Follow Dark Sky outdoor lighting guidelines to reduce light bleed into the windows:

"To minimize the harmful effects of light pollution, lighting should

• Only be on when needed
• Only light the area that needs it
• Be no brighter than necessary
• Minimize blue light emissions
• Be fully shielded (pointing downward)"

Install one dark-sky compatible light above the door or, if there is room, two dark-sky compatible lights on either side of the door.

• Lumens
• Home Depot

(I like this one for above the door: Civic Dark Sky LED Outdoor Wall Sconce)

Thanks for your suggestion. I do like that style of lighting. I guess I just am not sure that a light over the door will look good and can't seem to find many pictures of small front doors that have them.

There's not much wall space on either side of the door. You wouldn't want the entryway to look like this!

Doors and Custom Hardware · More Info

Could you make the door off center? That would leave wall space for a light and a potted plant.

There are plenty of slim wall lamps such as this Home Decorators Collection IZC1691L-2 that's less than 5" in diameter.

We replaced all of out outdoor lights with this one last year. The small is quite small, 6" and has a built in LED .

This is as simple as putting a warehouse style fixture over the front door. Shines light where needed and does not blow up the neighbors with extra light. DO NOT put lights on either side of the door is so stuffy.

they come in all sizes, and a few hood styles and are very commonly used.

Thank you for all the comments. We can't place the door off-center as it is already framed. I think going with one over the door is going to be the answer. (Thought that picture was funny - what were they thinking?) Patricia - I think you're correct - we may want to install some type of awning eventually. The main reason would be for rain but being in CA and the drought and all - it's not much of an issue.

You probably know that California has standards for indoor and outdoor lighting and controls. For outdoor lighting, see page 41-42 of Application Guide: Residential Lighting - Energy Code Ace document.

Title 24 for California would be covered by a motion activated or dusk to dawn light that is florescent or LED, since its been in place for probably over 10 years now, almost all vendors comply.

Question, have you path lighting to get to the door?

clt3 - I didn't see a photo of the lights you used or a link. Would you mind sending it?

https://www.htm-lighting.com/products/14in-integrated-led-gooseneck-barn-light-fixture-with-adjustable-swivel-head-photocell-100-277vac-textured-black

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Globe-Electric-Harris-1-Light-Matte-Black-LED-Integrated-Outdoor-Indoor-Barn-Light-Wall-Sconce-44686/318101444

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Maxxima-1-Light-Brown-Integrated-LED-Outdoor-Wall-Mount-Barn-Light-Sconce-MEL-7140BW/316729253

Answering the question regarding path lighting, we haven't picked anything out yet but will most likely have some.

Thank you for all your suggestions!

Volt Lighting offers some attractive Dark Sky-compatible path lights.