That’s a great point about the sun’s angle—honestly, I learned that the hard way too. My first winter with solar lights, half of them barely charged because the neighbor’s tree suddenly blocked afternoon sun. Now I try to map out both summer and winter sun before I even start. It’s a bit of extra work, but it really does keep things looking sharp through the year. Sometimes just nudging a light a foot or two makes all the difference...
Honestly, I get why you’d want to track the sun, but I’ve had better luck just swapping out solar lights for plug-in string lights in the winter. The sun’s angle changes so much here that even careful planning hasn’t saved me from dim porch steps come January. Sometimes I think it’s less hassle to change up the lighting seasonally—plus, it’s a good excuse to give the porch a fresh look every few months. Just my two cents...
Title: Easy ways to refresh your porch look each season
The sun’s angle changes so much here that even careful planning hasn’t saved me from dim porch steps come January.
Yeah, I hear you on the whole “track the sun” thing. I tried that one winter—spent a Saturday afternoon with a protractor, a compass, and what I thought was a genius plan. By December, my porch looked like a haunted house with all the shadows, and I was one stubbed toe away from just taping a flashlight to the railing.
Swapping out lights is honestly the move. I used to be stubborn about keeping my solar lanterns out year-round, but after the third time tripping over my own boots in the dark, I caved and got some plug-in string lights. The bonus? Every time I swap them out for something new—like those big old-school bulbs in December and then paper lanterns in spring—it feels like I’m redecorating without actually buying new furniture or repainting anything.
One thing that’s worked for me: keeping a little bin in the garage with “seasonal porch stuff.” Lights, maybe a wreath or two, some goofy doormats (I have one with a dancing snowman that gets some looks). When the weather changes, I just swap out whatever’s in sad shape or feels stale. It’s kind of like rotating your wardrobe but way less effort.
If you ever get ambitious again with solar, I’ve had slightly better luck with those solar spotlights you can angle yourself. Still not perfect in winter, but at least they don’t end up lighting my neighbor’s mailbox instead of my steps. But honestly, sometimes it’s just easier to admit defeat and run an extension cord.
At this point, my porch has seen more costume changes than a Broadway show. Keeps things interesting... and keeps me from faceplanting when I’m bringing in groceries after dark.
Honestly, I’ve given up on solar for winter too—just not worth the hassle when you’re dodging shadows and tripping over boots. I’m all about those plug-in string lights now. Swapping out doormats and planters is my go-to for a quick refresh. It’s wild how much a new mat or a couple of cheap seasonal plants can change the vibe. I keep telling myself I’ll get fancy with wreaths, but usually I just end up grabbing whatever’s on sale at the hardware store.
It’s wild how much a new mat or a couple of cheap seasonal plants can change the vibe.
I get where you’re coming from on the solar lights—winter just isn’t their season. Plug-in string lights are way more reliable, and honestly, they look better most of the time. Swapping out doormats and planters is underrated, too. People always think you need a big overhaul, but like you said, “a new mat or a couple of cheap seasonal plants can change the vibe.” No shame in grabbing whatever wreath’s on sale either. Sometimes simple is just smarter, especially if you want to keep things looking fresh without a ton of effort.
