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Sometimes it’s what’s on the outside that counts. In “Front of House,” we dig into all the elements that give a home “stop the car!” kind of curb appeal, from main character mailboxes to much–welcome yard transformations.
If you’re anything like us when shopping for interior lighting, you’ll weigh every single option on the Internet to find the perfect pendant or floor lamp. But we don’t always take such a considered approach when it comes to our outdoor spaces. That’s how we all end up with the same black metal sconces that disappear into our home’s exterior. To play devil’s advocate for a moment, we realize there aren’t nearly as many outdoor lighting retailers to choose from. But when you’re looking in the right places (hint: this article), you’d be surprised how many compliment-worthy, not-at-all-boring options are out there. From a cobalt blue cube shape originally designed in the 1960s to a burgundy cone that looks like modern art, these are guaranteed to make an excellent first impression.
The Geometric One
Cubelite Sconce by Bill Curry, Schoolhouse
Cubelite Sconce by Bill Curry, Schoolhouse
If contemporary design is your jam, snag this simple powder-coated aluminum cube, which casts light both upward and down. While it looks new as can be, it’s actually a reintroduction of a 1960s design by Bill Curry that’s now offered in cobalt blue, forest green, and ivory, and in two sizes.
The Brutalist One
Graziano Indoor/Outdoor Dark Gray Travertine Wall Sconce, CB2
We’re loving the combination of organic material and linear design in Studio Anansi’s Graziano travertine sconce for CB2. Its rough, raw form would fit right in with a concrete facade. While it comes in both a sandy hue and dark gray, we’re digging the deep, layered tones of the latter.
The Modernist One
Captain Flint Outdoor LED Wall Sconce, Flos
If you’re really looking to make a statement, look no further than Italian designer Michael Anastassiades’s Captain Flint sconce for Flos. A cone, stick, and circle come together to create a sculptural ornament that just so happens to also light your porch.
The Farmhouse One
You can’t go wrong with a classic farmhouse light, especially when opting for one of Schoolhouse’s fun colors. Offering not one, not two, but three shades of green, you can blend your lighting in with your home’s surrounding nature.
The Nautical One
7u0022 Seabeck Cage Oval Bulkhead Sconce, Rejuvenation
Rejuvenation’s Seabeck sconce, inspired by vintage bulkhead ship lights, screams “Montauk beach cottage,” which is just the vibe we’re craving as summer approaches. Styling tip: You can also hang it horizontally for a nontraditional look.
The Whimsical One
In Common With makes some of our favorite indoor lamps, but its new outdoor ripple sconce is not one to snooze on. Underneath its adorable mushroom shade is an LED dimmable bulb. Switch it on its lowest setting and it’ll mimic the glow of candlelight.
The Retro One
Keep things streamlined with RBW’s Hoist sconce by opting for the black or white version, or go a little retro with red. Psst: If you’re trying to illuminate a large covered porch, you can also mount these on the ceiling.
The Minimalist One
Dioscuri Wall Light, Artemide
Who needs a decorative shade when you can just have a clean handblown glass orb? The iconic style by designer and architect Michele De Lucchi is originally from 1999 and has been beloved ever since for its soft glow and minimalist form. We’re surprised that the price is only $325.
The Affordable One
Outdoor Wall Lantern by Sea Gull Lighting, Amazon
We love anything conical, and we love it even more when it’s under $100. This Amazon gem’s shape makes it so much more interesting than other outdoor lights you typically see at this price point. Questioning its quality? Peep the 4.7 stars and how reviewers rave about its easy installation, sturdy frame, and that “it looks even better in person.”