carolina 😉 . But for the dining space I want something a little more decorative to hang over the table.

This screen porch is visible from both the inside living room and dining room, so it’s important that the light fixture I choose for out here flows with the interior fixtures.

To jog your memory, the dining room is on the other side of these french doors and this is the chandelier I selected for this space.

I’ve narrowed it down to three different options, but they’re all so different. I’m having a hard time making up my mind.

Option 1 ~ Whitewashed Globe

The Pacifica Outdoor Pendant brings in a nice dose of texture, and I dig the juxtaposition of casual with formal this would create with the dining room chandelier.

Option 2 ~ Star Pendant

I’ve long loved this Moravian Star Pendant , and I like how this dresses things up out here. It feels more like something you’d see used indoors.

Option 3 ~ Iron Lantern

And last but not least I really like how this lantern chandelier offers a modern take on a classic fixture. I would use the larger of the two not both. My photo editing skills aren’t the best, but I think you can envision what it would look like with just the larger lantern.

Each of these three options is so different, and I’m having such a hard time making a decision. Which would you choose? 1, 2 or 3?

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I like whitewashed globe if your furniture will be casual woven design. If you are going more formal, I like the iron lantern. The star lantern just isn’t my thing but I also think it may be a little formal. Whatever you choose will be perfect.

Hi there. My suggestion would be to go with the lanterns. I thing the wicker ball is a bit too different bother in texture and colour. The star might be a bit trendy. I think the lanterns are different enough abut still have a same level of elegance. That’s my suggestion n

I really like the whitewashed globe. It’s fun but also casual, which is what I love about outdoor entertaining.

I like option 3 best. All 3 choices are great tho! Cannot wait to see everything when it’s completed.

I like option number 1. It’s very casual, but formal and perfect for your porch. The other ones seem like it’s too formal to me.

I like option 3 because the openness of the fixture allows your eyes to go beyond. Less intrusive to the remainder of your porch……

I like option 2 the best. Everything is looking awesome so far!

1-the white washed globe its perfect for a porch

Really? I HATE the globe. The Moravian Star for sure.

Option 2 the Star Pendant would look amazing!

I like 3 depends on how formal or informal.

I like the brass finish of option 2 to add a little sparkle. We are actually adding a screened in porch in a few weeks, and I bought option 3, but in an antique brass finish. Love them both.

A thought regarding the white washed globe – pollen, dust will collect in the crevices. Cleaning will be a real issue. I am sure you will find a look that works for you.

Pollen! And humidity ! Pick the one easiest to maintain!

They are all nice but #3 seems to be more your design style.

I love the Moravian Star; I have one in my foyer. But for your porch I like the white washed glove best.

I agree. I think it all depends on the type of furniture you will be putting out there. I also agree on the star lantern as Deb replied above said. It comes down to how you feel when you are in that room is the most important. I never thought that way until I bought an item that just made me happy every time I walked in the room – that decor can make a mood worth inviting and fulfilling the purpose of the said room. Can’t wait to see the end result.

I love option #3

Option #3 is my favourite or 1 if you are using white rattan furniture on the porch. Coming along nicely !

I like the star pendant the best! I think it goes with the chandelier, but it’s a little more casual for outdoors and will mimic the stars at night.

Carmel, given what you said about loving the Morovian star for as long as you have, I would go with that one (although I too am on the fence!) My vote is for either option #2 or option #3. I think #1 is too casual, even though it’s a screened porch. All of them are really nice-looking options, I can see why you’re having a hard time deciding. Good luck, can’t wait to hear what you ultimately pick 🙂

I can see option number two on that porch. In my opinion it’s the most unique for the space option one and three kind a look porchy. It also has a glam factor without being too much

I really like design 3. It would dress up the space. Have fun!

Option 2! It’s a little “dressier”, especially since you’ll be able to see it from the dining room

Option 3 would look great. It would “dress up” the space. Good luck and have fun!

I love #3. It is the most versatile in case you change out seating options down the road. But, they are all beautiful!

Carmel,
Are you forgoing a ceiling fan? Living in the south, I know how hot it can get ourside. Having said that, I like the whitewashed globe.

#2, #3, and #1 are choices in that order.

Whitewashed globe. I think it works better for a porch if you aren’t going to do a fan. I feel like the others are too formal for the outside.

I like all three but I think there is a risk that #1 would give too little light as the wicker is very closely woven and the bottom opening small. For the other two I prefer the darker/black frame of #3 and the shape of #2 so just to complicate things: how about a Moravian star with black or darker “seams”?

All 3 are beautiful, but I do love the lantern most.

The lantern will be the easiest to keep clean but I do like the look of the star mimicking the night sky

I don’t like 1 at all. I feel as though it would not give off enough light. I like 2 but it also only has one bulb. 3 is my favorite in both looks and functionality.

#2 and #3 are my picks, with #3 as my favorite, but #2 is so beautiful, too. On the outdoor porch, I crave open lighting fixtures where light bounces through the fixture during the day, when the light isn’t turned on. In the dark, the light can be seen through the open fixture (or glass) and doesn’t block any view outside, especially looking from the interior of the house. We have a screened in porch on our Charleston-style home, but the ceiling and floor need some beautification like this. I want to live on that porch you have there.

