Why Everyone's Swapping Out These Once-Popular Porch Lights

As the warmer weather rolls in, we start spending more time lounging on the porches we may have been neglecting all winter, which can remind us that it's time for a decor upgrade. While outdated porch lights may have been "out of sight, out of mind" before the spring, now's the time to think about welcoming the season with an updated style. That said, a particular once-trendy porch light is losing its charm in recent years, leading many to opt for a more modern alternative. We're talking about those Art Deco style faux Edison bulb lights — once a popular nod to traditional style, they now have homeowners realizing they're not the best long-term choice. Not only do they lack practicality and authentic charm, but their niche vintage style tends to appear out of place as trends evolve, making them less versatile in today's designs.

It may be hard to accept that decorative Edison light bulbs are going out of style, especially if they're a key feature in your porch design. Embracing this shift doesn't have to be a negative thing. Many people are taking this as a chance to swap their porch lights with neutral designs that have a timeless appeal, but if you're determined to keep this trend alive, there are still ways to make it work.

Faux Edison bulbs were everywhere in the 2010s, likely in part due to the massive success of Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby," which sparked a surge of vintage designs. But that was over a decade ago, and the roaring '20s style is now more of a niche aesthetic rather than a relevant look. The main concern with these lights is their strong association with outdated trends from the 2010s, making them feel out of place in modern porches. Porch lights should ideally endure in style throughout the years, but rather than adapting with changing trends, these bulbs are keeping porches stuck in the past. Instead, avoid this outdoor lighting mistake by opting for more neutral lighting options that blend with any style to avoid sticking out as a relic from phased-out decor fads.

While LED faux Edison bulbs are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent ones, they often come with a higher price tag and still fall short of the authentic charm of the original styles. It's like when you see fast fashion brands try to mimic vintage styles — you can tell it's not the real thing, and it just doesn't have the same charm. In terms of actual function, the best porch lights are bright and flattering, but this kind of exposed bulb can create an off-putting glare and fall flat when it comes to providing the proper amount of light.

Despite the faux Edison porch light trend losing favor, it's not impossible to pull this style off. The main concern with these bulbs is that they're closely tied to the niche Art Deco style, which can make them look out of place in more contemporary or trendy spaces. To keep the look from feeling dated, update your front porch by pairing the bulbs with other elements of industrial decor. Since Art Deco design was influenced by industrial progress, combining it with modern industrial decor helps give the style a fresh, cohesive look. On the front porch, you can make faux Edison bulbs work by pairing them with neutral industrial fixtures, like metal sconces, as well as hints of greenery for some naturally charming flair. 

Incorporating warm elements like wood and brick in your porch design can also help to make it feel timeless (and trendy, as warm tones are rising in popularity). For an inviting feel, choose LED Edison bulbs with a warm tone — lighting experts recommend nothing below 2,100K  to set the perfect atmosphere, as cool tints can feel too harsh and inauthentic. To nail your ambient lighting for back porches or patios, pairing trendy pendant lights with clear Edison bulb string lights creates a perfect glow and blend of modern and vintage elements. This mix gives you the best of both worlds — chic fixtures and unique lighting for a stunning aesthetic.