Find wet-rated and damp-rated fixtures for porches, patios, covered entries, and garage overhangs.
Featured Outdoor Ceiling Light Brands
Northeast Lantern
Handcrafted in Maine using traditional techniques, Northeast Lantern outdoor flush mounts feature solid brass and copper construction. Colonial, Cape Cod, and farmhouse styles withstand coastal conditions while developing beautiful natural patinas.
Brass Traditions
Specialty brass outdoor ceiling fixtures crafted for longevity in demanding exterior environments. Solid brass construction resists corrosion while delivering classic aesthetics for traditional porches and covered entries.
Arroyo Craftsman
Handmade Arts & Crafts outdoor flush mount lights featuring art glass and mica shades. These fixtures bring warm amber illumination to Craftsman porches and bungalow entries.
Hubbardton Forge
Hand-forged in Vermont since 1974, Hubbardton Forge outdoor ceiling lights feature wrought iron construction with weather-resistant finishes. Organic curves and artisan character suit both traditional and contemporary exteriors.
Kuzco
Modern outdoor flush mount ceiling lights with architectural precision and LED efficiency. Contemporary geometric forms in matte black and bronze suit minimalist architecture and modern outdoor spaces.
Additional Brands
Visual Comfort, Generation Lighting, Minka Lavery, Quoizel, Golden Lighting, H.A. Framburg, and Sonneman
Outdoor Flush Mount Styles
Traditional Outdoor Flush Mounts
Classic lantern-inspired flush outdoor ceiling lights in solid brass, bronze, and black finishes. Clear, seeded, and water glass panels complement colonial, Georgian, and traditional home exteriors.
Modern Outdoor Flush Mount Lights
Contemporary fixtures with clean geometric forms and LED integration. Kuzco and Sonneman deliver architectural designs in matte black, bronze, and brushed finishes for modern homes.
Craftsman Outdoor Flush Mounts
Arts & Crafts exterior flush mount lights with geometric metalwork and art glass shades. Arroyo Craftsman's handmade fixtures deliver authentic period character for bungalow porches.
LED Outdoor Flush Mount Lights
Energy-efficient outdoor flush mount LED fixtures provide 30,000+ hour lifespans with warm 3000K illumination. Ideal for porch lights that remain on extended periods for safety and welcome.
Outdoor Semi Flush Ceiling Lights
Outdoor semi flush mount lighting drops 4-8 inches from porch ceilings, adding visual depth while maintaining low clearance. These fixtures suit covered porches with 8-9 foot ceilings where standard flush mounts feel too flat but hanging fixtures would obstruct traffic.
Semi flush outdoor lights provide greater design flexibility with visible stems and more decorative bodies than true flush mounts.
Applications
Porch Ceiling Lights
Flush mount porch lights provide welcoming illumination at covered entries. Position centered above doorways or distributed across longer porch spans. Dusk-to-dawn sensors available on select models.
Coordinate porch ceiling fixtures with outdoor wall mount sconces flanking doors for layered entry lighting.
Patio and Covered Outdoor Areas
Outdoor ceiling mount fixtures illuminate covered patios, pergolas, and outdoor living spaces. Choose fixtures proportional to ceiling area—larger covered spaces may require multiple fixtures.
Garage and Carport
Exterior ceiling lights provide practical illumination for garages, carports, and breezeways. LED options deliver bright task lighting with energy efficiency.
Entryway and Breezeway
Connect outdoor and indoor spaces with flush mount fixtures in transitional zones. Pair with outdoor hanging light fixtures and pendants where ceiling height permits for complete coverage.
Weather Ratings
Damp-Rated Fixtures
Required for covered porches, patios, and areas protected from direct rain but exposed to humidity and temperature changes. Most covered outdoor ceiling applications need damp-rated fixtures.
Wet-Rated Fixtures
Required for exposed areas where direct rain, snow, or water contact occurs—open porches, pergolas without solid roofing, and areas with sprinkler exposure.
Always verify UL wet or damp ratings match your installation location for safety and longevity.
Marine-grade options: Solid brass/copper for coastal installations
Dark sky compliant: Downward-directed light reduces light pollution
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between damp-rated and wet-rated outdoor fixtures?
Damp-rated fixtures suit covered areas protected from direct water—covered porches, soffits, and patios. Wet-rated fixtures are required where rain, snow, or water may contact the fixture directly.
How many outdoor flush mount lights do I need for my porch?
Small porches (under 50 sq ft) typically need one fixture. Larger porches may require 2-3 fixtures spaced 6-8 feet apart for even coverage. Position primary fixtures above entry doors.
Can I use outdoor flush mounts with dimmer switches?
Yes, most fixtures are dimmer compatible when paired with dimmable bulbs. LED outdoor flush mount lights work best with LED-compatible dimmers.
What size outdoor ceiling light do I need?
Add porch or patio length and width in feet, then divide by 3 for approximate fixture diameter in inches. A 10×12 porch suits a 7-8 inch fixture, though larger fixtures provide greater visual impact.
