Porchlight colors are more than ornamentation to your home’s exterior – each has its own meaning.
Colors affect you more than you think, some display support to causes and movements, while others inspire emotion.
Conventional Meaning of Porch Light Colors
Here are the meanings of different porch light colors.
Blue Porch Light
Blue is used mainly to honor police officers and others who are law enforcement.
The cause began in the late 80s when Dolly Craig made her front window blue in memory of her son-in-law, who died in service.
It then grew into a national support organization called the Project Blue Light Movement.
Project Blue supports the families of active and fallen police officers.
In April, homeowners turn on their porch lights blue and spread awareness of autism. This is a movement by a non- profit organization called ‘Autism Speaks.’
However, many people on the specter are against the thought of blue because it suggests that the disorder is normally with boys.
As a Result – The amount of people using blue porch lights for this cause has decreased..
Lastly, blue porch lights signify awareness of alopecia areata hair loss.
More than 1 million Americans have the disease, while most aren’t diagnosed. Campaigns, through the disease are usually held in September.
Green Porch Light
War veterans are celebrated every year in the United States on November 11.
In addition to celebrating at festivals, common folks show gratitude to former military officers by lighting their porches green all month long.
Green also represents support of those on active duty in the military.
The primary reason is that green color fits the military uniforms. Further, green illustrates health and hope.
On March 17, Roman Catholics celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
That’s when they lit and still illuminate their porches green. It’s why St. Patrick’s Day is referred to as the ‘Green Out Day’.
There is a rumor flyng out that ljighting green shows support for the saint’s native home of Ireland, but many argue that it has nothing to do with the flag of the country.
Just like Blue – Green illustrates awareness for diseases. Every month of May, homeowners light green bulbs for awareness on Lyme Disease, an infection from tick bites that causes fever, headaches, joints pains, rashes.
Lyme Disease is also misdiagnosed, because the symptoms cross over with other medical conditions.
Kentucky residents would light their porches green for memorials of victims of coronavirus.
The governor is the one that launched the movement in the peak of the pandemic, and it is still being lit, even after a significant drop in the number of COVID-19 deaths.
Red Porch Light
February is a month where red can be found on porches all over the United States, but it is mainly utilized to acknowledge and recognize Heart Awareness Month.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.A. The American Heart Association yearly encourages everyone to put red lights up to help raise awareness and funds for their cause.
The use of red lights in February also indicates a time of care and concern for others, especially when the month includes Valentine’s Day.
It is common for couples to have their porch lights glowing red in February to represent the passion for their partners.
However, putting aside love and heart health, the other context of a red porch light is that it makes a Halloween party creepy and scarier than what it would be.
As Halloween approaches there will be a notice of red lights dimming out as the darker part of October comes.
Also, which keep things in the red light context, some people utilize the red porch lights to commemorate and honor the bravest of frontline workers, Firefighters.
You can easily distinguish the red lights during International Firefighters Day, which is on May 4th.
As we stated above, some, not all, autistic folks also find the term for raising awareness using a blue porch light un-representative. Therefore, instead, folks are using the red porch lights.
Additionally, some folks saying that the red porch lights are signaling advocacy for gun reforms. This rumor really began when gun violence peaked during the Trump administration.
Through the memes/ the dilemas of poor messaging, people began asserting that red means that their house therefore does not have guns. A news report (WUSA9 in Washington D.C.) discredited the narrative after two years of investigative journalism in 2016.
Most people know the infamous “red-light” district. This present-day red-light district is why some probably claim (would associate) red porch lights can suggest that their home is a brothel, or they feel it erroneously fosters commercial sex workers.
Purple Porch Light
Purple porch lights symbolize support for victims and awareness of domestic violence!
Eighteen years ago in King County Washington, an initiative began.
The Covington Domestic Violence Task Force, which is part of this incredible initiative, provides, psychological, physical and emotional support for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
In addition to support, the task force conducts several seminars to educate society about the damaging effects of domestic violence.
They also ask homeowners to install purple bulbs, to support victims, survivors and those who have to deal with abusive relationship.
Did You Know? The purple light phenomenon is very popular for the month of October (October is Domestic violence Awareness Month).
The lights remind us of the people who lost their lives to domestic violence and an acknowledgement of the victims of this crime.
Across the pond, in the United Kingdom, they paint their porch purple to raise awareness and support people with epilepsy.
Every March, the residents change their porch lights to purple in solidarity and support for the people battling that condition.
Orange Porch Light
Orange porch lights pay tribute to the mystery of two teenage girls’ deaths whose bodies were discovered in Delphi,Indiana.
The initiative formed after a month of local pressure to have an investigation into the murders….
While the killer is unknown, the orange light movement gained national attention, and serves to put the public’s support behind the police.
For example – Orange porch lights are very common at the end of October. Because of the warmth, and fun of orange, many use it as their décor for Fall, and Halloween parties.
With just the right tone it can produce the creepy atmosphere that lovers of Halloween desire.
Pink Porch Light
Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cancer among women, after skin cancer. It occurs in a handful of men and results in millions of deaths each year; but it’s treatable when diagnosed early stage.
Many Americans participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by changing their porch lights to pink in October. Then you probably see those pink lights in fundraising and educational events talking about breast cancer.
There also have been a few other situations when pink porch lights popped up across America.
Several years ago – An elementary school in Wappingers Falls, New York, advised students and teachers to use pink lights in solidarity with one of them who had leukemia after being diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia.
