When it comes to your home’s exterior lights, size definitely matters. After all, these lights are the eyes of your home, illuminating your property and helping visitors find their way.
Not only do they serve a functional purpose, but they also add curb appeal and enhance the overall beauty of your home.
Yet, surprisingly, many homeowners don’t give their exterior lights the consideration they deserve.
Perhaps it’s because they don’t realize the impact the right size of light can make or because they’re unsure how to choose the correct size. But fear not, we’ve got you covered.
When selecting exterior outdoor lights, it’s important to keep in mind both form and function.
Yes, you want a light that looks beautiful and complements the aesthetic of your home, but it must also be large enough to serve its purpose.
The size of the light should be proportional to both the size of the area being illuminated and the size of your home.
By choosing the right size, you’ll ensure that your home not only looks stunning, but it’s also well-lit and safe for all who visit.
Things to keep in mind:
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- When in doubt, go big and go eye level.
- Avoid large garage lights and let your front door be the focal point of your entryway.
- Try hanging cardboard the same size and shape as your potential light fixture to test the size.
- It is common for lights to come in families. Lights that are similar but not identical can be used in different parts of your exterior space.
How to Choose the Correct Size Exterior Light:
Tip #1.
Lights By Your Door:
When it comes to lighting your doorway, it’s all about proportion.
Your lights should complement the size of your door and trim, not overpower them. A good rule of thumb is to aim for ⅓ to ¼ the size of your entranceway.
Of course, if you have a grand entrance with a high ceiling, you can opt for a slightly larger light fixture to match the scale of the space.
Placement is also key. You want to mount your lights at least 6 inches away from the door frame and around 66 inches from the floor for optimal lighting.
This placement not only ensures the light hits the right areas but also adds a touch of sophistication to your entrance. And if you want to go for a modern look, why not try indoor sconces or pendant lights instead of traditional outdoor wall lights?
When it comes to practicality, sometimes it’s the little details that can make a big difference. By following these simple guidelines, you can elevate your entranceway and make a great first impression.
Remember, everything matters, even the lights!
Tip #2.
Lights By Your Garage:
When it comes to outdoor lighting, many make the mistake of simply installing a light at the entrance of their home and calling it a day. But why stop there?
Lights by your garage not only provide safety and visibility for your vehicles and parking area but can also add an element of style to your home’s exterior.
But before you go ahead and install any old light outdoor fixture, consider this: the height of your garage opening should determine the size and placement of your garage lights.
As a general rule, these lights should be between ⅓ to ¼ of the height of your garage opening.
This ensures that they don’t overpower the entryway lights, but still make a statement of their own. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a little extra curb appeal?
With the right lighting, your garage area can become an extension of your home’s character and aesthetic.
From sleek and modern, to rustic and traditional, the options are endless. So next time you’re considering an outdoor lighting upgrade, don’t overlook the potential of your garage area.
After all, details like these can make all the difference in creating a well-rounded and impressive exterior. Trust us, the right lighting can take your home from “nice” to “wow”.
Tip #3.
Lights Above Your Garage:
As modern design continues to embrace the sleek and seamless look of Gooseneck Lights, it’s important to remember their intended function.
Sure, they look great above garage doors, but their true purpose is to provide ample lighting across the entire garage area.
And let’s face it, no one wants to stumble in the dark searching for tools or navigating through cluttered space.
To achieve maximum lighting coverage, it’s recommended to use a 20-inch shade or 2 lights, depending on the desired aesthetic.
The size of the shade plays a crucial role in directing the light outwards as well as down, ensuring the entire garage is sufficiently illuminated. Opting for a shade that is ¼ to ⅕ of the width of the door opening also guarantees an even and effective distribution of light.
But placement is just as important as the size and quantity of lights. A distance of 6 inches above the garage trim or door is the ideal height for centering the lights.
This placement ensures that the light is evenly dispersed and doesn’t create unwanted glare or shadows.
And with these simple tips in mind, your garage can have both form and function, showcasing your modern style while providing practical lighting for your daily needs.
Tip #4.
Lights on a Driveway or Garden Lamp Post:
When it comes to outdoor lighting, getting the positioning just right is crucial.
A common mistake people make is not considering the height of their mounting pole or fence post in relation to their light fixture.
As a general rule of thumb, your light should be about a quarter of the height of the mounting pole or fence post.
This ensures that the light is proportionate and doesn’t overwhelm the surrounding area.
But it’s not just about height. Placement is also key. The ideal positioning for your light fixture is between 5.5 feet to 6.5 feet from the ground.
This allows for optimal illumination while avoiding any glare that could be harmful to the eyes.
Plus, having your light in this location provides an aesthetically pleasing balance between the ground and the sky.
At the end of the day, taking these small, yet important aspects into account can make all the difference in creating a welcoming and safe outdoor space.
So, go on and get creative with your lighting but remember to keep these guidelines in mind – your backyard will thank you.
Tip #5.
Front Entrance Hanging Lights:
An entryway pendant can make or break your home’s curb appeal.
It’s your chance to give your guests a warm welcome and make a bold statement about your personal style.
But don’t make the same mistake I’ve seen so many times – hanging it too high and too small.
Trust us, the size and placement of your pendant light are crucial.
As a general rule of thumb, your pendant light should be about one-fifth the height of your door. And when it comes to placement, making sure it’s centered and about six inches above the door will make all the difference.
These small details can take your home’s exterior from drab to fab in an instant.
But don’t let the technicalities overwhelm you.
Choosing the right entryway pendant should be a fun and exciting experience. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personal style and set the tone for what’s to come inside.
So go ahead, explore your options, and bring your entryway to life. And remember, if it feels right, it probably looks right.
Tip #6.
Patio Chandelier Above a Table:
When it comes to creating the perfect ambiance for your dining experience, lighting is key. But let’s be honest, it’s not an easy task.
There are so many factors to consider like table size and height. Lucky for you, we’ve got some general rules of thumb to help you out.
First and foremost, table size matters.
As a general rule, we recommend lighting that is about ⅔ the width of your table. However, if your table is on the longer side, you may want to opt for two lights at ½ width instead.
And if your table is on the shorter side, one light at ⅔ width should suffice. But let’s not forget about height, which should range from 7 feet off the ground to 30-34 inches above your table for optimal lighting.
Now, let’s talk about your home’s exterior. Exterior lighting serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose – providing security while adding curb appeal.
But here’s the thing, size really does matter. Don’t skimp on the size of your exterior lights.
They need to be big enough to provide ample illumination for your outdoor space while also serving as a beautiful piece of decor. Don’t let your home’s first impression fall flat – invest in some well-sized and well-designed exterior lighting.
In conclusion, when it comes to lighting, don’t underestimate the importance of size and placement.
Follow these general rules and you’re sure to have a perfectly lit space that looks beautiful and serves its purpose.
Just remember, as Hemingway would say, “The most essential gift for a good writer is a built-in, shock-proof, shit detector.”
Okay, maybe that’s not entirely relevant, but you get the idea. Keep it authentic and accurate, and success will follow.