All are pretty and difficult to choose but I would pick Option 3.

Option 3. I love how it looks in the room and because you have the chandelier hanging in the dining room – this gives a different look. I just love Option 3.

I would definitely choose #3!

I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them, but if I had to choose, I would go with the star as I think it goes well with the indoor chandy!!

will the globe obstruct the view from LR? if yes go with #3 if no go global 🙂

I like option 1 the most and option 3 second. I agree with others about the fan instead because it feels relaxing outside with a drink and some air when it’s hot. Helps with bugs too.

I like #1, but I’d like to see what ceiling fan you are using in the seating area.

Option 3. The globe is too casual. The Star competes with the chandelier. But option 3 looks classic and complements the chandelier.

I like number 3 the best:)

Lovely options, but #3 lanterns are what’s in style. #2 is my pick. Since there is the window to the stars, why not go with the stars? Whatever you select, it will be perfect for you and your family. Congratulations on your new home.

Moravian Star!! But I’m biased, having lived in Winston-Salem for a time 🙂

I vote for option 2 because I love the vibe it would give that outdoor space plus it plays well with your choice of chandelier. By the way your pink paint selection and black windows are perfection ??!

I like option 3 as I think it will give off the best light for an outdoor space, blend with your beautiful black trimmed windows, provide a beautiful contrast with the pink house color, and overall provide the most classic compliment to the chandelier without competing through the window. But they are all great fixtures!!

#2 for sure – it is beautiful, goes great with the chandelier while offering a more casual outdoor vibe. #3 is classic and would absolutely work in that space. I don’t see #1 as a complement to the house style but it’s also very dependent on your furniture and neighboring fan

Option 1 seems like it will block sightlines to your backyard from indoors. By having a smaller fixture or clear glass on the porch, that won’t be an issue. This would be important to me as I am sure your backyard will be lovely! Option 2 is a fun unexpected fixture and I think the porch and (laundry rooms) are fun places to take a bit of “risk”. Option 3 is classic and I don’t think you can go wrong!

Definitely #2, so beautiful & unique!

All three are great. My personal choice would be #3; it looks like the easiest to clean after “yellow season” :). The wicker globe would be a nightmare to rid of pollen.

That was my reservation with option 1 as well…..I don’t want to obstruct the view in any way.

Thanks Suzzi. I totally get what you’re saying…..love that happy feeling when you walk into a space!

2 or 3 work for me. Ha. It will be gorgeous no matter which you choose. While I like funky, I think #1 does not have the same flavor the rest of your home does. Have fun, it’s going to be wonderful!

The first one. Seems to represent the south.

The star definitely works best with the inside lighting. I like the lanterns in 3 too. The globe pendant looks kind of boring to me, maybe it’s better I’m person?

I like them all but think I would go with the star pennant or the rectangles. The chandelier is to much for that space.

I think it will be hard to keep #1 clean and I think #2 looks out of place. I think #3 is classic and will look good with whatever style of furniture you put in this area. These are just my thoughts and I think you have made wonderful choices throughout your home. You have a vision for this porch and I am sure it will be beautiful.

Iron lantern with dimmer; I don’t think the other two would offer enough light. And you could always adjust the lantern with a dimmer.

I like #3 the best with #2 as my second choice. Not at all a fan of #1. Your home is going to be beautiful!

Not a fan of #1. Too obtrusive and keeping it clean seems to be a nightmare it just doesn’t seem to suit the space. #2 and #3 seem to go nicely in the space and would be good for when you are in the house looking out to or past your porch. #2 would be attention grabbing, a real “star” hahahaha! #3 is a more classic. Is it weird that I liked the two lights together in option #3?!?!? Although that would be a bit much I suppose. Can’t wait to see what you pick!

Love Choice#3 the most. Clean lines. Classic.

2 is my first choice, then 3

Option 1 would be my choice for a porch.

Option 3, hands down!

I think the Moravian star plays the best with the chandelier inside. It also looks easier to clean than the others (that globe would just collect pollen and spider webs). Plus, having a star outside just makes sense!

Definitely not the star-way too trendy. Go for classic with the large lantern. It is timeless, and it looks so much more elegant than the globe.

I love option 2 and option 3 is also nice!

Option 1 is to casual and I think problematic in terms of actual light and I think to much of a contrast to the Chandelier in the dining room. Lanterns are so over done these days! Everyone has one! The star is beautiful. It’s elegant and casual, actually provides lighting (hope you are doing a dimmer) and is not so common. Whatever you choose will be lovely!

Definitely #3, #2 is my second choice.

I would say Option number 2! I think it will nicely coordinate with the indoor dining room chandelier. All three are lovely and can’t wait to see the final product!

First choice would be the lanterns, followed by the star.

Option 1 ~ Whitewashed Globe

Option 2 ~ Star Pendant

Option 3 ~ Iron Lantern

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