Since we built our house 20 years ago, I’ve regretted not putting a light switch on the outside of the house to turn my porch lights on. I know, it sounds silly. Who puts a light switch outside? But hear me out: there have been so many nights when I’ve come home after dark, totally forgetting to leave the lights on, and I’ve wished (not for the first time) that I’d just installed that switch.
Growing up, one of my friends had a light switch on the outside of her house, and I always thought it was genius. It made finding the right key and opening the door so much easier.
Now that we live out in the country, it’s really dark at night (think dark and then add a blindfold and two more layers of darkness). I absolutely hate coming home unexpectedly after sunset.
I have a deep, shaded porch that I love, but that also blocks just about all the sunlight needed to charge any solar lights I tried placing near the door. I considered corded lamps with an extension cord, hanging solar lights with extended panels, but nothing seemed right. Everything either looked too clunky or gave off “afterthought” energy, which they were, but I didn’t want it to look that way.
Then I found these solar lights that attach right to the edge of the porch rails. They get just enough sunlight to stay powered for a good portion of the night. I’ll admit, by early morning they’re usually out of juice, but I’m not typically stumbling in at dawn, so that works for me.
Installation was super easy. They came with strong double-sided tape that actually holds up over time (I installed one only using tape and have had no issues), but they also had the option to screw them in place, which is what I ended up doing. I didn’t want to risk them falling off or shifting over time.
To Install:
Step 1: Clean
My railings were painted the previous summer so I didn’t have any chipping paint but if you do you’ll want to deal with that first. I used a spray cleaner to clean the surface really well before attaching my lights. Dirt will effect the adhesives but if you’re just screwing them in place . . . You do you!
Step 2: Remove the battery protection and switch light to “on”
There’s not much more I can say about that.
Step 3: Remove adhesive backing
I first installed all the lights with the tape so that I could move them if I wasn’t happy with the placement. Just peel the backing from the tape and stick it to the inside edge of the light.
Step 4: Place the Lights
Last stick the light to the railing so it fits snuggly against the edge. If you want a more secure hold you can use the included screws to attach the lights to the railing.
I spaced mine out across the front of the porch and along the side by the door. That gives me just enough light to find my keys and the lock when I get home.
I loved them so much, I grabbed extras and added them to our deck railing in the back of the house too. Now, when we’re hanging out on the patio at night, we can see the steps clearly. It’s so much safer and way more inviting.
These solar lights do exactly what I wanted: they light up the space so that when I come home after dark, it doesn’t feel creepy or abandoned. There’s a nice, soft wash of light that makes the whole area feel warm and welcoming.
And best of all? No wiring. No electrician. No mess. Just smart solar technology that actually works now. Gone are the days when solar lights barely lasted six months and gave off zero light. With LED tech and improved solar panels, these little guys are bright, reliable, and long-lasting. Mine have been going strong for over a year, and I’m still super happy with them.
If this gave you an idea for your own porch, deck, or patio, give it a try! And if you found this post helpful, I’d love it if you shared it on your favorite social media platform—it really helps more people find these tips.
Also, if you decide to purchase the lights through the links I’ve included, thank you! It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it does help support this blog so I can keep bringing you more helpful ideas like this one.
If you haven’t seen the front door transformation check that post out here!
Thanks for being here!