And in 2016, Nebraskans placed pink lights on porches for a family who lost their lives in a house fire.
Yellow Porch Lights
Birds are generally attracted to porch lights, and it can be a hassle to having to cleanup moths after the following morning.
If you are tired of cleaning moths every morning, you may want to switch to yellow porch lights.
The moths do not see the yellow light as it’s dim and warm so they become confused and fly away, because they can not seem to locate the source of the light.
Yellow porch lights can be helpful to people in harsh winters to keep them company to the warmth and brightness of the yellow lights when the sun is non existent.
Many People Don’t Know – The urban myth that homes with a yellow porch light sell crack. This myth is often prevalent in areas with gang violence and crime.
Blinking Porch Lights
Ignoring a flickering porch light may likely mean the light is broken.
While that’s certainly a possibility, flickering porch lights can signal various things.
The most common use for flickering porch lights is to get emergency assistance. Homeowners can flick their porch light to get an ambulance, fire department, or police officer.
The flickering lights allow emergency response teams to spot the house easily, especially in a packed neighborhood.
Several people use flicking lights during Halloween. The flicker creates a spooky effect.
Sometimes, of course, flickering lights could just be children playing with the switches!
Psychological Meaning of Porch Light Colors
While the psychological interpretations of colors may vary and be contextualized, one cannot ignore that colors influence decisions, actions and moods.
Porch lights evoke varying emotions in addition to their expressive potential to create awareness and support different issues and communities.
Here are the psychological meanings of porch light colors.
White Porch Light
The color white is a universal symbol of innocence, purity, and it’s for this reason why most wedding dresses are white in color.
White is also an symbol of peace and goes well with natural light, and outdoors is one of the most common types of lights that utilize white light.
When used for porch lights warmer whites can create an welcoming environment and some types of whites add a youth statement or a modern touch.
The neutrality of white means it works with all kinds of décor, rustic or not.
Blue Porch Light
Similar to other cool colors, blue can evoke feelings of:
- Calmness
- Tranquility
- And serenity.
In offices, blue promotes productivity and general wellness.
In the same way, blue bedroom walls ensure relaxation and when used on porch lights, blue will add a calm and peaceful ambiance to your home.
Yellow Porch Light
Yellow is perhaps one of the boldest colors, which can create a warm and welcoming ambiance according to some designers.
Yellow can improve your moods as it is also proven to increase feelings of happiness and optimism.
Yellow also signifies that you are an individual who is more likely to take risks than the average person.
The natural brightness of yellow can also be the best color for awareness situations, such as in case of emergencies.
Pink Porch Light
In terms of sentiment, pink emits affection and romantic feelings.
Many also link pink to the female gender.
No matter the gender, this color demonstrates kindness.
Green Porch Light
People relate green to many ideas and objects including:
- Health
- Jealousy
- Wealth
Some might see green as peaceful and relaxing, partly because in nature, a great abundance of green exists.
It infers growth and fertility.
Of course, both green also develops cognitive ability, satisfies physical wellbeing, and decreases stress.
Orange Porch Light
Bright and eye-catching orange can change your mood and make you feel playful.
In the right amounts, orange is vibrant and exciting.
In the wrong amount, orange can be over-the-top and gaudy.
Red Porch Light
Red is likely the most fierce color on the warm side of the visible spectrum.
Which evokes some very vigorous feelings; it produces an intense psychological reaction.
The color red mostly elicits love and passion. It also indicates excitement and is energizing.
Although it can have negative connotations of anger as well.
If you want to convey your proactivity and boldness, red is a practical color. It is a commanding color that attracts attention and pulls others toward it.
Most warning signs are red. Besides warning of a physical threat or danger in immediate space, red warns people of conceptual dangers.
For example – A red flag is a warning of an undesirable future, such as an undesirable poisonous relationship.
Purple Light
Purple has long been a favorite color of predominantly royal and noble families.
It symbolizes mysticism and spirituality.
Because it is a mix of red and blue, purple is sometimes called a “little” warm and “little” cool.
This is also why purple is often associated with mystery.
There are many shades of purple. The lighter shades tend to represent romance, while the darker shades are often associated with mourning and other sad emotions.
Tips for Choosing Porch Lights
Here are valuable tips for choosing porch lights.
- Avoid any brightness higher than 70 watts. Bright lights are not only bothersome you and nearby neighbours, but it can also cost you a lot of money. Consider using energy-efficient LED bulbs instead.
- Use complementing colours. Look at colours already on your home and try to get a better blend with your porch’s lighting. If that is a huge problem, you can’t go wrong with warm whites – these are generally considered neutrals.
- Do not overdo colour, especially bright ones. If you are using bright reds, oranges, or yellows, remember a little goes a long way! Your best bet is to consult an expert and get the right tonal colour you want.
- Do not overspend or choose cheap, unreliable products! Research on brands over a couple of weeks before making your final decision.
- Before you purchase an outside light, measure the dimensions of your porch and take caution so you don’t purchase a light that is either too small or far too big for space!
Conclusion
Whatever your choice in color, vibrant or muted, colors are a great way to convey information, commemorate events, promote support for various causes, and create atmospheres.
Plus, a great color can enhance your homes’ aesthetic appeal.
When you purchase a light, choose LED lights over incandescent. LED lights are so efficient, you won’t have a big monthly bill to pay!
And lastly, every LED light I have seen is made to last, and you can purchase some with multiple colors, so you don’t have to buy a new bulb whenever you want to change the light on your porch.